The resignation of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists’ (AMMA) executive committee, including its president Mohanlal, has drawn a range of reactions from industry insiders. While some welcomed the mass resignation, hoping it would usher in a younger and more effective leadership, others argued that resigning en masse was not the right approach, as it felt like a betrayal to those who had elected them.
Amid allegations that AMMA’s leadership chose to resign as an act of escapism, avoiding addressing difficult questions, actors Sarayu and Ananya voiced their disagreement with the decision to dissolve the executive committee, as reported by Manorama Online. Both actors, who were part of the now-disbanded committee, claimed they did not submit their resignations and that the decision was made without their consent. In response, the former AMMA leadership, citing legal advice, claimed that the actors’ protest lacked merit. It also pointed out that, with the executive committee disbanded, the actors cannot continue in their positions.
Meanwhile, actor Jagadish, the former vice-president of the dissolved committee, praised actor Prithviraj Sukumaran for his strong principles. He made these remarks during the success celebrations of Guruvayoor Ambalanadayil, noting that Prithviraj does not let factors like seniority influence his decisions. Jagadish’s comments have attracted attention, as there is already growing support within the industry for Prithviraj to take over AMMA’s leadership. Hence, Jagadish’s praise seems more than just courtesy towards a colleague.
Jagadish also mentioned that many AMMA members believe leadership should be passed on to the younger generation. However, he emphasised that the decision of whether Prithviraj will assume leadership is one that only the latter can make.
Actor Vinu Mohan, also a former executive committee member, assured that AMMA’s welfare programmes would continue uninterrupted, even without a formal governing body. Speaking with Reporter Live, Mohan said he had never sensed the presence of a power group within the organisation, though he acknowledged the competitive nature of the industry. He added that if a case has been filed against Mukesh, it would be appropriate for him to step down as a legislator.
National Award-winning filmmaker and Kerala State Film Development Corporation (KSFDC) chairman Shaji N Karun echoed similar views regarding Mukesh’s situation. Regarding the mass resignation in AMMA, Karun remarked that if the committee realised it couldn’t fulfil its responsibilities, resigning was a wise choice.
Former Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar, meanwhile, stated that the Justice Hema Committee has exposed the power imbalance in Kerala’s film industry and how some actors misuse their power to exploit vulnerable women. “Women anywhere in India have a right to work in safe and non-exploitative work places, whatever profession they pursue – scientist to driver to actress to soldier to doctor to nurse – that is every woman’s fundamental right. In the last 10 years, women empowerment and safety in India has progressed considerably including Women’s Reservation Bill. But a lot needs to be done still. Male predators continue to torment women as Kolkota rape and the recent Hema Committee report show,” he noted on X.
“Hema Committee exposes the asymmetry of power in Kerala’s movie Industry and misuse by a few actors of that power to exploit vulnerable women actors. This must be investigated quickly, transparently and fairly under law and those guilty should not be spared. This must not be allowed to be brushed under the carpet.”
In a media interaction, Kerala’s Transport Minister and actor KB Ganesh Kumar voiced his concern over the mass resignation, particularly Mohanlal’s departure. “We cannot afford that as Mohanlal is a good man. He was a very strong president…The association is very helpful to the poor people who were working in the film industry,” Kumar said, news agency ANI reported.
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