Draft:Casting couch in Malayalam movie industry

The casting couch refers to a practice in the entertainment industry where roles and opportunities are offered in exchange for sexual favors. The issue has been reported across various film industries globally, including the Malayala movie industry in India. The Malayalam film industry, known for its artistic and realistic cinema, has not been immune to such practices, which have sparked significant controversy and debate.

History and background

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Allegations of casting couch practices in the Malayalam film industry have surfaced sporadically over the years. While the industry has produced many critically acclaimed films, several actors, particularly female, have spoken out about the pressure to exchange sexual favors for roles. The issue gained widespread attention as part of a broader conversation about sexual harassment in the workplace, particularly following the global #MeToo movement.

Notable incidents

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Several incidents have been reported where actors have come forward with allegations of being subjected to the casting couch. One of the most notable cases involved a prominent actress who was allegedly harassed by a powerful figure in the industry. The case led to widespread media coverage and brought the issue into the public eye.

Actress assault case

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In 2017, a leading actress in the Malayalam industry was abducted and assaulted, allegedly at the behest of individuals from within the industry. The incident led to a police investigation and subsequent arrests, including a popular actor. This case highlighted the darker side of the industry and led to calls for better protections for women in the workplace.

Industry response

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The Malayalam film industry has seen various responses to these allegations. While some industry veterans have condemned the practice and called for stricter regulations, others have remained silent, fearing repercussions or dismissing the claims as baseless. The formation of the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) in 2017 was a significant step towards addressing issues of gender discrimination and harassment in the industry.

Women in Cinema Collective (WCC)

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The Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) was founded by a group of female actors and technicians in response to the increasing reports of harassment in the industry. The WCC aims to provide a platform for women in the Malayalam film industry to voice their concerns and seek justice against harassment and discrimination.

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The legal framework in India provides mechanisms to address sexual harassment in the workplace, including the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. However, the effectiveness of these laws in the film industry has been questioned due to the power dynamics and the informal nature of work in the entertainment sector.

Socially, the casting couch issue has led to a broader discussion about the treatment of women in the workplace and the need for systemic change within the film industry. Public awareness and activism have increased, with many advocating for more stringent enforcement of laws and greater accountability for those in positions of power.

References

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  • Parthasarathy, Anusha. "The Dark Side of Indian Cinema." The Hindu, 2017. [1]
  • Ghosh, Devarsi. "Casting Couch Allegations in Malayalam Cinema." Scroll.in, 2018.[2].
  • Ramesh, Smitha. "Women in Cinema Collective: A Voice for Change." Times of India, 2019. [3].
  • Sen, Raja. "The #MeToo Movement and its Impact on Indian Cinema." Firstpost, 2018. [4].