’I don’t know anything’: Rajinikanth on Hema Committee report amid #MeToo wave in Malayalam film industry

A report by Justice Hema Committee, formed by the Kerala government after a 2017 assault case of an actress, has taken the country by storm. The report disclosed instances of sexual harassment and exploitation of women in the Malayalam film industry.

Several actors and actresses have issued strong statements on the report. However, on Sunday, Rajinikanth denied being aware of it.

At the Chennai airport, Rajinikanth was asked about the report by reporters. To it he said, "What? I am not aware of it, sorry."

After the report was released on August 19, several female actors have made sexual harassment allegations against prominent figures in the Malayalam film industry. However, 63 pages of the initial 295-page report have been redacted before its release under the RTI Act.

The report was based on testimonies from 51 industry professionals. It revealed shocking details about the exploitation of women, including the existence of casting couches and poor working conditions.

B Unnikrishnan, general secretary of the Film Employees Federation of Kerala, has said that the names of the perpetrators must be made public.

On Saturday, the National Commission for Women (NCW) sought the complete release of the report.

"In response to these concerns, the NCW has taken steps to seek the complete Hema Committee Report, as it appears that only parts of it are currently available in the public domain," the release by NCW said.

"The Commission is committed to furthering its efforts in addressing these matters with the appropriate authorities to ensure that the rights of women are upheld and that a safe, equitable working environment is fostered within the industry."

BJP National President JP Nadda has also recently said that Kerala Chief Minister should "come out and tell what really happened".

Moreover, after the report, actor Mohanlal resigned as the president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA).