2017 Kerala Film Industry Assault Case

On 17th February 2017, a top Kerala actress was going to Kochi from Thrissur to record a promotional song for her upcoming movie It was 9 in the night and a tempo traveller hit her car from behind. Both the vehicles stop and some people forcefully enter the actress' car Looks like case of Carjacking Actress Gayatri, of course changed the name here. The News Minute has used Gayatri as a pseudonym... so are we Actress Gayatri identified one of them and asked, Suni, is that you? Suni removed his face mask and replied, Yes, we were told to follow you... a quotation In Kerala, the basic meaning of quotation is a contract to kill Actress asked, who gave the contract. Suni said he won't tell , but he was told to sexually assault the actress and make a video of it. In Kochi, a center of Malayalam film industry, a top actress is sexually assaulted in her car When such crimes are committed, the victim is usually not given any help from the police or legal system Even after public outrage, the crime is forgotten after a few days. Everyone gets busy with their own work or the political elements hijack the issue. But what happened in February 2017, this story is a little different. On Deshbhakt, today we will talk about this story, how when people raise their voice against the system when there is sustained public pressure, when some people do not back down When women safety is considered over politics Then how a patriarchal system, lopsided legal system can be shaken 27 August 2024 will be an important day for women safety Association of Malayalam Movie Artists, or AMMA, which is considered the top body of Kerala's cinema artists, had to resign the entire executive committee and their office bearers. That too, out of embarrassment. There was so much public pressure. Kerala Police has registered a case against top director Ranjith Complaints are being filed against top people in the industry. And a wave has come, a MeToo movement has started. The senior artists who nobody dared to speak against till now, today, the voice is being raised against them in Malayalam movies In the pressure, seeing the anger, the Kerala government has also formed a special investigative team so that all these allegations can be properly investigated Though Malayalam film industry has produced the most progressive movies in the country, but within itself, this industry was controlled by 10-15 powerful men like a feudal mafia. Be it the sexual assault case of 2017 or the Hema Committee report that has just been released and its consequences. Malayalam film industry and Kerala society, the scale of this revelation the whole country has not yet realized, but it may soon be realized. Because what happened in Malayalam cinema, is happening in both Tollywood and Bollywood. But there is no one to speak there. But what has happened in Kerala now, after that, its ripple effects we will see in other industries too. In this video, we will understand the whole story, what was Dileep case of 2017 who are women in cinema collective , why Hema committee formed? Can Hema committee report defeat the feudal mafia Why other film industries are silent, and why many stressed? After 17th February 2017 assault there was massive outrage in Kerala There was pressure on police and Govt to arrest the perpetrators There were 6 accused, and arrested in a week Details started to come out, the question was not who did the heinous act But, Who is the mastermind behind this heinous act? Who is the person who hates an actress to do such heinous acts assaults, gives contract and makes videos on top of it? One name comes up - Dileep. Actor Dileep is considered big in Malayalam industry His name is taken along with legends like Mammootty and Mohanlal On screen, he is famous for his humor and off screen, he is like the kingpin of Malayalam film industry In 1992, he started his career with cameos Identified as family friendly entertainer However, even in his movies, there are many scenes which are misogynistic and you will find many rape jokes. In 2000s, he gets the status of a superstar status. And along with that, Dileep also built a business empire. Direction, production, distribution, theatre ownership, real estate, Dileep made his mark in everything. And he also took the industry in his own hands. Listen to this story. In 2008, director Thulasidas, in Malayalam Cine Technician Association, which was an umbrella organization of cinema federations, Thulasidas lodged a complaint against Dileep that he refused to shoot the movie despite taking advance payment. Instead of solving this issue diplomatically, Dileep started his own federation Film Employees Federation of Kerala with the most powerful directors of the industry. Director Thulasidas was sidelined and it became difficult for him to get work in the industry. You will find many examples of people who used to cooperate with Dileep survived in the industry If Dileep didn't like you, he would have ruined your career. Actress Gayatri had worked with Dileep in many movies. They were good friends at one time But in 2010, things started to get worse Dileep and some other artists go to the US for a tour in 2010. And there, Dileep's affair with another artist named Kavya is going on. Dileep, by the way, got married to actress Manju Warrier in 1998. In 2012, his wife Manju Warrier gets some proof and