The Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) is facing a significant upheaval as its entire executive committee, including President Mohanlal, stepped down amid escalating allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct within the Malayalam cinema industry. The decision came after an urgent online meeting on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, where all 17 members of the committee chose to resign collectively in response to the serious allegations against several of them, including prominent office-bearers.
The allegations have sparked outrage and concern within the industry, leading to the dissolution of the executive committee. The committee, elected in June 2024 for a term extending to 2027, opted to abdicate their roles in light of these events, taking moral responsibility for the scandal. This decision follows the high-profile resignation of actor Siddique, who left his position as the general secretary of the association on Sunday after being accused of sexual assault by actress Revathy Sampath.
A key moment catalyzing this internal crisis was the release of the K. Hema Committee report, an investigative document that outlined the systemic issues and rampant sexual harassment faced by women in the Malayalam film industry. The report’s findings prompted severe backlash and demands for accountability from both the public and within AMMA itself.
Notable actor Joy Mathew, speaking to The Hindu, confirmed that the committee’s decision to resign was unanimous, driven by escalating accusations and the need to uphold the integrity of the organization. Despite the collective resignations, the former committee members will continue to manage the day-to-day operations of AMMA on an interim basis to ensure ongoing welfare measures for the association’s members are not disrupted.
The resignations do not mark the end of the ordeal. The association is now tasked with the formidable job of reconstructing its leadership. A new executive committee is expected to be formed within the next two months via a general body election. Until then, an ad-hoc committee will oversee the daily affairs, attempting to stabilize the organization and restore trust among its members.
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Amidst the controversy, notable actors like Prithviraj have voiced their dissatisfaction, demanding that any member facing allegations should step down. This internal pressure, coupled with public scrutiny, has led to an uneasy atmosphere within the association, as members grapple with the implications of the scandal and the need for comprehensive reforms.
Alongside Mohanlal, other high-profile resignations include Vice-Presidents Jagadish and R. Jayan, Treasurer Unni Mukundan, and Joint Secretary Baburaj. The executive committee had representatives from various facets of the film industry, including actors Kalabhavan Shajon, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Joy Mathew, Suresh Krishna, Tini Tom, Ananya, Vinu Mohan, Tovino Thomas, Sarayu Mohan, and Anseeba, all of whom have stepped down in unison.
The crisis within AMMA is a reflection of the broader issues of sexual misconduct and abuse of power pervasive in the entertainment industry. The K. Hema Committee report has jolted the community, shining a light on the uncomfortable truths that have long been whispered about but rarely addressed directly. The allegations against the AMMA members augur a period of significant turmoil and potential reform as the association seeks to rebuild its leadership while addressing the systemic issues unveiled by the report.
This scandal comes at a time when the film industry globally is increasingly under the microscope for its handling of sexual harassment and misconduct cases. Prominent movements like #MeToo have galvanized discussions and actions against such abuses, and the Malayalam cinema industry is no exception. The steps taken by AMMA, albeit under duress, are being closely watched as a litmus test for how seriously the industry takes issues of accountability and justice for victims of sexual harassment.
The upcoming months will be crucial for AMMA as it attempts to navigate this turbulent period, restructure its leadership, and implement reforms that address the deep-rooted issues of misconduct within the industry. The hope is that these steps will lead to a safer and more equitable working environment for all members of the Malayalam cinema community.
