The Justice Hema Committee's report on the Malayalam film industry has exposed alarming details of sexual exploitation of women in the sector. Released by the state government on Monday, the report indicates that numerous women are compelled to provide sexual favors to secure opportunities in the industry.

This comprehensive report, which delves into the challenges faced by women in Malayalam cinema, was compiled by a committee led by Justice Hema (a former High Court Judge), along with T Sharada (a cine artist) and KB Valsala Kumari (a former bureaucrat). The government published a 232-page version of the original 295-page document, with 63 pages redacted.

The report emphasizes that the 2017 actress assault case, which led to the prosecution of Malayalam actor Dileep, is just one of many incidents. It begins with a cautionary note: 'Do not trust what you see, even salt looks like sugar!'

The report details how women are often approached by production controllers or casting directors with the expectation of sexual 'adjustments' and 'compromises'. This is a common practice in the industry, where women are frequently asked to be available for sex on demand.

Safety concerns are also highlighted, with many women accompanied by family or close relatives due to the unsafe accommodations provided. The report describes incidents where intoxicated men associated with the film industry repeatedly bang on hotel room doors, creating a sense of imminent forced entry.

One particularly distressing incident recounted in the report involves an actress who, the next day after being sexually assaulted, had to act as a wife to her assailant, necessitating multiple retakes due to her visible distress.

The report also addresses public threats and defamation faced by artists through social media, including Facebook and WhatsApp, where they are subjected to trolling and sexually charged comments.

Evidence presented in the report suggests that a power group of ten to fifteen individuals, prominent in the Malayalam film industry, wield significant control. These individuals, who include actors, producers, distributors, and directors, have been implicated in banning and blacklisting those who displease them.

Formed in response to the 2017 sexual assault case, the Hema Committee submitted its findings to the Chief Minister on December 31, 2019.