asks Gayatri about the US tour. Gayatri tells everything After this, Gayatri and Dileep's friendship is damaged. A heated argument in 2013, Gayatri also files a complaint with AMMA. She is not getting acting opportunities because of Dileep Dileep is a vindictive man. He did not stop According to police reports, Dileep made a plan to attack Gayatri for the first time in 2013. But this plan was left in the background for a few years Then, Gayatri's engagement was announced. Allegedly, the scheme was revised and on 17th February 2017, the final assault takes place The details of this case are according to police reports. This is the stance of the prosecution. Due to this evidence, on 10th July 2017, Kerala police, after hours of questioning, arrests Dileep. Dileep goes to jail but does not stay there for long. On 3rd October 2017, the preliminary investigation ends and he gets bail The trial begins on January 20, 2020 and same thing happens which is seen in every powerful case in legal system A powerful legal team is present with Dileep The witnesses are humiliated by defense lawyers. Actress Gayatri and some prosecutors also alleged that the judge handled the case partially but judge was not changed In December 2021, director Balachandra Kumar exposed another story. He claimed with a voice recording that in November 2017 when he went to the house of actor Dileep, he and some other people were watching Gayatri's assault video clips In the voice recording, it was also revealed that how Dileep was planning to murder the investigating police officer. Now, this is an allegation, but the Dileep sexual assault case is still going on Dileep is out of jail on bail At present, the judgment has not come, but actress Gayatri has not lost hope. She is fighting for justice. And she has said that even if he is the industry's kingpin, she will continue to fight this case despite online trolling, pressure and harassment until she gets justice. Dileep case is still going on. But along with that, there is another big fight in the Kerala film industry coming to climax On 18th May 2017, 14 women of the film industry meet the Chief Minister of Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan. They submit a Memorandum of Demand. These women wanted the government to set a proper mechanism so that there is gender justice in the film industry a proper redressal mechanism, and sexual harassment committee in workplace so that such incidents do not happen These women also formed Women in Cinema Collective. On 1st November 2017, this foundation was officially registered. Then, Avalkoppam started to become a trend on social media. This trend meant, with her. Different women, actresses, stood in solidarity with Gayatri. And started sharing their trauma. Remember, this movement, it's about 2017, it was before global Me too movement In a way, the Malayalam film industry is a trailblazer in this regard. They were not following a viral trend. They were just doing what was right and what was right. In response to the WCC's recommendations and public pressure, the left government formed a committee in the chairpersonship of retired judge Justice K. Hema. Hema Committee. The committee's job was to document gender injustice and abuse in the film industry. And to recommend policies to bring meaningful reforms. No, not finger pointing, not just politics, effective change. Hema Committee sent questionnaires to actors, actresses, workers. And said that their anonymity will be protected. They were requested to come and talk to the Hema committee openly, share their experiences and tell the committee what was happening in the industry in secret. Approximately 40 women shared their experiences with the Hema committee. All the data, all the details were collected systematically and in 2019, an initial report of 5000 pages was submitted to the CM. It seemed like a big victory for the movement. The whole country would get inspired by this victory But there was a speed breaker. Kerala government refused to release the report. They said that they can't release it now as it is a matter of thousands of pages. But there is a summary of 295 pages with all the points and recommendations. Release that. Then the government said that if they release this report and summary, then the victims can be identified. It is about their safety and privacy. Suddenly, the government started to care a lot about women's safety. Then, people pointed out, experts pointed out that while keeping identities anonymous, only a few pages, only a few pages can be redacted and the rest of the reports can be released. No one's identity will be in danger. Kerala media and women's rights organizations started pointing out that this left government has made commitment to show solidarity with progressive organizations. Made a committee But they are now suppressing the report. If the report is released, so many powerful men will be in trouble. Across party lines, they will be in trouble. But Kerala's feminist groups, progressive civil society, did not give up the war. Journalists, activists have repeatedly filed RTI applications filed . WCC also put pressure And with that, they filed a plea in the High Court that in the Kerala film industry, under the PoSH Act, internal complaints committee should be established on every production set. And in March 2022, the ruling of the Kerala High Court came in their