Radikaa Sarathkumar discloses hidden filming practices in Malayalam cinema vanity vans

Veteran Mollywood actress Radikaa Sarathkumar has revealed that actresses in the film industry are being secretly filmed in the nude by men using hidden cameras placed inside vanity vans.

She stated that these incidents aren't confined to the Malayalam cinema, which has been in the spotlight due to the recent revelations in the Hema Committee Report, but are also prevalent in the Tamil and Telugu film industries.

Radikaa recounted a specific experience while on a film set in Kerala, where she witnessed men gathered together, watching and laughing at something on their mobile phones.

Upon inquiry, she discovered that the video they were watching was secretly recorded footage of an actress changing clothes in a vanity van.

She was informed that these recordings were easily accessible by searching for the actress's name.

Outraged and concerned for her safety, Radikaa chose not to use her vanity van and instead opted to change in her hotel room.

She also warned her fellow actresses about the hidden cameras and confronted the film crew, threatening to take action if she found any hidden cameras in her van.

Radikaa refused to disclose the specific location of the incident, citing the potential repercussions.

She criticised the system and emphasised that a vanity van is a private space meant for changing, resting, and eating, and should not be violated in this manner.

The actress also addressed differing opinions within the industry, referencing actress Urvashi’s statement that vanity vans are safe in Kerala.

While acknowledging Urvashi's perspective, Radikaa asserted that these issues are not limited to Kerala but occur in other states as well.

Discussing the Justice Hema Committee Report, which investigates widespread sexual misconduct in the Malayalam film industry, Radikaa expressed frustration over the delay in its release.

With 46 years of experience in the industry, she acknowledged that there have been attempts to misbehave with her and stressed the importance of empowering women to say ‘No’ in such situations.

Radikaa pointed out that no male actor has spoken out about these issues, leaving women with the responsibility of protecting themselves.