'A Victory for Women': Actress Ranjini Hails Hema Committee Report On Malayalam Industry

The report revealed by Justice K Hema Committee on the Malayalam film industry has already created a massive buzz in the industry. The report stated that women face many serious issues including casting couch and pay disparities. The 233-page report recommended banning drugs and alcohol at the shooting locations to ensure safety for women working the films. Actress Ranjini recently expressed her feelings soon after the report was released. She mentioned that this report marks a victory for women. The actress earlier filed a petition requesting the court to release the report without violating her privacy which was denied by the court.

In an interview, Ranjini said, “I haven’t read the full report but read about the part which speaks about the dominating force in the film industry. Women working in the Malayalam film industry often face challenges regarding safety and payments. People who do such things should be punished based on the findings of this report.”

While talking to the media, she praised the WCC (Women in Cinema Collective) for playing a crucial role in prompting the formation of the Hema Committee. She said, “The WCC has done a great job. Without their effort, the report might have never come to light.”

Talking about why she filed the petition, Ranjini mentioned that she provided her testimony before the committee as an individual which is why she filed the petition. “The petition was filed to protect my privacy,” she stated. The actress further highlighted that to date there is no proper cell where women working in the film industry can approach to raise their concerns. She mentioned that the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) also fails to provide proper resolutions. She welcomed the findings of the committee. She said, “Now proper actions should be taken against the wrongdoings based on the Hema committee’s report. This is a victory for all women working in the Malayalam film industry.

The Kerala High Court, earlier dismissed Ranjini’s petition against the release of the Hema Committee report, advising her to approach a single bench if needed. The petition was filed requesting that the report be released without violating her privacy.