Malayalam Film Industry To Make Wage Agreement Mandatory From October 1: Report

Kerala Film Producers Association has announced that the service wage agreement will be made mandatory from October 1. The association has sent a letter in this regard to the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) and (FEFKA) Film Employees Federation of Kerala. A copy of this letter is available on social media. In the letter, the producers’ association demanded that the actors and technicians sign a service wage agreement. According to the agreement, all those who work in the industry must acquire remuneration contracts in place if the payment exceeds Rs 1 lakh. Such contracts will be made on stamp paper before the start of any project.

It would have specific clauses related to sexual harassment and drug addiction among others. These were the important concerns revealed through the Justice Hema Committee report. In a letter dated September 18, the producers association mentioned that it would not intervene in disputes or charges that do not fall under the ambit of such contracts. The code governs everyone involved in the film production – actors, technicians, or the members of the crew. This is expected to establish and professionalise the industry practices.

What is the Justice Hema Committee Report?

The Justice Hema Committee report revealed horrid tales of sexual exploitation, illegal bans, discrimination, drug and alcohol abuse, and wage disparity. In some cases, the report has also talked about inhumane working conditions. The 235-page report has been published after redacting the names of the witnesses as well as the accused. This report notes that the Malayalam film industry is under the clutches of certain male producers, directors and actors.

This report has been met with massive support from women but a deafening silence from many well-known male actors across India. Actress Radhika Sarathkumar talked about this aspect in an interview with the BBC. She said,”The harassment happens to each of us, how come men don’t know about it? Maybe the male actors compartmentalise, maybe they choose not to see it”. “It’s very sad that every time the onus is on the women to protect themselves,” she added.

Director Baburaj, Senior Malayalam actor Siddique and others have been accused of raping the female actors.