The Malayalam movie industry in 2024 found itself at a critical juncture, grappling with a series of controversies and scandals that have cast a shadow over its reputation. This year marked a watershed moment in the ongoing battle against sexual harassment and discrimination, with the long-awaited release of the Hema Committee report. Although delayed by over four years and heavily redacted, the report has sparked a powerful wave of discussions and scrutiny within the industry.

Additionally, the year has witnessed intense debates over the portrayal of Malayali culture in cinema, particularly the depiction of disorderly conduct of Malayalis in public spaces, and the needlessly graphic, often gratuitous, on-screen depiction of sexual violence and the objectification of women. At the heart of these controversies are concerns about the underrepresentation of women in the industry, with many highlighting the prevalence of ‘invisible women’—typecast characters who lack depth or agency. Further fueling the...