The Malayalam film industry has recently been shaken by serious allegations of sexual harassment against female artists, following the release of the Hema Committee report. This report has unveiled numerous shocking revelations, resulting in a chaotic atmosphere within the industry. As a response, many female artists have bravely stepped forward to share their own experiences of sexual harassment.
Prominent actors and filmmakers have faced grave accusations, with reactions coming in from stars ranging from Prithviraj Sukumaran to Mammootty. Now, the reaction of South superstar Rajinikanth to this unsettling issue has come to light.
Rajinikanth’s Response to the Hema Committee Report
Recently, Rajinikanth was spotted at the Chennai airport. He was getting into his car when paparazzi began questioning him about his upcoming film ‘Kooili’. Amid this, one reporter mentioned the Hema Committee, which visibly made Rajinikanth a bit uneasy.
What Did Rajinikanth Say?
When asked if a committee similar to the Hema Committee should be established to investigate exploitation in the Tamil film industry, Rajinikanth requested the question to be repeated. Upon hearing it again, he responded with a smile, stating, “I don’t know. Sorry, I have no information about it.”
The Truth About the Tamil Film Industry
Meanwhile, popular Tamil actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu and the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) have urged the Telangana government to publish a similar report on the Telugu film industry. WCC had submitted a report to the government two years ago, yet no response has been received to date.
Radhika Sarathkumar highlighted the crucial role of WCC during an interview with ANI, stating, “The Hema Committee was initiated by WCC, a group of women advocating for women’s rights and better working conditions in the industry. Women from WCC approached the Hema Committee, but after the report was formed, it was not published. It had to be sent to the government and remained there for four years before it was escalated to the court, who had to push for the release of its findings.”
Rajinikanth’s Upcoming Projects
On the professional front, Rajinikanth will appear in his upcoming film ‘Vettaiyan’, set to release on October 10 of this year, following ‘Lal Salam’. Furthermore, he will also be seen in ‘Kooili’, expected to hit theaters in 2025. This film features an ensemble cast that includes Amitabh Bachchan, Rana Daggubati, Fahadh Faasil, Dasara Vijayan, Ritika Singh, Shruti Haasan, and Manju Warrier, all taking on pivotal roles.
The Escalating Issue of Exploitation in the Malayalam Film Industry
The recently published Hema Committee report has brought to light the grim realities of exploitation in the Malayalam film industry. Since its release, numerous prominent figures have expressed their concerns, and these allegations have transformed into a significant issue, prompting many to voice their apprehensions over the current state of the industry.