favour. This is a big victory. That at least no one can tease you on set. You have a redressal mechanism. And along with this, in case of RTI ruling was also in favor of activists On 6 July 2024, the State Information Commissioner passed an order that the Kerala government would have to give the HEMA committee report to RTI applicants, share it Only by redacting that information, meaning by deleting it, which can expose individual's identity So, on 19th August, 2024. The report was re-edited from the final report to 235 pages was released, causing an earthquake We have heard stories of casting couch harassment, mafia, underpaying workers, exploiting them. What was shocking in this report was that the exploitation was being carried out under the supervision of big superstars. And the people, especially powerful men, were not bothered, despite knowing all that But the importance of this report is that all these crimes have been recorded in a judicial document. Now no one can say that the girl is lying, It is not common in the industry. it is a matter of every workplace.. There is no need to give it any importance And all the techniques of gaslighting, every harassment and workplace abuse has been documented here. And now this evidence is present for further action. Let us quickly look at the findings of the report. Some main points First of all, the powerful mafia. Big actors, producers, directors were involved in controlling the Malayalam film industry These people were Dileep's associates In the report, many examples are given that raising voice against them means not getting work. It is a feudal structure, many women are afraid of feudal mafia That is they share their trauma they will be blacklisted They are called woke, too demanding, troublemaker and not given work. Second main point is that Sexual harassment is rampant in the industry. It is uncontrolled and unchecked. This is the conclusion of this committee. Female artists, actors and hairdressers are asked for sexual favours, After which they will get work. The report says that this is called adjustment and compromise in the industry. women are told by women to endure to move forward. Tolerate it, as they have tolerated, it is normal 80% of the women interviewed by HEMA committee said that they have been knocked on the door in a threatening manner. Female artists in hotel rooms are teased, knocking on door, and men trying to break in including the director. The report also states that minors have been harassed. Many people are harassed before they get work, like casting couch harassment The committee also found that women are not only the victims of the industry mafia, but also the victims of social media mafias. If a popular actor, director or producer is attacked, it leads to harassment, trolling and shaming. Fan groups make it difficult for them on digital media. no action is taken against them. This social media harassment continues. And finally, in the industry, labour rights has also been exposed Less than minimum wage given If you do exposure, you will get payment. Especially, women are underpaid There are no proper toilets, no changing rooms, no proper work document After the release of this report, many people are coming forward and along with that, harassment done by powerful men and how the Association of Malayalam Movies Artists, AMMA has repeatedly deflected this issue, They said that they are studying this report. said that they are focusing on the fundraising events of Wayanad. said that powerful lobby is nobody, why saying there is a mafia? But then allegations were raised against the office bearers of AMMA A young actor alleged that actor-producer Siddique, who is the general secretary of AMMA, assaulted her Chalachitra Academy, Kerala's top film academy, allegations were raised against its chairman director Ranjith, was also accused. complaints were filed against them And as we are recording this episode, more such revelations are happening. On 27th August, all the office bearers of AMMA had to resign because the pressure was so high. Now, the Kerala government has formed a special investigation team to probe allegations of sexual harassment. Lawyer groups are coming forward to provide legal support to survivors. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has assured that if a crime is committed, will be punished. But people are not taking this assurance seriously. They are not believing this. Why? Because director Ranjith is close to CPM. Didn't the party know what was happening in their state? Actor Mukesh is a CPM MLA and a member of the Film Policy Committee. CPM is saying that action will be taken against both. We will see how much action will be taken. But what is happening in Kerala is not about party 1 or party 2. It is about women's rights movement vs patriarchy. On 27th August, actor Suresh Gopi, BJP's only MP, publicly defended CPM MLA Mukesh. He said that the allegations against him are false. CPM has asked Mukesh to leave the committee. SIT is being formed. The case is handed over to SIT. But BJP MP is trying to save CPM's MLA. When it comes to patriarchy and gender justice, powerful men always come together. That power hierarchy is important to save. So, it is more important to save each other than the party. But, Kerala's progressive civil society and women's right movement are not backing down. Kerala's media, especially