Revealed: The Hidden Truths Behind the Glitzy Movie Business

Unfiltered, Uncensored Perspective:

I penned this piece a while back, taking aim at the despicable practice known as casting couch that's been lurking in the shadows of the film industry since its inception. With the renewed uproar sparked by the Hema Committee report against the Malayalam movie industry, I reckon this piece still carries significant weight.

The essence of the article is quite straightforward. The hard choices faced by aspiring artists - to accept a job offer in exchange for sexual favors or to stand firm and potentially miss out on opportunities - are never easy. These decisions weigh heavy on individuals who have battled adversity to pursue their dreams. The act of offering such a choice is the evil, not the consequence of that choice.

The unfortunate truth that remains unclear to many is that the instant someone in a position of power extends such an offer, the recipient becomes a victim. This unfortunate circumstance doesn't hinge on whether they choose to proceed or decline the offer for their own reasons. Both options come with consequences, and neither are pleasant. While those who agree to such offers are often branded as 'prostitutes,' the ones requesting 'adjustments' from vulnerable newcomers seldom face the same criticism.

During the initial wave of the #MeToo revolution, we witnessed numerous allegations surfacing in the industry. Regrettably, the silence surrounding these allegations and the stigmatization of those who spoke up were primarily due to fake victims exploiting the platform to garner attention. In response, people began dismissing every victim who spoke out as immoral, while using the actions of a few individuals to judge the entire industry.

I wouldn't assume the entire industry to be corrupt based on a few rotten apples. Instead, the real issue lies in the general acceptance and indifference with which this abhorrent practice is normalized in the industry. People may argue that such issues are prevalent in every field, but it's difficult to find another industry where the notion of "these things happen, don't make a big deal out of it" is so widely accepted.

What truly grates on me are the so-called advocates of change who posed as industry saviors, pledging to improve workplace safety and eradicate harassment. Yet, where were they when sexual harassment in the name of 'adjustments' was rampant? With the exception of a few beacons of hope, how many of these respected members of the fraternity actually took meaningful action against these wrongdoings?

Remember the spotlight on workplace safety that arose when a lead actress was abducted and brutally assaulted? Those self-proclaimed heroes spoke out against the issue back then, vowing to bring about change. But it took no time for the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) to hold a press conference defending the accused, openly dismissing the police investigation and the judiciary. What became of these self-appointed warriors of justice then?

While one should refrain from labeling anyone guilty without a fair trial, the actions of AMMA during that time raised several questions about their commitment to justice. Why did they unapologetically side with accused individuals instead of maintaining neutrality and allowing the law to take its course? Where did these champions of justice disappear when the situation required their stand? They turned a blind eye, content with their PR stunts and carrying on as if nothing was amiss.

Fast-forward to today, with a fresh wave of allegations, these champions of change surface once more to claim victory for their hollow words. And again, the common public celebrates them as heroes for their empty promises.

There are countless instances that point to the farce of workplace safety in the industry. An actor, the son of a legendary villain, has been repeatedly accused of child sexual abuse and harassment. Despite his criminal record, he continues to find work in Malayalam movies. Have these champions of justice conveniently overlooked his past transgressions? Or are they secluded from the multiple allegations against another actor who consistently plays the role of an old policeman? What happened to the producer/actor who was accused of filming an actress, raping her while she was drunk and comatose? Instead of standing trial for his actions, the accused continues his career with no repercussions.

As for the female defenders of AMMA who stand behind these supposed champions of change, what can I say? Their feigned concern for the safety of their colleagues rings hollow. Their assurance of no harassment in their presence does not undercut the problem. However, their self-righteous, judgmental attitudes towards those who speak up and their constant fixation on women's attire only serves to further marginalize victims.

In the end, the outcome of this new wave of #MeToo allegations will likely resemble that of the last. The general public will dismiss most allegations as revenge tactics or attention-seeking, tarnishing the reputation of genuine victims. Those who possess the authority to speak up will remain silent, and some of the so-called crusaders of this movement will be revealed as predators themselves, damaging the fight for all true victims and survivors.

And as for the accused, they will undoubtedly return as heroes and be praised for their bravery in the face of unfounded accusations, further entrenching the dark and insidious culture within the industry. The vicious cycle of exploitation will continue, ensnaring more and more vulnerable individuals. The truth remains that the film industry is, and will continue to be, a treacherous minefield for aspiring artists seeking their dreams.

Originally published on Medium.

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The intersection of science, health-and-wellness, women's health, and entertainment could provide a platform for discussing the impact of stress and trauma on the mental health of aspiring artists in the film industry.
With the rise of digital platforms and social media, advocates in the health-and-wellness and womens health sectors could potentially collaborate with entertainment industries to create educational content and resources around recognizing and addressing sexual harassment, promoting a culture of safety and respect.