Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 31 (PTI) Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan emphasized the significant influence of the film industry on public thought and urged those involved to ensure that cinema remains free from elements that could corrupt or pollute minds. Speaking at a ceremony where the Sreekumaran Thampi award was presented to Malayalam superstar Mohanlal, Vijayan highlighted the moral responsibility of filmmakers to impart ethical values and lessons to the audience, reciprocating the love and support they receive from the public.

During his address, Vijayan underscored the importance of providing a platform where women can freely express their artistic talents without fear or imposed conditions. He stressed that no system should inhibit skill or creativity, particularly for women in the film industry.

Furthermore, Vijayan reiterated the state government’s commitment to creating a secure working environment for women in cinema. He mentioned that effective measures have been implemented to ensure their safety and dignity. The constitution of the Justice Hema Committee, following complaints from women in the film sector, stands as evidence of the government’s resolve to protect women’s rights and uphold their dignity in the workplace.

The Justice Hema Committee was established by the Kerala government in response to the 2017 actress assault case. Its report brought to light various instances of harassment and exploitation faced by women in the Malayalam cinema industry, prompting a focused effort from the government to address these issues and foster a safer environment for female artists.

In related news, discussions on entertainment industry developments continue, including Malayalam superstar Mohanlal addressing sexual harassment claims within Mollywood, and singer Shreya Ghoshal postponing her Kolkata tour due to a high-profile doctor rape-murder case.

Additionally, Kerala CPI(M) Secretary MV Govindan has affirmed the party’s commitment to accountability in sexual abuse cases, emphasizing the government’s dedication to justice for all affected individuals.