Revathy on Hema Committee Report: 'Power of unity, resilience in the face of adversity'

The Hema Committee report, which shed light on the power dynamics and exploitation of women in the Malayalam film industry, is not a testament of what the film industry is, but is rather "a small window on which women of the industry have to build solidarity to change the situation in our work space", actor-filmmaker and Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) member Revathy told Mathrubhumi.

The Hema Committee was set up by the Kerala government in response to the shocking 2017 actress assault case involving actor Dileep. The 233-page report of the committee was released on August 19.

Recalling the ardous journey culminating in the release of the Hema Committee report, Revathy said: "It was a monumental moment for us, Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) when the Government of Kerala made the Hema Committee report public. It all began with the shocking and despicable assault on one of our colleagues in 2017 after which we made a request to the Government of Kerala to delve into the deep-rooted harassment issues plaguing the Malayalam Film industry."

"Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan took a crucial step by establishing The Hema Committee, under the leadership of Justice Hema with veteran actor Sharada and retired IAS officer KB Valsala Kumari. This committee embarked on a mission to delve into the status of women within the industry, listening to the voices of many brave souls who shared their stories, hoping their experience would help in shaping a safer tomorrow.
 
"After relentless efforts spanning over four years and seven months, filled with challenges, criticisms, RTIs, our perseverance bore fruit. Amidst dramatic incidents in the court, the Government of Kerala unveiled the long-awaited Hema Committee report. Though redacted in parts, the report stands as a beacon of hope, urging us to work collectively towards implementing the recommendations aimed at creating a safer and more inclusive work space."

Reflecting on the challenges that lie ahead, the actor said, "Now our work, as members of WCC, begins. We hope to read, discuss at length and plan our steps forward or our strategy forward. At present, as everybody is speculating having read the report. I, as an individual, am of the strong opinion that the report by itself is not a testament of what the film industry is, but a small window on which we as women of the industry have to build our solidarity to change the situation in our work space." 

"An industry that tells sensitive stories of women and their conflicts, needs to be sensitised, a dichotomy of sorts, but sadly the truth. To find a solution, one needs to accept that there is a problem. This acceptance itself is going to be a hurdle that needs to be crossed," Revathy said.
 
"The focus at the moment is on the victims of sexual harassment and the perpetrators, but is that all? There are others issues raised as in other work spaces which are mentioned and needs to be addressed. We, as WCC were aware of most of the issues that the report talks about. Our knowledge, empathy and need to change our work space environment is what propelled us forward against all criticism," she added.

Revathy said that the WCC will now focus on how to make imperative changes. "Talks followed by actions are the way forward, both within the industry and outside. As always we have supporters who believe in what we do, as they know that we are doing this not for us but for the generations after us who will benefit from the changes made."

"WCC is looked at as 'people who make trouble', but if 'raising questions' about an age old practice is trouble, then I’d rather be called a 'trouble maker'. Having got a committee to study our industry and write a report, marks a historic milestone, not only for the courageous individuals who shared their truths but also for the entire Indian film industry. It is the result of the power of unity, resilience, and unwavering determination in the face of adversity," she noted. 

Highlighting that at a time where the nation is grappling with the horrors of heinous crimes and injustices, Revathy said that this moment offers a shimmering ray of hope, "guiding us towards a future where safety, dignity, and equality reign supreme".

"May this victory inspire us to continue fighting for change, to stand tall in the face of darkness, and to embrace the power of our collective voices in shaping a better tomorrow for all," she hoped.