Vishal: Will form a committee similar to Hema Committee in Tamil cinema

As the Hema Committee's report on how females are treated in Malayalam cinema has opened a pandora's box in Kerala, actor Vishal, who is also the general secretary of the South Indian Artistes' Association (SIAA), has assured such a measure in the Tamil industry.

Taking a harsh line on casting couches and other ill-treatment meted out to women in the Tamil industry, Vishal made a sharp remark, saying, "People who are misbehaving with women should be hit with slippers." He also expressed concern over the situation women go through in Kerala.

"I was asked: Is there no one to address the suffering of Tamil actresses? I want to reassure them, we (SIAA) are there, and we won't let the miscreants go scot-free," Vishal added, in the wake of the Hema Committee Report's spillover effect in the Tamil industry.

The over 200-page Hema Committee Report, that was made public on August 20, revealed the existence of an all-male power group consisting of 15 prominent figures, including directors, producers, and actors.

According to the report, this group dictates who remains in the industry and who is cast in films. The report states, "The Malayalam film industry is controlled by certain producers, directors, and actors— all male. They dominate the industry and exert influence over others working in cinema." It also highlights the presence of criminal and misogynistic elements within the industry.