the progressive independent media, is continuously giving coverage, highlighting, and mounting pressure. People are asking their superstars why they are silent on this issue. Superstars' name being removed from Twitter bios. A film obsessed society is now raising voice against big film stars and directors, demanding answers Actress Parvathy, one member of WCC told in an interview... She cannot accept that people are calling the industry rotten after the Malayalam film industry incident. According to her the industry is good from within. That is why such a big movement has been made, such a big action has been done, and the industry is being fixed. Where there is no sound, where only silence comes from, you should worry there. Remember, there has not been a word uttered by Bollywood yet on Malayalam film industry No one has demanded that the committee report should be made. What is going on between the director, producer and heroine? Do the director and producer consider their female staff as sisters? Malayalam cinema is progressive. We are confident that they can defeat their feudal exploitation. Other film industries have to worry about their silence. Bengali actress Ritabhari Chakraborty has raised her voice in Tollywood. She has asked Mamata Banerjee to investigate Tollywood as well. So that the sexual misconduct in the industry should be exposed. Especially after Kolkata horror, Mamata Banerjee will have a good option to show that she is worried about women's safety If a commission like this is also set up in Bengal, it will not be a bad idea. In Bollywood, while recording this episode, only one voice has been heard. Swara Bhaskar said that the report of Hema Commission is not something new The industry knows about it but nobody talks about it. The industry has a male-predatory atmosphere and this atmosphere needs to be eliminated. If such a report is published in Bollywood, it will be so dirty that we will all drown. For Kerala, this is a victory, a wake-up call and a lesson for us If you sustainably put pressure on a protest, justice will come to you. Otherwise, it will be like Brij Bhushan, Hathras and Bilkis, outrage and forget Kudos to the actors, the reporters, the media houses, to the lawyers who gave unquestioned, unwavering support. We personally tracked this case in News Minute. Thanks to the News Minute team Because you also fulfilled your responsibility to tell about this in English language The sooner the expose and revelation, the better the working environment will be Are we ready for this war? Or are we ready just to march for 2 minutes?

On 17th February 2017, a top Kerala actress was going to Kochi from Thrissur to record a promotional song for her upcoming movie  It was 9 in the night and a tempo traveller hit her car from behind.   Both the vehicles stop and some people forcefully enter the actress' car Looks like case of Carjacking Actress Gayatri, of course changed the name here. The News Minute has used Gayatri as a pseudonym... so are we Actress Gayatri identified one of them and asked, Suni, is that you?  Suni removed his face mask and replied, Yes, we were told to follow you... a quotation  In Kerala, the basic meaning of quotation is a contract to kill Actress asked, who gave  the contract.  Suni said he won't tell , but he was told to sexually assault the actress and make a video of it. In Kochi, a center of Malayalam film industry, a top actress is sexually assaulted in her car When such crimes are committed, the victim is usually not given any help from the police or legal system  Even after public outrage, the crime is forgotten after a few days. Everyone gets busy with their own work or the political elements hijack the issue.  But what happened in February 2017, this story is a little different.  On Deshbhakt, today we will talk about this story, how when people raise their voice against the system when there is sustained public pressure, when some people do not back down When women safety is considered over politics Then how a patriarchal system, lopsided legal system can be shaken 27 August 2024 will be an important day for women safety Association of Malayalam Movie Artists, or AMMA, which is considered the top body of Kerala's cinema artists, had to resign the entire executive committee and their office bearers. That too, out of embarrassment. There was so much public pressure.  Kerala Police has registered a case against top director Ranjith Complaints are being filed against top people in the industry. And a wave has come, a MeToo movement has started.  The senior artists who nobody dared to speak against till now,  today, the voice is being raised against them in Malayalam movies In the pressure, seeing the anger, the Kerala government has also formed a special investigative team  so that all these allegations can be properly investigated Though Malayalam film industry has produced the most progressive movies in the country, but within itself, this industry was controlled by 10-15 powerful men like a feudal mafia.  Be it the sexual assault case of 2017 or the Hema Committee report that has just been released and its consequences.  Malayalam film industry and Kerala society, the scale of this revelation  the whole country has not yet realized, but it may soon be realized. Because what happened in Malayalam cinema, is happening in both Tollywood and Bollywood.  