I did not expect THE WEEK to do a cover story on the controversies in the Malayalam film industry. Having said that, it was only after reading your story that I realised the gravity of the situation (‘Theatre of outrage’, September 8).
I have no interest in scandals or gossips, but I strongly believe that men who show no respect to women must face the consequences. It was horrifying to learn that some film sets did not have proper washroom facilities for women. What kind of world are we living in?
Women, both in cinema and in other fields, deserve to work in a safe environment. Let us all do our part to ensure that women in society can work in a safe and healthy environment.
Vinod Apte,
On email.
Those who commit acts of sexual violence are nothing short of monsters and have no place in a civilised society. Such people exist everywhere, not just in the Malayalam film industry. But the onus is on the Malayalam film industry to come clean and create proper working conditions for women.
Also, both women and men should share responsibility for creating a safe working environment. Everyone should set boundaries and contribute in fostering a positive and respectful relationship.
Devika Chandrasekhar,
On email.
Malayalam cinema is home to many talented actors and filmmakers. I am hopeful that men and women in the Malayalam film industry will foster a safe and supportive work environment for everyone.
May such unacceptable incidents never happen again in any film industry.
Ashish Tripathy,
On email.
The silence of many of Malayalam cinema’s superstars and Kerala’s intellectual class is baffling. The Kerala government must take initiative and file cases against those responsible for crimes against women.
B. Suresh Kumar,
On email.
Why the double standard?
The murder and rape of a doctor in Kolkata has outraged everyone (‘Media sensationalism cannot determine the narrative of a criminal investigation’, September 8). The Trinamool Congress often claims its leaders stand in support of women, but this crime tells a different story.
It is disheartening to see liberals remain silent on this incident, when they are quick to speak out when such crimes occur in BJP-ruled states.
Preetha Sudan,
On email.
Barbaric incidents should not be viewed through political lens. Women voters in West Bengal are unlikely to support the Trinamool Congress in the 2026 assembly elections. The connection between Trinamool Congress politicians and the culprits is evident.
Anogh Banerjee,
On email.
Negotiate peace
Your story (‘A historic visit in a hurry’, September 8) provided a comprehensive view of what transpired during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Kyiv. India today finds itself in a delicate position, seeking good relations with Russia, an old friend, and Ukraine, to whom we are sympathetic. Modi has made his stance clear—he does not support war and works for peace.
Ukraine will defend its sovereignty at any cost. India can only hope that both Russia and Ukraine come to the table and negotiate peace. Otherwise, other countries could exploit the situation for their own benefit.
Jothindra P.L.,
On email.
It will be difficult for anyone to persuade Russia to withdraw from Ukraine. Likewise, it is equally difficult to persuade Ukraine to stop defending its sovereignty against a powerful neighbour. Both sides must eventually recognise the futility of war, as the US did in Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan.
Given her own border disputes, India is not in a position to intervene actively. All said, I am confident that neither the US nor Russia would risk escalating the conflict to the level of a nuclear war.
K.V. Jayaram,
Bengaluru.
Good read
I enjoyed reading Last Word (September 8) by Navtej Sarna. Moscow and Ukraine, once integral parts of the former USSR, were closely connected in the past. The camaraderie they shared during those days now seems distant. While the ever-changing names of prominent cities, stations and even eateries may give them a fresh look, their essence remains unchanged.
The statue of renowned poet Taras Shevchenko, with its imposing presence, seems to gaze skyward, perhaps yearning for peace and the arrival of a new dawn.
Sachidananda Satpathy,
On email.
Liberalise tax regime
Last Word by Shashi Tharoor (August 25) was interesting. It is surprising to know that individual taxpayers’ contributions to the government treasury is more than the contributions made by corporates. The government can think of liberalising the tax structure for individuals further in next year’s budget. They will have more money to spend, which will help in improving the economy.
J. Rama Prasad,
On email.
Making history
I was happy to read that students in Bangladesh have demonstrated their strength against the government led by Sheikh Hasina (‘Shaken, stirred & booted out’, August 18). They have made history by briefly taking control of the country, despite the tragic loss of many lives in their fight for justice during the quota protests.
A few years ago, the Tamil Nadu government struggled to handle student protests over the Jallikattu issue. Likewise, the Central government may soon face a lot of challenges from unrest over issues such as NEET, unemployment, and the government’s autocratic rule.
Sasikhanth S.J.,
On email.