KOCHI: Coming down heavily on systemic lapses in ensuring workplace safety in the Malayalam film industry, the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) said it is deeply distressing to realise that, despite High Court directives and the new cinema policy, very little has changed on the ground. In a social media post, WCC said it had fought for and secured a High Court order mandating an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) on every film set, along with the formation of a monitoring committee.
The committee also submitted several crucial action plans. “Yet, why are these mechanisms still not functioning? Is it a lack of will, lack of awareness, or sheer indifference? These systems cannot exist only on paper,” the WCC asked.
The WCC’s criticism came in the wake of the alleged attempt by director Ranjith to sexually assault a young actress inside a caravan at a shooting location. Police arrested Ranjith based on the victim’s complaint, and the court remanded him in judicial custody. WCC stated, “Yet another grave allegation by a young actress has shaken Kerala.
This time, the accusation is against director Ranjith. It is deeply distressing to realise that, despite High Court directives and the new cinema policy, very little has changed on the ground. Where does this audacity of perpetrators come from? From a system that simply does not function.”
WCC questioned why the Internal Complaints Committee was never approached. More importantly, did the ICC ever reach out to the actress after the serious incident on set? “We now hear that the ICC members were ‘unaware’ of a grave assault that happened right under their watch. This exposes how power structures in the industry have effectively muted the ICC,” WCC said.
WCC also appreciated the victim for taking a strong stand against the accused. In this climate, the Collective acknowledged and saluted the courage of the young actress who approached the police directly, without waiting for anyone else. At this moment, it is also crucial to re-examine why the film policy rejected the Redressal Tribunal proposed by the Hema Committee. Survivors deserve belief, support, and systems that work. “Speaking out is never easy, but every voice raised against harassment takes us a step closer to real change.”
“The industry can no longer hide behind ignorance or inertia. Implement norms on ICCs. Follow POSH norms. Prioritise safety. If cinema wishes to reflect society, it must also model a workplace that is safe, equitable, and dignified for all,” WCC added.
Courage hailed
WCC appreciates the victim for taking a strong stand against the accused.
Adds, “Speaking out is never easy, but every voice raised against harassment takes us a step closer to real change.”