The Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) is holding its general body meeting in Kochi on Sunday, and all eyes are on veteran actor Mohanlal, who is expected to retain his position as president despite previously stepping down. The meeting comes at a time when the organization is navigating leadership instability and mounting public criticism over its handling of sensitive issues within the Malayalam film industry.
According to an Asianet News report, Mohanlal has informed the body that he will not contest if elections are held. However, the ad hoc committee appears keen on retaining him as president without going to vote, which suggests the committee may continue in its current form.
No Election Likely; Mohanlal May Lead Without Contest
The current general body meeting is being viewed as a critical moment in AMMA’s internal functioning. After Mohanlal resigned from his post in August last year, the governing body was dissolved. The resignation followed the explosive revelations made in the redacted version of the Hema Committee report, which detailed various forms of abuse within the Malayalam film industry.
In the absence of a permanent leadership team, an ad hoc committee was set up with Mohanlal at the helm. With him likely to continue, reports also suggest that elections might be avoided altogether, allowing the existing team to manage operations without democratic restructuring.
Shake-Up in Office Bearers Following Controversies
AMMA’s leadership has seen multiple exits in the past year. Siddique, the former general secretary, stepped down after multiple allegations of sexual misconduct were leveled against him. Similarly, actor Unni Mukundan, who served as treasurer, resigned in January 2024, citing work pressure and mental health issues.
In their place, actor Baburaj is being considered for the role of general secretary, while another prominent industry name is expected to fill the treasurer’s position.
Spotlight Returns to Hema Committee Report
The organization’s decisions come as the industry continues to grapple with the fallout of the Hema Committee report. The report exposed systemic abuse and exploitation of women in the Malayalam film space. Earlier this month, actress Parvathy Thiruvothu voiced her frustration over the Kerala government’s inaction.
“Now can we focus on the ACTUAL reason this committee was formed? Putting policies in place to help make regulations in the industry? What is happening with that? No rush, eh? It’s only been five and a half years since the report was submitted,” she wrote.
While AMMA appears to be stabilizing its leadership structure for now, the demand for meaningful reform within the industry continues to grow louder.
