Silenced Voices and Acts of Resistance: Investigating Female Agency and the Criminalisation of Casting Couch Practices in Malayalam Cinema

Abstract

With an emphasis on female agency and the criminalisation process, this article investigates casting couch practices in the Malayalam film industry. Casting couch practices continue to exist despite the casual nature of the entertainment industry. This study examines how women negotiate, oppose, and confront these exploitative relationships using a feminist criminological framework and the availability of existing legal frames to tackle the issue. Data sources include testimonials from industry specialists, media reports, and legal files. The thematic analysis identifies patterns of resistance, agency, and the legal and societal barriers faced by women in reporting harassment.  Though female agency manifests through silent resistance, networking, and public testimony, weak legal enforcement and the industry's reluctance to adopt comprehensive behaviour standards perpetuate a culture of silence. This study advocates for enhanced activism and regulatory reforms to establish a safer and more equitable working environment for women in Malayalam cinema.