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The release of the Hema Committee Report has ignited a firestorm within the South Indian film industry, particularly in Kerala, where the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) has found itself at the center of the controversy. The report, detailing instances of sexual abuse within the Malayalam cinema industry, has prompted FEFKA to demand the exposure of the perpetrators named therein. This demand, however, has been met with strong opposition from prominent figures within the industry, including director Aashiq Abu, who has publicly denounced FEFKA's general secretary, B Unnikrishnan, for his perceived hypocrisy in this matter.
Aashiq Abu's criticism stems from his belief that B Unnikrishnan has been inconsistent in his stance towards the Hema Commission report. Abu alleges that Unnikrishnan, despite his recent pronouncements on taking action against sexual abusers, has historically exhibited support for a particular cine artist who was implicated in the report. This accusation has led Abu to urge the Kerala government to remove Unnikrishnan from the film policy panel, citing his belief that Unnikrishnan's presence on the panel is detrimental to the industry's progress towards a safer and more equitable environment. He contends that Unnikrishnan's leadership within FEFKA is characterized by a feudalistic grip that stifles dissent and prevents meaningful reform.
Adding to the pressure on Unnikrishnan, filmmaker Vinayan has echoed Abu's call for his removal from the film policy panel. Vinayan contends that Unnikrishnan's past involvement in anti-competitive practices disqualifies him from serving on such a committee. This reference alludes to a 2020 Supreme Court ruling that found Unnikrishnan and other trade organizations responsible for violating provisions of the Competition Act. The culmination of these accusations, coupled with the public scrutiny brought about by the Hema Committee report, has placed Unnikrishnan's position within FEFKA under intense pressure. This situation raises significant questions about the future of FEFKA and its ability to effectively address the issues of sexual abuse and misconduct that have plagued the Malayalam film industry.
Source: Why Aashiq Abu Has Called For B Unnikrishnan’s Removal From FEFKA