But there is no one to speak there.   But what has happened in Kerala now, after that, its ripple effects we will see in other industries too. In this video, we will understand the whole story, what was Dileep case of 2017 who are women in cinema collective , why Hema committee formed? Can Hema committee report defeat the feudal mafia  Why other film industries are silent, and why many stressed? After 17th February 2017 assault there was massive outrage in Kerala There was pressure on police and Govt to arrest the perpetrators  There were 6 accused, and arrested in a week Details started to come out, the question was not who did the heinous act But, Who is the mastermind behind this heinous act? Who is the person who hates an actress to do such heinous acts  assaults, gives contract and makes videos on top of it?   One name comes up - Dileep. Actor Dileep is considered big in Malayalam industry His name is taken along with legends like Mammootty and Mohanlal On screen, he is famous for his humor and off screen, he is like the kingpin of Malayalam film industry In 1992, he started his career with cameos Identified as family friendly entertainer However, even in his movies, there are many scenes which are misogynistic and you will find many rape jokes.  In 2000s, he gets the status of a superstar status.  And along with that, Dileep also built a business empire.  Direction, production, distribution, theatre ownership, real estate, Dileep made his mark in everything.  And he also took the industry in his own hands.  Listen to this story. In 2008, director Thulasidas, in Malayalam Cine Technician Association,   which was an umbrella organization of cinema federations, Thulasidas lodged a complaint against Dileep   that he refused to shoot the movie despite taking advance payment.  Instead of solving this issue diplomatically, Dileep started his own federation  Film Employees Federation of Kerala with the most powerful directors of the industry.  Director Thulasidas was sidelined and it became difficult for him to get work in the industry.  You will find many examples of people who used to cooperate with Dileep survived in the industry If Dileep didn't like you, he would have ruined your career.  Actress Gayatri had worked with Dileep in many movies. They were good friends at one time But in 2010, things started to get worse Dileep and some other artists go to the US for a tour in 2010.  And there, Dileep's affair with another artist named Kavya is going on. Dileep, by the way, got married to actress Manju Warrier in 1998.  In 2012, his wife Manju Warrier gets some proof and asks Gayatri about the US tour. Gayatri tells everything After this, Gayatri and Dileep's friendship is damaged.  A heated argument in 2013, Gayatri also files a complaint with AMMA. She is not getting acting opportunities because of Dileep   Dileep is a vindictive man. He did not stop According to police reports, Dileep made a plan to attack Gayatri for the first time in 2013. But this plan was left in the background for a few years  Then, Gayatri's engagement was announced. Allegedly, the scheme was revised and on 17th February 2017, the final assault takes place  The details of this case are according to police reports.  This is the stance of the prosecution. Due to this evidence, on 10th July 2017, Kerala police, after hours of questioning, arrests Dileep. Dileep goes to jail but does not stay there for long.  On 3rd October 2017, the preliminary investigation ends and he gets bail The trial begins on January 20, 2020 and same thing happens which is seen in every powerful case in legal system A powerful legal team is present with Dileep The witnesses are humiliated by defense lawyers.  Actress Gayatri and some prosecutors also alleged that the judge handled the case partially but judge was not changed In December 2021, director Balachandra Kumar exposed another story.  He claimed with a voice recording that in November 2017 when he went to the house of actor Dileep, he and some other people were watching Gayatri's assault video clips  In the voice recording, it was also revealed that how Dileep was planning to murder the investigating police officer. Now, this is an allegation, but the Dileep sexual assault case is still going on Dileep is out of jail on bail At present, the judgment has not come, but actress Gayatri has not lost hope.  She is fighting for justice. And she has said that even if he is the industry's kingpin, she will continue to fight this case despite online trolling, pressure and harassment until she gets justice.  Dileep case is still going on. But along with that, there is another big fight in the Kerala film industry coming to climax On 18th May 2017, 14 women of the film industry meet the Chief Minister of Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan.  They submit a Memorandum of Demand.  These women wanted the government to set a proper mechanism so that there is gender justice in the film industry a proper redressal mechanism, and sexual harassment committee in workplace so that such incidents do not happen These women also formed Women in Cinema Collective. On 1st November 2017, this foundation was officially registered. Then, Avalkoppam started to become a trend on social media. This trend meant, with her.  Different women, actresses, stood in solidarity with Gayatri.  