The entertainment industry has long been dominated by patriarchal power structures, where women who speak up are often labelled as troublemakers, according to actor Swara Bhasker. Her comments come as the findings of the Justice Hema Committee report on sexual exploitation in the Malayalam film industry spark widespread uproar, with an increasing number of individuals sharing their experiences.
Bhasker, who is the first prominent figure from Bollywood to address what is being dubbed as Kerala’s #MeToo moment, shared her thoughts in a detailed Instagram post after reviewing the 233-page report from the government-appointed panel.
“Are other language industries in India even discussing such issues? Until we confront the uncomfortable truths that exist around us, the burden of power abuses will continue to fall on the most vulnerable. Reading the committee’s findings has been heartbreaking, not only because of the specific details but because the larger picture is all too familiar,” Bhasker wrote.
Known for her vocal stance on contemporary issues, Bhasker expressed solidarity with the women who came forward, particularly those associated with the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC). The WCC had initially pushed for the formation of an expert committee to investigate the working conditions within the Malayalam film industry.
“Showbiz has always been a male-dominated, patriarchal power structure. It’s an industry that is highly sensitive to perception and risk-averse. Production days are costly, and no one wants disruptions—even if the disruption is a call for ethical behaviour,” Bhasker noted in her post.
The release of the extensive report on August 19 followed the creation of the Kerala government-appointed panel, which was formed after the 2017 actress assault case involving actor Dileep.
Bhasker further criticised the industry’s culture of silence, which she described as being not only patriarchal but also feudal. She emphasised that successful actors, directors, and producers are often elevated to near-deity status, with their misconduct being ignored. Those who refuse to stay silent are frequently branded as troublemakers.
Bhasker, recognized for her roles in films such as Tanu Weds Manu, Nil Battey Sannata, and Veere Di Wedding, condemned the normalization of sexual harassment in the global film industry. She argued that accountability should lie with those who hold power and create conditions that leave women with little choice if they want to work.
In her post, Bhasker also praised the WCC members and other women who have bravely testified or provided support to those affected by harassment and violence in the industry.
The fallout from the report has already led to significant resignations. On Tuesday, Mohanlal, the celebrated actor and president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), stepped down alongside other top officials amid intense backlash over allegations of sexual abuse against some of its members.
In the wake of the report, several women, including a Bengali actor, have publicly accused prominent Malayalam cinema figures—such as director Ranjith and actors Siddique and Mukesh—of sexual harassment.
