The release of the Justice Hema Committee report has sparked controversy in the Malayalam film industry and has led to calls for similar committees to be formed in other Indian film industries to address issues of sexual harassment. In the Kannada industry, members of the Film Industry for Rights and Equality (FIRE) recently met with Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to discuss creating a safe working environment for female artists. Subsequently, the film chamber organized a meeting with female artists to address sexual harassment and other forms of abuse prevalent in the industry on September 16. Key figures in the film industry share their perspectives on the matter:

- The Karnataka State Commission for Women has instructed us to organize a meeting on women's safety in our industry. We will respect this directive and hold discussions with all female artists on this topic. — NM Suresh, President, Karnataka Film Chamber

- I fail to understand why the #MeToo issue has resurfaced in the Kannada industry when there is nothing to protest against. What if a female artist were to file a false #MeToo complaint against a director, producer, or actor simply because she was expected to fulfill her commitments? I believe that the film chamber is fully competent to handle industry matters, and any aggrieved party can easily approach us. — Sa Ra Govindu, former President of the Producers' Association and Film Chamber

- I believe that both men and women in our industry operate on equal footing. If any actions are consensual, then no one has the right to interfere. However, in cases of coercion, I agree that it constitutes a #MeToo situation and can be addressed legally. — Ba Ma Harish, producer and former President of the film chamber