And started sharing their trauma. Remember, this movement, it's about 2017, it was before global Me too movement  In a way, the Malayalam film industry is a trailblazer in this regard. They were not following a viral trend. They were just doing what was right and what was right.   In response to the WCC's recommendations and public pressure, the left government formed a committee in the chairpersonship of retired judge Justice K. Hema. Hema Committee.   The committee's job was to document gender injustice and abuse in the film industry.  And to recommend policies to bring meaningful reforms. No, not finger pointing, not just politics, effective change. Hema Committee sent questionnaires to actors, actresses, workers. And said that their anonymity will be protected.  They were requested to come and talk to the Hema committee openly, share their experiences  and tell the committee what was happening in the industry in secret. Approximately 40 women shared their experiences with the Hema committee.  All the data, all the details were collected systematically and in 2019, an initial report of 5000 pages was submitted to the CM. It seemed like a big victory for the movement. The whole country would get inspired by this victory But there was a speed breaker.  Kerala government refused to release the report.  They said that they can't release it now as it is a matter of thousands of pages. But there is a summary of 295 pages with all the points and recommendations. Release that. Then the government said that if they release this report and summary, then the victims can be identified.   It is about their safety and privacy. Suddenly, the government started to care a lot about women's safety.  Then, people pointed out, experts pointed out that while keeping identities anonymous, only a few pages,  only a few pages can be redacted and the rest of the reports can be released. No one's identity will be in danger. Kerala media and women's rights organizations started pointing out that this left government has made commitment   to show solidarity with progressive organizations. Made a committee But they are now suppressing the report. If the report is released, so many powerful men will be in trouble.  Across party lines, they will be in trouble.  But Kerala's feminist groups, progressive civil society, did not give up the war. Journalists, activists have repeatedly filed RTI applications filed . WCC also put pressure And with that, they filed a plea in the High Court that in the Kerala film industry, under the PoSH Act, internal complaints committee should be established on every production set.  And in March 2022, the ruling of the Kerala High Court came in their favour. This is a big victory.  That at least no one can tease you on set. You have a redressal mechanism.  And along with this, in case of RTI ruling was also in favor of activists On 6 July 2024, the State Information Commissioner passed an order that the Kerala government  would have to give the HEMA committee report to RTI applicants, share it Only by redacting that information, meaning by deleting it, which can expose individual's identity So, on 19th August, 2024. The report was re-edited from the final report to 235 pages was released, causing an earthquake We have heard stories of casting couch harassment, mafia, underpaying workers, exploiting them.  What was shocking in this report was that the exploitation was being carried out under the supervision of big superstars. And the people, especially powerful men, were not bothered, despite knowing all that But the importance of this report is that all these crimes have been recorded in a judicial document. Now no one can say that the girl is lying, It is not common in the industry. it is a matter of every workplace.. There is no need to give it any importance And all the techniques of gaslighting, every harassment and workplace abuse has been documented here. And now this evidence is present for further action. Let us quickly look at the findings of the report. Some main points  First of all, the powerful mafia.  Big actors, producers, directors were involved in controlling the Malayalam film industry These people were Dileep's associates  In the report, many examples are given that raising voice against them means not getting work. It is a feudal structure, many women are afraid of feudal mafia That is they share their trauma they will be blacklisted  They are called woke, too demanding, troublemaker and not given work. Second main point is that Sexual harassment is rampant in the industry.  It is uncontrolled and unchecked.  This is the conclusion of this committee.  Female artists, actors and hairdressers are asked for sexual favours, After which they will get work.  The report says that this is called adjustment and compromise in the industry. women are told by women to endure to move forward. Tolerate it, as they have tolerated, it is normal 80% of the women interviewed by HEMA committee said that they have been knocked on the door in a threatening manner.  Female artists in hotel rooms  are teased, knocking on door, and men trying to break in including the director.  The report also states that minors have been harassed. Many people are harassed before they get work, like casting couch harassment  The committee also found that women are not only the victims of the industry mafia, but also the victims of social media mafias.  