Hema Committee Report: Kerala Minister allegedly part of ‘Power Group’ in film industry, claims director Vinayan

Thiruvananthapuram: The controversy surrounding the Hema Committee report on the Malayalam film industry continues to escalate, with renowned filmmaker Vinayan making explosive allegations about a so-called ‘Power Group’ that wields significant influence within the industry. According to Vinayan, this group includes a current state minister who has also had a successful acting career.

Vinayan’s statements have added further fuel to the fire, as the report, which was meant to address issues of sexual harassment and other malpractices in the film industry, remains mired in controversy. The filmmaker claimed that the ‘Power Group’ is not only active in obstructing justice but also played a role in keeping the Hema Committee report from being acted upon. He expressed concern that this group is now poised to take a leading role in the ‘Cinema Conclave’ proposed by the state government, warning that such a move would provoke significant protest.

Vinayan, who has a history of taking bold stands against the establishment in the Malayalam film industry, also accused the group of systematically targeting individuals who challenge their dominance. He pointed out that the ‘Power Group’ was instrumental in the dismantling of the Malayalam Cine Technicians Association (MACTA), the first formal organization formed by creative technicians in the industry. According to Vinayan, an actor who was part of this group received Rs 40 lakhs for a movie role but failed to fulfill his contract, contributing to the collapse of MACTA, which has had lasting negative impacts on the film industry.

In a candid post on his Facebook page, Vinayan called out those in the industry who he believes have tried to eliminate him, claiming that their actions have now been exposed to the public. He challenged these “powerful men” to reflect on their actions in light of the allegations and the findings of the Hema Committee report, questioning whether they could still justify their positions within the industry.

The controversy has drawn responses from other prominent figures in the Malayalam film world. Veteran actor and director Joy Mathew expressed his disappointment with the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government, led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, for its handling of the Hema Committee report. In a sarcastic social media post, Mathew criticized the government for keeping the report under wraps for four and a half years, and also commended those who fought for its release.

The growing unrest within the film fraternity and the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) reflects the deep divisions over how the findings of the Hema Committee report should be addressed. While some believe that strong action should be taken against those named in the report, others point to the selective release of the report’s findings, which withheld key details about the most serious allegations and those implicated.