The film industry, often seen as a glamorous and aspirational career path, is now facing scrutiny for its dark side. According to Malayalam star Parvathy Thiruvothu, every film industry is plagued by the same “keeda” (bug) of gender discrimination and sexual exploitation. Her statement comes amidst rising discussions sparked by the findings of the Justice Hema Committee report on sexual exploitation within the Malayalam cinema.
Parvathy, a prominent figure in the Malayalam film industry and a member of the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC), voiced her concerns on Monday, emphasizing that the issue of gender discrimination is widespread across all film industries. She stated that only those within the industry could initiate the much-needed clean-up. “There is a ‘keeda’ in all the industries, and we will have to clean it up ourselves,” Parvathy said during a group interview while promoting her latest Tamil film, Thangalaan.
The Justice Hema Committee was established by the Kerala government, influenced by the persistent efforts of the WCC to investigate and address issues of sexual harassment and exploitation in the Malayalam film industry. The findings of the report have brought the matter to the forefront, encouraging more voices to speak out against these practices.
Parvathy’s outspoken stance highlights the need for solidarity and collective action in fighting gender discrimination. “When we speak up for ourselves, we stand for everyone else. We need allies,” she emphasized, underscoring the importance of mutual support among artists and industry professionals. Her words resonate beyond the Malayalam film industry, pointing to a larger, systemic issue that affects all film industries worldwide.
The actress believes there is hope, noting that changes are beginning to take shape. Parvathy’s comments have sparked conversations about accountability, the role of bystanders, and the necessity of allies in the fight against exploitation. As the Hema Committee’s report continues to stir debate, Parvathy’s call to action serves as a reminder that change requires courage, unity, and a relentless pursuit of justice.
Her remarks have further bolstered the movement against gender discrimination in cinema, drawing attention to the need for reforms not only in Malayalam cinema but across the global entertainment industry. The ongoing dialogue sparked by the Hema Committee report could be the catalyst for much-needed change, encouraging more individuals to come forward and speak out against gender bias and exploitation.