If a popular actor, director or producer is attacked, it leads to harassment, trolling and shaming. Fan groups make it difficult for them on digital media.  no action is taken against them. This social media harassment continues. And finally, in the industry, labour rights has also been exposed Less than minimum wage given If you do exposure, you will get payment. Especially, women are underpaid There are no proper toilets, no changing rooms, no proper work document After the release of this report, many people are coming forward and along with that,  harassment done by powerful men and how the Association of Malayalam Movies Artists, AMMA   has repeatedly deflected this issue, They  said that they are studying this report. said that they are focusing on the fundraising events of Wayanad.  said that powerful lobby is nobody, why saying there is a mafia? But then allegations were raised against the office bearers of AMMA A young actor alleged that actor-producer Siddique, who is the general secretary of AMMA, assaulted her Chalachitra Academy, Kerala's top film academy, allegations were raised against its chairman director Ranjith, was also accused. complaints were filed against them And as we are recording this episode, more such revelations are happening.  On 27th August, all the office bearers of AMMA had to resign because the pressure was so high. Now, the Kerala government has formed a special investigation team to probe allegations of sexual harassment. Lawyer groups are coming forward to provide legal support to survivors.  Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has assured that if a crime is committed, will be punished. But people are not taking this assurance seriously. They are not believing this. Why? Because director Ranjith is close to CPM. Didn't the party know what was happening in their state?   Actor Mukesh is a CPM MLA and a member of the Film Policy Committee.  CPM is saying that action will be taken against both.  We will see how much action will be taken.  But what is happening in Kerala is not about party 1 or party 2.   It is about women's rights movement vs patriarchy. On 27th August, actor Suresh Gopi, BJP's only MP, publicly defended CPM MLA Mukesh. He said that the allegations against him are false. CPM has asked Mukesh to leave the committee. SIT is being formed. The case is handed over to SIT. But BJP MP is trying to save CPM's MLA.  When it comes to patriarchy and gender justice, powerful men always come together. That power hierarchy is important to save. So, it is more important to save each other than the party.  But, Kerala's progressive civil society and women's right movement are not backing down.  Kerala's media, especially the progressive independent media, is continuously giving coverage, highlighting, and mounting pressure. People are asking their superstars why they are silent on this issue.  Superstars' name being removed from Twitter bios. A film obsessed society is now raising voice against big film stars and directors, demanding answers Actress Parvathy, one member of WCC told in an interview... She cannot accept that people are calling the industry rotten after the Malayalam film industry incident. According to her the industry is good from within. That is why such a big movement has been made, such a big action has been done, and the industry is being fixed.  Where there is no sound, where only silence comes from, you should worry there. Remember, there has not been a word uttered by Bollywood yet on Malayalam film industry No one has demanded that the committee report should be made. What is going on between the director, producer and heroine? Do the director and producer consider their female staff as sisters?  Malayalam cinema is progressive. We are confident that they can defeat their feudal exploitation. Other film industries have to worry about their silence. Bengali actress Ritabhari Chakraborty has raised her voice in Tollywood.  She has asked Mamata Banerjee to investigate Tollywood as well. So that the sexual misconduct in the industry should be exposed. Especially after Kolkata horror, Mamata Banerjee will have a good option to show that she is worried about women's safety If a commission like this is also set up in Bengal, it will not be a bad idea.  In Bollywood, while recording this episode, only one voice has been heard. Swara Bhaskar said that the report of Hema Commission is not something new The industry knows about it but nobody talks about it. The industry has a male-predatory atmosphere and this atmosphere needs to be eliminated.   If such a report is published in Bollywood, it will be so dirty that we will all drown.  For Kerala, this is a victory, a wake-up call and a lesson for us If you sustainably put pressure on a protest, justice will come to you.  Otherwise, it will be like Brij Bhushan, Hathras and Bilkis, outrage and forget Kudos to the actors, the reporters, the media houses, to the lawyers who gave unquestioned, unwavering support.  We personally tracked this case in News Minute.   Thanks to the News Minute team Because you also fulfilled your responsibility to tell about this in English language The sooner the expose and revelation, the better the working environment will be Are we ready for this war? Or are we ready just to march for 2 minutes?

Transcript for:2017 Kerala Film Industry Assault Case

Transcript for:
2017 Kerala Film Industry Assault Case