Explore the ongoing issue of abuse within the Malayalam film industry through the testimonies of young women actors and technicians. Discover how systemic problems continue to plague this male-dominated field, despite efforts to address sexual harassment.
The Malayalam film industry, which is known for its rich cinematic tradition and storytelling skills, is today dealing with a dark core of systematic abuse. Recent reports from young female performers and technicians show that abuse and exploitation continue despite public denials and efforts to resolve these concerns. This piece explores Their terrifying experiences in depth, emphasizing the difficulties in navigating a male-dominated field where personal and professional lines are frequently blurred.
A Newcomer’s Nightmare
When Anuja (name changed) moved to Kochi with dreams of directing films, she was hopeful for a fresh start in a seemingly progressive environment. The Malayalam film industry has recently been rocked by scandal, notably the arrest of actor Dileep in 2017 for allegedly orchestrating a sexual assault. Despite the heightened awareness, Anuja soon discovered that the promises of safety were often illusions.
“I thought working with younger, supposedly progressive professionals would be safer,” Anuja shares. “But over the past three years, I’ve found that my guard needs to be up at all times, no matter how open and welcoming the environment seems.” Also read: http://toi.in/zF5-ja/a24gk
Anuja’s experience underscores a troubling reality: despite increased awareness and discussions about abuse, many women still face harassment and exploitation. The promises of a supportive and inclusive workplace often fall short, leaving many feeling betrayed and disillusioned.
The Long Shadow of Exploitation
It is not as if these reports of abuse are new to the Malayalam film industry. From the 1970s and 1980s, there have been reports about exploitation and harassment due to which several women, who were victimized by intensive mistreatment, resulted in tragic ends.
Vijayasree, a talented actress of the 1970s, was driven to commit suicide due to the forcing and humiliation of powerful people within the industry. The sad story of Vijayasree, like in the cases of Shobha and Silk Smitha, pointed out the same tale of abuse, which had been continuing for decades.
These stories painfully remind one that the systemic issues within the industry go deep and are far from over.
The Lack of Effective Mechanisms
Movie sets should be safe places for everyone. But even with special teams set up to stop sexual harassment, many women in the film industry still don’t feel protected. The law says every workplace must have an Internal Committee to deal with harassment complaints. Sounds good, right? Sadly, it’s not working as well as it should.
A recent report found that powerful people can easily influence these committees. This means women’s complaints might not get a fair hearing. It’s like having a referee who always sides with one team! To make matters worse, the people in charge of movie productions often don’t know how to handle these sensitive issues. They might not understand how serious harassment is or how it affects the victims.
Because of this, many women in the industry feel let down. When they speak up about harassment, they’re often ignored or not taken seriously. It’s like shouting for help, but nobody’s listening. We need to do better. Our film industry should be a place where everyone feels safe and respected. Right now, that’s not happening for many women. It’s time for a change.
The Road to Change
Real improvement requires a change in the sector’s procedures and principles. Regulation and representation are essential. It’s important to emphasize the need for more inclusive workplaces. Women like Hridaya have found some relief working in surroundings where women hold more major responsibilities.
As the Malayalam film industry grapples with these issues, the need for systemic change remains clear. While individual stories of abuse are beginning to surface, a broader cultural shift is essential to address the underlying power dynamics and ensure that all workers, regardless of their role, can work in safety and dignity.
Only through collective action and a commitment to change can the Malayalam film industry hope to overcome its deep-seated problems and create a safer, more equitable environment for all its workers. Know more: https://theaspectratio.in/entertainment-lifestyle/keralas-feminist-lawyers-step-up-free-legal-support-for-sexual-harassment-survivors-in-cinema/
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