The Malayalam film industry is currently in turmoil following revelations from the Justice Hema Committee report, which has uncovered numerous instances of sexual harassment and misconduct. One of the latest actresses to come forward with her story is Charmila, who has accused a film producer of attempting to sexually harass her 27 years ago. Her testimony has added to the growing list of allegations that have surfaced in the wake of the report.
A Dark Episode from the Past
Charmila, a well-known actress in Malayalam cinema, recently shared her harrowing experience during the shooting of the film Arjunan Pillayum Anchu Makkalum. Recounting the incident, she revealed that after a three-day shoot in Pollachi, Tamil Nadu, she was asked to meet with the producer. “I don’t go anywhere alone, so I insisted on taking my assistant with me,” Charmila explained. However, the situation quickly escalated when the producer’s team tried to separate her from her assistant.
An Attempted Assault
According to Charmila, when they entered the producer’s room, they found a group of men drinking. What happened next was a terrifying ordeal. “One of them jumped on my assistant and tried to pull off her sari, while another man approached me,” she recalled. The situation became violent when her male assistant intervened and was beaten up. In a desperate attempt to escape, Charmila bit one of the men and ran out of the room, seeking help.
A Narrow Escape
Outside the hotel, Charmila was able to find a group of auto rickshaw drivers who helped her. With their assistance, she contacted her father, who then reached out to Rajathi Ammal, wife of the late politician Kalaignar. Shortly afterward, the police arrived, putting an end to the immediate danger. However, Charmila’s troubles did not end there. She revealed that because she refused to “adjust” — a euphemism for submitting to unwanted advances in exchange for film roles — she lost 28 film opportunities.
Pressure and Coercion in the Film Industry
Charmila also spoke about her experience with renowned Malayalam director Hariharan. During a meeting to discuss a potential film project, Hariharan later contacted her co-star Vishnu to suggest that Charmila should “adjust.” When Vishnu informed the director that she would not comply, both of them were dropped from the film. “I lost the film because I refused to compromise,” Charmila said, highlighting the coercion that many actresses face in the industry.
The Broader Impact of the Justice Hema Committee Report
The Justice Hema Committee was formed in 2017, following a high-profile case of a Malayalam actress being assaulted in a moving car. The committee’s report, which took five years to complete, has brought to light numerous cases of harassment, exploitation, and unethical demands made on actresses in the Malayalam film industry. Charmila’s account is just one of many that have emerged, painting a troubling picture of the industry’s treatment of women.
Charmila’s story underscores the need for continued awareness and action against harassment in the film industry. As more actresses find the courage to speak out, it is clear that a cultural shift is necessary to ensure a safer and more respectful environment for all performers.
