The Hema Committee Report, which studied the prevalence of sexual harassment and power imbalances in the Malayalam film industry, was a central point of discussion on Thursday, January 30, at MediaCon 2025 – an international conference hosted by the School of Communication and Media Studies at St Joseph’s University in Bengaluru. MediaCon 2025 is a two-day event. The event saw participation of more than 2,000 attendees.
In his inaugural address actor and director Krishna Hebbale said that the film industry is as safe as any other, with only a small fraction responsible for workplace issues. “Ninety five percent of the film industry is as safe as any other industry. Only a handful of people create a black mark,” he said. He highlighted that the existence of the report has made people more conscious of their actions.
The event was presided over by Dr Melvin Colaco, Registrar of St Joseph’s University; Dr Marudhu Pandiyan, HOD of the SCMS; and student coordinators Shoaib Shakeel and Rakshith Bhoppana.
A panel discussion that followed delved on the power structures, gender dynamics, and working conditions in the industry, along with the broader implications of the report. The session was moderated by journalist Anjana George. The speakers included actor Sruthi Hariharan, Women in Cinema Collective member Miriam Joseph, and journalist Nandini Chandrashekar. It must be recalled that Sruthi Hariharan became a prominent figure in the #MeToo movement in the Kannada film industry after she spoke out against actor Arjun Sarja, accusing him of misconduct.
Speaking at the event, Miriam Joseph said that the situation of women in the film industry was “worse than slavery.” She argued that the industry remains largely unregulated, allowing a small, influential group of men to wield unchecked power over hiring, production decisions, and project approvals.
“The committee report speaks about exploitation, extortion, banning, and intimidation. These practices have been normalised to such an extent that many hesitate to speak out, fearing retaliation,” she said.
She also criticised the industry’s focus on sexual misconduct as the primary issue, arguing that it detracts from broader systemic failures. “Sexual harassment is just one part of the problem. The real issue is the lack of labour rights, the absence of contracts, and the intimidation tactics used against anyone who refuses to comply with the system,” she noted.
The discussion also shed light on gender disparities in pay and control over financial resources. Joseph challenged the notion that male actors earn higher salaries purely based on market demand. “If pay is based on how much money a star brings in, then why do male actors’ salaries remain unchanged even after multiple flops? Women, on the other hand, struggle to get fair compensation regardless of their film’s success,” she pointed out.
She further highlighted the way production budgets are structured, often prioritising male actors. “Sixty to sixty-five per cent of a film’s budget often goes to a single male actor, while the remaining thirty-five per cent is expected to cover everyone else, from the technicians to marketing,” she added.
Sruthi Hariharan reflected on the progress made but stated that the pace of change remains slow. “Yes, things are improving, but the system still favours those in power. It is a long haul, and we need to keep pushing,” she said. She also spoke about the establishment of an internal complaints committee in the Kannada film industry, noting that “having an ICC is one step, but if it does not include the right people, how effective will it be? Women need to be part of these decision-making bodies, not just subjects of discussion.”
Speaking about the media’s coverage of such sensitive issues, Nandini Chandrashekar said, “The media tends to focus on the most sensational aspects of a story. When the Hema Committee report was mentioned, most headlines centred around sexual harassment, but the real concerns—labour conditions, lack of contracts, and economic exploitation—were largely ignored,” she said.
She emphasised the need for responsible reporting, stating, “Journalists have a duty to move beyond the surface-level narratives. We need to question power structures, examine financial control in the industry, and highlight the broader systemic failures.”
Joseph pointed out the absence of proper regulations within the Indian film industry was also a key focus noting that other sectors have established labour laws and protections, while cinema remains largely outside these frameworks. “Studios and OTT platforms have brought in some level of accountability, but many traditional production houses continue to resist regulation because transparency would mean changing the way they operate,” she said. Chandrashekar added, “I have worked on international projects where contracts covered every detail, ensuring fair treatment for all crew members. The Indian industry has the ability to do this, but the question is, do they want to?”
Towards the end of the discussion, Hariharan urged the students to remain engaged in these conversations. “This is not just about actors or people in the industry. It is about workplace rights, fair pay, and dignity at work. The only way change will happen is if we keep questioning and demanding better,” she said.