TURNING POINT IN CINEMA: METOO AND THE RESHAPING OF INSTITUTIONS IN THE MALAYALAM FILM INDUSTRY
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29121/ShodhVichar.v2.i1.2026.76Keywords:
MeToo, Malayalam Cinema, Sexual Harassment, Women Movement, Institutional ChangeAbstract
The #MeToo movement in Malayalam cinema has exposed persistent gendered harassment and structural inequalities within the film industry. Even before the global #MeToo campaign gained momentum in 2017, the Malayalam film industry was unsettled by a high-profile sexual harassment case that revealed exploitative practices that have been deeply embedded in its culture. This incident acted as a catalyst, prompting sustained debates on workplace ethics, gender sensitivity, and institutional accountability, finally paving the way for reform.
Adopting a descriptive case study approach, this research traces the movement’s trajectory by examining major incidents, institutional responses, and policy interventions. It highlights the role of the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC), which amplified survivor voices and mobilized pressure for systemic change. The study also analyzes the Hema Committee and its report which documented entrenched exploitation and emphasized the urgency of gender-sensitive reforms. By situating #MeToo within Malayalam cinema this study demonstrates its influence in reshaping industry practices, strengthening accountability, and advancing dialogue on gender justice.
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