I am sure Mohanlal and Mammootty are also shocked: Revathi on Malayalam film industry’s sexual harassment allegations

Three-time National Award-winning actress Revathi said everyone has taken seriously the Hema Committee report, which highlights the widespread harassment of women in the Malayalam film industry. The actress is the founder of Women in Cinema Collective (WCC), an organisation that aims to make the Malayalam film industry a safer place for women to work.

In its report, the Justice K Hema Commission has documented explosive cases of harassment, exploitation and ill-treatment of women professionals in the film industry and alleged that a “criminal gang” controls the industry and adamant women are being pushed out. The 233-page report, perhaps the first of its kind for a film industry in India, details the power dynamics in the Malayalam film industry and lays bare the multiple layers of exploitation faced by women. Following an actress assault case involving actor Dileep in 2017, the Kerala government had appointed a panel to look into the issues of sexual harassment and gender inequality.

Asked about the lack of reaction from Malayalam superstars Mohanlal and Mammootty on the matter so far, she said, “I am sure they are, as shocked as we are, we talk, they keep quiet… I think everyone has taken it very seriously. Earlier, it was just rumours, but now it is an official report.”

The report led several Malayalam actors to speak out about the harassment they faced, which many called the industry’s #MeToo movement. Malayalam filmmaker Ranjith resigned as president of the Kerala Chalachitra Academy following allegations of misconduct levelled against him by a Bengali actor in connection with a project in 2009. The filmmaker denied the actor’s accusation. Actor Siddique also resigned as general secretary of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) following allegations of sexual assault levelled by an actress.

“I think this will continue for some time… For years, some people have been saying that this happened to them… 19 years ago, 16 years ago, for years, they were silenced. The release of the Hema committee report has created a kind of belief that it is okay to speak out,” Revathi said.

The Kerala government on Sunday decided to constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the allegations. She added, “The government has taken a little too long, but at the moment, I still appreciate the Pinarayi Vijayan government because no other government has had the courage to do this, no other government has done this. We are trying to sustain this and bring some kind of culmination to make our workspace safe in all respects. I don’t think this will stop… the government will take action.”

Revathi says sexual harassment is a key factor, but psychological torture is another issue that needs to be addressed. “Just being in a workplace where men are drinking during working hours is a very difficult place to be…”