Director Vinayan blames 15-member 'power group' for delay in Hema Committee report release
Stating that the Hema Committee report has implications for Malayalam cinema, director Vinayan held a “power group” in the industry responsible for the delay in the release of the report that revealed the darker side of the movie world. Vinayan, who has always been an eyesore for the powerful faction of the Malayalam movie industry, also said it is sad that a 15-member “power group”, including a current minister, is still supporting all kinds of hooliganism in the industry. He was talking to the media about the Hema Committee report.
“It is sad that the same 15-member power group, including a person who is now a minister, that was vocal in a meeting during which MACTA was destroyed, is still supporting hooliganism in Malayalam cinema. The reason why the report has not been released for so long is the same 15-member group itself. I went to court because no one listened to me,” Vinayan said.
Vinayan also observed the Hema Committee report would cause anxiety among the new generation who wish to enter cinema.
“The Hema committee report that came out the other day has a severe impact on Malayalam cinema. This concerns the desire of the new generation to enter the cinema. Even some ministers and filmmakers have been seen talking lightly about this. All I can say to them is don't pretend to be asleep, it will only put the industry in more trouble. The recommendations of the Committee regarding women's safety should be strongly implemented. I am the person who has received the most harassment from the mafia group in the film industry. The only thing was that it was not sexual harassment. So I have valid things to say about it. I have said it years ago,” Vinayan said.
The first trade union formed in Malayalam cinema was for the grass root level workers. We formed the union of junior artists. Later, unions were formed for directors and cameramen. Great decisions were taken for women who were employed as junior artists. But all this was not liked by this elite class. It is clearly stated in the newspaper that an actor is behind the destruction of MACTA (Malayalam Cine Technicians Association). The association stood by justice when the actor asked to remove a director after taking an advance of Rs 40 lakhs. Because of that, the actor destroyed the organisation. I feel that this report has historical significance. This is the reason why I have been banned for 10-12 years,” Vinayan said.
“In 2004, I was the director who strongly protested when the stars said they would not sign the agreements and that they would stop their films and go abroad for AMMA (Association of Malayalam Movie Artists) show. That's how I did the film ‘Sathyam’. At that time, I was the focus of their attention. Then came the actor's issue. In 2008, a big meeting was held with all the famous people of the cinema. There the MACTA was destroyed and another organisation sponsored by them came into form. AMMA and the Producers Association invested a huge fund to form that organisation… Many people are demanding MACTA back," Vinayan added.