2024 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for Malayalam cinema, not just for its content but also for its strides in gender equality. In the wake of the Justice Hema Committee report’s release, numerous female actors have come forward, sharing shocking accounts of sexual abuse, misconduct, and discrimination by senior male colleagues, directors, producers, and production controllers. Within just one week, nearly 20 cases were filed under the Special Investigation Tribunal (SIT) against prominent industry figures, including Ranjith, Mukesh, Siddique, and Jayasurya.
As more stories of sexual abuse and exploitation emerge, deeper issues within Mollywood are also coming to light. Mitta Antony, Kerala’s first recognized female makeup artist, has disclosed her own struggles in the industry, revealing that she often considered leaving due to the challenges she faced. Despite working on over 40 films across various languages, including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Bhojpuri, and Malayalam, Mitta described her experiences in the Malayalam film industry as some of the worst.
Mitta, one of the first female makeup artists to receive membership in the Cine Costume and Makeup Artists Association (CCMAA), recounted how she had never intended to work in Kerala but was drawn back after a medical incident. Initially supported by CCMAA in Mumbai, she found the environment in Kerala vastly different. Although she did not experience physical harassment on set, she faced significant mental harassment, often from other women. Assigned assistants frequently left her to work alone, forcing her to bring in help from Mumbai. Her situation improved only after being officially recognized by FEFKA in 2022.
The Hema Commission report further revealed the harassment faced by hair stylists, similar to the treatment of junior artists and female actors. The report cited incidents where makeup artists and hair stylists were denied union membership due to age restrictions, with many struggling to work without a membership card. Despite these allegations, Bhagyalakshmi, head of the women’s wing of FEFKA, denied any age-related restrictions, emphasizing the union’s ongoing efforts to address and rectify industry issues.
