When will these real life villains end? Hema Committee’s report has given rise to a new wave of #MeToo

Author: Upma Singh
‘he/she entered the room and locked the door. he/she abused me, pounced on me and sexually abused me’, ‘When I came out of the toilet, he/she caught me from behind and kissed me forcefully’, ‘I was in 12th when he/she called me for a meeting and sexually abused me.’ These are the festering wounds of the heroines of the Malayalam film industry, which are now seeping out and flowing continuously after getting strength from the report of Justice Hema Committee.

the truth came out
Justice Hema Committee has exposed the Malayalam film industry. It has shown how the Malayalam film industry, which makes progressive films on screen like ‘Jai Jai Jai Jai Ho’ against domestic violence in favour of women, ‘The Great Indian Kitchen’ on inequality and ‘Aattar’ on sexual exploitation, physically and mentally exploits its women behind the screen. How its famous heroes (actors, directors, producers) take on the role of ‘villain’ and commit crimes like indecency, casting couch and sexual harassment with their female colleagues. On the other hand, this ‘mafia’ group of men forces the actresses who oppose their actions and raise their voice against them to sacrifice either their career or self-respect.

Big names trapped
After this report came out, many actresses like Revathi Sampath, Meenu Munir, Srilekha Mitra, Sridevika have opened a new chapter of #MeToo 2.0 in Mollywood by sharing their horrific stories of harassment at the hands of well-known accused like Mukesh, Jayasurya, Siddiqui, Ranjit, Tulsidas, Maniyanpilla Raju, Baburaj. Thankfully, action is being taken on these allegations due to pressure from all sides, albeit very late.

Action is happening now
After the allegations of sexual harassment, Kerala Police has filed an FIR against filmmaker Ranjit. Ranjit had to resign from the post of President of Kerala Film Academy. At the same time, the President of Malayalam Movie Artist Association (AMMA), superstar Mohanlal and his/her 17-member committee have resigned from their posts citing moral responsibility for not supporting these victimized female artists.

Dirt everywhere
Well, if we look at it, even though the Malayalam film industry is in the dock today, no industry, from Hollywood to Bollywood, is untouched by such dark stories of atrocities against women. Recently, Tamil film actress Sanam Shetty said that not only women but also men are exploited in that industry. In Bhojpuri cinema, we often hear about molestation of actresses and casting couch.

The merge is old
6 years ago, during the revolutionary movement #MeToo, which raised voice against exploitation at workplace, many famous faces from Hollywood to Bollywood were exposed. Then it seemed that like Hollywood, a lot of dirt will be cleaned here too. Those who misuse their power will be taught such a lesson that those who think of doing so will shudder. Hollywood did not spare even powerful producers like Harvey Weinstein and famous actors like Kevin Spacey when they were accused of sexual violence. They had to lose every project, due to which their career was completely ruined.

show-off action
During #MeToo in Bollywood, serious allegations were leveled against Nana Patekar, Sajid Khan, Subhash Kapoor, Vikas Bahl, Alok Nath, Anu Malik etc. Initially, action was also taken against them. Aamir Khan refused to work in the film ‘Mughal’ directed by Subhash Kapoor. Vikas Bahl was removed from the film ‘Super 30’. Nana Patekar and Sajid Khan were removed from the film ‘Housefull 4’. Anu Malik had to leave the chair of Indian Idol.

Double Face
It seemed that at least those who harassed girls on the basis of their power and position got punished for their actions. At least now those who do this in the industry will be afraid, but after some time the double face of the industry was revealed and all these accused started returning to the sets. Before the release of Hrithik Roshan’s film Super 30, the producers somehow conducted an internal investigation and declared Vikas Bahl innocent. Vikas has made many films, from ‘Good Boy’ with Amitabh Bachchan to ‘Shaitan’ with Ajay Devgan. Anu Malik has again taken over the judge’s chair of Indian Idol. Sajid Khan has appeared in Bigg Boss 16.

When will you get relief
Overall, despite so many girls showing so much courage, Bollywood’s MeToo movement has not reached anywhere. Now Justice Hema Committee has again lit the spark. It remains to be seen how far this fire spreads this time. For now, like the dialogue from the film ‘Masaan’ ‘Why doesn’t this sorrow end’, the same pain is arising that why doesn’t this series of #MeToo end…