In 2017, when discrimination and sexual harassment against women working in the Malayalam cinema industry and rampant use of narcotic drugs were hotly debated, the Kerala government appointed the High Court Retd. Justice Hema Commission to study the situation and recommend remedial measures. Despite the commission submitted a 300-page report in September 2019, the concerned ministry held back from tabling it in the Assembly or releasing any of its relevant recommendations. Applications filed under the RTI Act were also rejected. Dr. A. Abdul Hakeem, taking over as the Information Commissioner in August 2022 released the report on the basis of a High Court order, excluding those affecting the privacy of individuals. Following the allegations and criticisms that gave sleepless nights to bigwigs in the industry, the government promised to convene a conclave to shape a comprehensive policy for cinema industry.
Hence, on August 2 a meeting of film professional was organized in Thiruvananthapuram. The paper submitted by the government to the delegates for discussion recommends strong action against casting couches sexually exploiting new entrants seeking opportunities in movies. Though certainly a welcome suggestion, the fundamental truth is it can be implemented only if filmmakers, directors, actors, and technical experts cooperate with it. In the light of endless examples of muzzling complaints using money, influence and threats, it is reasonable to expect the recommendation remaining in the paper. The outcome of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s call to eliminate drugs and alcohol not only from the content of films but also from the film industry itself depends on his government's determination to act strictly. Pinarayi has pointed out that violence in the movies crosses all limits. It is not surprising to see Chief Minister’s warning ending up as a cry in the wilderness when the success of a film is determined by how horrifically the violence is portrayed. The concerted efforts of activists in the art, culture, and the media can end the plight of the enlightened Kerala getting a generation addicted to drugs, violence and obscenities.
Meanwhile, addressing the conclave renowned Malayalam film director Adoor Gopalakrishnan made some observations and suggestions triggering a controversy. His proposal to provide a minimum of three months of intensive training by experts to aspirant directors from Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes and women directors who produce films with the help of the government has led to widespread protests.The Padma award winning director said: 'You shouldn't give someone money to make a film just because being a woman. There are a couple of good female directors. If new people like them want to come, they should know all the efforts involved in making a film. If we give the current Rs. 1.5 crore to three people, there will be three films. The Film Development Corporation's money is for making good films.’ This was immediately questioned by the audience members and is being criticized as anti-women and anti-Scheduled Caste with some approaching the court against the senior director. His clarification that he was speaking for the Scheduled Castes and women and that they should not vanish after the first movie did not help to calm the protest. The government is providing financial support to movie based on conditions. Saying that financial support based on proving merit in film sector requires training for a particular section is tantamount to insulting them. The recommendation should not be questioned if the financial assistance is for gaining knowledge to be proficient in the film industry. There is no reason why a job will not improve with training. The RTI Commission Dr. Abdul Hakeem’s plight and the controversies of Adoor have proven once again that Malayalam cinema is riddled with drug addiction, misogyny, casteism and arrogance of power.