Panel flagged sexual harassment in Telugu film industry too, but Telangana govt found it ‘vague’

The Telugu film industry, commonly known as Tollywood, is one of India’s most vibrant and influential movie industries. Renowned for its grandeur and storytelling, it has gained a substantial fan base both in India and abroad. However, beneath the glitz and glamour lies a darker reality: reports of rampant sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of power have surfaced, shaking the industry’s image. Despite several committees flagging these issues, the response from authorities, particularly the Telangana government, has been criticized as inadequate. This article delves into the issues plaguing the industry, the systemic barriers to justice, and the government’s response—or lack thereof—to these troubling findings. The #MeToo movement, which gained momentum in India in 2018, brought to light numerous accounts of sexual harassment and misconduct in various industries, including entertainment. Tollywood was no exception. Prominent actresses, female crew members, and other professionals began to speak up about their harrowing experiences, exposing a deeply entrenched culture of sexism and harassment. Several notable names, including actresses like Sri Reddy, who led the charge against sexual exploitation in Tollywood, bravely shared their stories. The revelations painted a grim picture of powerful male figures, including directors, producers, and actors, exploiting their positions. Victims faced backlash, threats, and ostracization from the industry, further highlighting the power dynamics at play. In response to mounting pressure, various committees and panels were set up to investigate allegations of sexual harassment in Tollywood. The Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce and the Movie Artists Association (MAA) were among the first bodies to promise reform. These organizations vowed to introduce measures that would ensure a safe working environment for women in the industry. One significant development was the formation of an internal complaints committee (ICC) by the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce. The ICC was intended to provide a platform for survivors to report incidents of harassment without fear of reprisal. However, these committees often faced criticism for being ineffective and for failing to act on complaints promptly. In addition to industry bodies, external panels were also established to address the issue. One such panel, comprising prominent activists, legal experts, and government officials, was tasked with investigating and making recommendations to curb sexual harassment in Tollywood. Their findings were alarming, pointing to a widespread culture of abuse and a systemic failure to address grievances. The panel’s report highlighted several disturbing trends: Prevalence of Harassment: The panel found that sexual harassment was prevalent across all levels of the industry. From leading actresses to background dancers and technical crew, no group was immune. Incidents ranged from inappropriate comments and unwelcome advances to outright coercion and assault. Power Imbalances: The power dynamics in Tollywood were identified as a significant barrier to justice. Male directors, producers, and senior actors often wielded considerable influence, making it difficult for victims to come forward. Fear of losing work, retaliation, and character assassination were common deterrents. Lack of Awareness and Reporting Mechanisms: The report noted a lack of awareness about sexual harassment policies and reporting mechanisms among the industry’s workforce. Many women were unaware of their rights or how to seek help. Additionally, those who did attempt to report harassment were frequently met with apathy or hostility from the authorities.