Suhasini Maniratnam, during the opening panel discussion of the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, expressed concerns over the safety of women on Malayalam film sets, claiming they are particularly unsafe compared to other regional film industries. The conversation, moderated by actor-producer Vani Tripathi Tikoo, focused on Women’s Safety and Cinema and featured filmmakers and actors such as Imtiaz Ali, Kushboo Sundar, and Bhumi Pednekar.
Suhasini pointed out that the nature of filming in the Malayalam industry, where most films are shot on location rather than in a fixed studio, worsens the issue. While film crews in industries like Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi cinema typically return home after work, Malayalam film sets often involve extended stays in rural or remote areas. “Unlike other industries where you return home after work, in Malayalam films, the crew stays away from home for weeks, and that's where issues arise,” she explained.
“In Tamil films, we go back home to Chennai, in Telugu films, we go back home to Hyderabad, in Kannada films, we go back home to Bangalore, and in Hindi films, you go back home to Mumbai. But in Malayalam films, they don’t go back home, because there is no particular place. So, there were lines that were crossed,” she added.
Suhasini noted that with large groups—sometimes 200 to 300 people—living together in these locations, boundaries can easily be crossed, especially by individuals who might take advantage of the situation. Younger, less experienced members of the industry, she said, are often the most vulnerable.
Sharing her own experience, she revealed that when she asked her husband, director Mani Ratnam, how he deals with inappropriate behaviour on set, he told her he immediately removes those responsible. “If anyone crosses the line, they’re out,” she said.
Her comments come in the wake of the Hema Committee Report, which earlier this year exposed the widespread harassment and unequal treatment of women in the Malayalam film industry.