The first step to solving any problem comes with the acceptance of the problem. Not that it was a secret but a report is finally here to expose the inhumane working conditions of women in Mollywood. Yes, it may be India’s best film industry in terms of film output but it is no different when it comes to patriarchal mafia.
The Kerala government released the Justice K Hema Committee Report that exposes the horrifying conditions of women working in the Malayalam film industry.
The report talks about 15 people who have unofficial control over the industry and they have the audacity to ruin a young artist’s life.
The report further acknowledges the existence of casting couch and even sexual harassment.
The problem is even worse for newcomers and junior artists. They work for extremely long hours for little pay and no good working conditions. There are not even decent toilets, let alone privacy or any say.
If someone lying low in the hierarchy complains then their voice will be silenced and they can come under severe threat.
This report comes after the assault case against actor Dileep.
More than anything, this is an alarm. Enough of tolerating misogyny and it is high time not just Mollywood but every film industry around the globe work on making things better. Women are also passionate artists wanting to make a career in films and it is simply unacceptable to exploit them for their passion.
The film industry has one of the richest people in the country and they can definitely afford to have good restrooms and comfortable spaces for everyone. They just don’t provide these facilities because it has been like this for a long long time.
This report is more than Mollywood, more than those 15 biggies. It is about dignity and equality for women working in cinema.
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