One of the substantial revelations for not just the Kerala Film Industry but the whole nation is the launch of the Justice Hema Committee Report that pulled the masks of many malayalam actors and industry members of sexual allegations and favours in exchange of a chance in movies. The first stone dropped in August this year revealing many issues faced by the women of malayalam cinema industry along with several names.
On Monday October 28, the Kerala Film Producers’ Association convened for a meeting to discuss Producer Sandra Thomas and her statements regarding the Hema Committee Reports. The producer has been outspoken and even questioned the silence by the association against the allegations, resulting in the cancellation of her licence from the Producers’ association.
A letter addressed to Sandra Thomas referring to her cancellation on the grounds of ‘continued indiscipline’. According to The News Minute, another letter circulated among the association members deplored that Sandra Thomas was ousted due to ‘derogatory statements’.
Sandra Thomas was vocal about her support to the women of cinema and even wrote to the film body, questioning their silence about the Hema Committee issue. Her actions were after many delayed and airy responses from the Producers’ Association. Following the cancellation, Sandra Thomas spoke to news outlets that this abrupt action is a “warning” to all the women and “They want to silence all such women. If I, a producer – an employer in a powerful position, should face such treatment, imagine what a common technician would go through”.
Sandra also spoke about the power group in the Malayalam industry as mentioned in The Hema Committee Report used to make decisions on who can work and who are neglected that includes many known and familiar actors, producers. She also pointed out the lack of a redressal body inside the association as advised by the revised Hema Committee. Sandra’s demand for explanation for her skating but was left with unsatisfactory answers.
