The Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) is grappling with a seismic upheaval as the entire executive committee was dissolved on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, amid intensifying allegations of sexual misconduct and harassment against its members. This sweeping decision comes on the heels of mounting accusations from women within the Malayalam film industry, bringing the association under intense scrutiny.
In an unprecedented move, all 17 members of the executive committee, including its president, seasoned actor Mohanlal, tendered their resignations following an emergency online meeting. The crisis meeting concluded with a unanimous agreement that due to the severity and pervasiveness of the allegations, the current committee could no longer continue in its role. The committee, which had only recently been elected in June 2024 with a mandate extending until 2027, now faces disarray and uncertainty.
Prominent actor Joy Mathew briefed The Hindu, elaborating that the decision was a collective acknowledgment of the moral responsibility the committee holds amidst the serious allegations. He stressed that while the executive committee members have all stepped down, they would remain in an ad hoc capacity to ensure that AMMA’s welfare programs for its members would not be interrupted during this turbulent period.
The series of allegations reached a tipping point when actor Siddique, who was the general secretary of the association, resigned on Sunday following claims of sexual assault made by actress Revathy Sampath. These allegations have shone a harsh light on the organization, prompting demands for accountability and transparency. The recent K. Hema Committee report, which investigated the struggles faced by women in the Malayalam film industry, has acted as a catalyst for these dramatic developments, unveiling stark insights into pervasive harassment and misconduct.
Discontent has been simmering within the association, with several actors, including notably Prithviraj, calling for those under suspicion to step down from their official roles. The wave of dissatisfaction indicates a growing resolve within the industry to address and rectify the deep-seated issues of misbehavior and abuse.
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The AMMA’s plan to form a new executive committee is set to be initiated within two months through a general body election. Until then, an ad-hoc committee will oversee the day-to-day operations to maintain stability and ensure that the association’s functions are not derailed.
In addition to Mohanlal, other senior members who have resigned include vice-presidents Jagadish and R. Jayan, with Unni Mukundan and Baburaj stepping down from their roles as treasurer and joint secretary, respectively. The executive committee also saw resignations from actors Kalabhavan Shajon, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Joy Mathew, Suresh Krishna, Tini Tom, Ananya, Vinu Mohan, Tovino Thomas, Sarayu Mohan, and Anseeba.
This dissolution represents a significant moment for the Malayalam film industry, highlighting the urgent need for reform and the establishment of safe working environments for all members. The spotlight on harassment and abuse within the industry has galvanized broader conversations on gender equality and protection within professional settings.
The dissolved executive committee’s commitment to stepping aside, despite their elected terms, underscores an acknowledgment of the serious concerns raised and a willingness to take moral responsibility for the environment fostered under their watch. However, as the industry navigates this period of contention and upheaval, the overarching question remains—will this act of accountability catalyze meaningful change?
The new executive committee, upon formation, will have the daunting task of rebuilding trust and ensuring that AMMA becomes a bastion of support, safety, and opportunity for its members. Transparent handling of future cases and community-driven measures will be critical to restoring faith among the association’s members and the public.
The series of allegations and subsequent resignations have brought an intense focus on the Malayalam cinema industry. Moving forward, it will be essential for the industry to not only address these specific instances of misconduct but also to foster an environment where such issues can be proactively prevented and openly discussed. Ultimately, this could be a watershed moment for the cultural and operational dynamics within the Malayalam film industry, potentially setting a precedent for other film fraternities across the nation.
