The Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) is facing another internal crisis after its first female president, Shweta Menon, resigned from the post along with the entire executive committee on Sunday. Menon, who scripted history by becoming the first-ever woman president to lead the body, also announced her decision to quit as a member of the three-decade-old actors’ association.
The resignation came at the end of AMMA’s annual general body meeting in Kochi, where disagreements over the association’s functioning and financial transparency led to heated exchanges among members.
Menon, who took charge as president after being elected last year, said she could not continue under the circumstances. “There are attempts to take the association into the hands of people who are facing allegations. ” she told reporters after announcing her resignation.
What triggered the resignation?
One of the main reasons for the escalation was a disagreement over AMMA’s annual accounts. When general secretary Cuckoo Parameswaran presented the association’s receipts and payments statement at the annual general body meeting, some members questioned the lack of clarity and transparency in the accounts.
Veteran actors Siddique and were among those who raised objections, following which more members joined the discussion. The disagreement reportedly reached a deadlock, with the annual statement failing to receive approval.
Veteran actor Jagadish later alleged that the committee led by Menon had failed to present the accounts transparently. “There was a major lapse on their part in this regard,” he said, adding that internal disputes being taken to the media had also affected AMMA’s reputation in public.
According to Jagadish, some members were even planning to move a no-confidence motion against the leadership. However, the executive committee decided to resign before the motion could be taken up.
What next for the film body?
Following the resignation of the 17-member executive body, an ad-hoc committee has been formed to oversee AMMA’s functioning until fresh elections are conducted. The temporary panel will be led by actor and MLA Ramesh Pisharody.
Actor Baburaj confirmed the formation of the interim committee after the meeting.
Meanwhile, former president Mohanlal appealed for unity among members of the association. His committee amid growing controversy following the release of the Justice Hema Committee report. Some of the members of the association were accused of sexual misconduct and the report exposed various cracks in the industry including cases of harassment, pay disparity and logistical issues.
Why has AMMA been under pressure?
AMMA has faced intense scrutiny since the Hema Committee report highlighted concerns about the treatment of women in the Malayalam film industry. After the report became public in 2024, involving members of the film fraternity emerged, putting pressure on industry organisations, including AMMA.
The association has also faced criticism over its handling of cases involving members accused of misconduct.
An Indian Express report cited sources flagging internal divisions within AMMA, claiming different factions within the organisation have made decision-making difficult. “There is still a strong case) lobby in AMMA. There are other lobbies led by other actors who are accused of sexual misconduct. Hence, it is very difficult to run the ship in AMMA,” a source said.
Fresh tensions within the association
The latest conflict reportedly intensified after actor Ansiba Hassan, known for her role in the Drishyam films, alleging character assassination.
The issue led to disagreements within AMMA, with some members publicly questioning the association’s handling of the matter. A gag order issued by AMMA asking actors not to make media statements on the issue with the media also faced opposition from a section of members.
A source said that despite the , the organisation continued to be controlled largely by male members. “Despite electing a woman president, AMMA remained a male organisation led by male stars,” the source said.
With the leadership stepping down and fresh elections yet to be held, AMMA now faces the challenge of rebuilding trust among its members while addressing the long-running internal disagreements that have followed the association for years.