Tovino reacts to Justice Hema committee report, calls for broader industry reforms
26 Aug 2024 10:29 AM IST
Tovino Thomas
The release of the Justice Hema Committee Report, which investigated the challenges faced by women in the Malayalam film industry, has sparked widespread debate in Kerala and across the nation. The report reveals serious issues, including discrimination, exploitation, and harassment faced by female actors. It highlights troubling practices like the casting couch, wage disparities, and the withholding of basic amenities on film sets unless female artists comply with certain demands. The report underscores the deep-seated issues within the male-dominated industry and the need for urgent reforms.
In an exclusive interview, actor Tovino Thomas shared his thoughts on the Hema Committee Report and its implications. When asked about Revathi's statement that the report is a "powerful decision," Tovino expressed his agreement, while also pointing out that such issues are not unique to the Malayalam industry. "I appreciate Revathi's statement," he said. "But it's important to note that this committee was focused on the Malayalam industry. These issues exist in every industry, and society has its own way of correcting itself. This report, along with movements like 'Me Too,' accelerates that process."
Tovino emphasized that while the report brings necessary attention to the problems in the Malayalam film industry, it is unfair to single out one industry as uniquely problematic. "It hurts when the entire industry is painted in a negative light," he stated. "If someone has committed a terrible crime, they should be punished, but it's not right to generalize and target one particular industry."
Reflecting on his own experiences, Tovino clarified that disparities in the industry are not purely based on gender. "I've worked on many projects without basic amenities like a vanity van, while the heroines had access to them," he explained. "It's more about the value one brings to a project rather than gender inequality."
Tovino also expressed strong support for taking severe action against those who commit serious offenses within the industry. "We need to ensure that offenders are punished," he said, "but we also need to remember that not everyone in the industry is guilty."
Tovino Thomas was in Mumbai promoting his upcoming film "Ajayante Randam Moshanam" [ARM], which is set in Northern Kerala across three different time periods—1900, 1950, and 1990. In the film, Tovino plays three generations of heroes—Maniyan, Kunjikelu, and Ajayan—who strive to protect a valuable treasure. Directed by Jithin Lal and co-starring Krithi Shetty and Aishwarya Rajesh, the film is slated for release in September.
In an exclusive interview, actor Tovino Thomas shared his thoughts on the Hema Committee Report and its implications. When asked about Revathi's statement that the report is a "powerful decision," Tovino expressed his agreement, while also pointing out that such issues are not unique to the Malayalam industry. "I appreciate Revathi's statement," he said. "But it's important to note that this committee was focused on the Malayalam industry. These issues exist in every industry, and society has its own way of correcting itself. This report, along with movements like 'Me Too,' accelerates that process."
Tovino emphasized that while the report brings necessary attention to the problems in the Malayalam film industry, it is unfair to single out one industry as uniquely problematic. "It hurts when the entire industry is painted in a negative light," he stated. "If someone has committed a terrible crime, they should be punished, but it's not right to generalize and target one particular industry."
Reflecting on his own experiences, Tovino clarified that disparities in the industry are not purely based on gender. "I've worked on many projects without basic amenities like a vanity van, while the heroines had access to them," he explained. "It's more about the value one brings to a project rather than gender inequality."
Tovino also expressed strong support for taking severe action against those who commit serious offenses within the industry. "We need to ensure that offenders are punished," he said, "but we also need to remember that not everyone in the industry is guilty."
Tovino Thomas was in Mumbai promoting his upcoming film "Ajayante Randam Moshanam" [ARM], which is set in Northern Kerala across three different time periods—1900, 1950, and 1990. In the film, Tovino plays three generations of heroes—Maniyan, Kunjikelu, and Ajayan—who strive to protect a valuable treasure. Directed by Jithin Lal and co-starring Krithi Shetty and Aishwarya Rajesh, the film is slated for release in September.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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