In a dramatic turn of events, the executive committee of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) was dissolved on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, following mounting allegations of sexual assault and misbehavior levied against its members. This shocking decision came after an emergency online meeting of the actors’ body, wherein all 17 members of the committee, including the renowned actor and president Mohanlal, collectively submitted their resignations. This move was made to address the growing concerns and allegations of sexual abuse and misbehavior involving various members, including some office-bearers.
The newly-formed executive committee, elected just this past June 2024, had an anticipated tenure that was set to last until 2027. However, following a slew of troubling allegations, actor Joy Mathew confirmed to The Hindu that the decision to resign was unanimous, aiming to maintain moral integrity and respect within the Malayalam film industry. Despite this sweeping resignation, the existing committee members will continue to serve in an ad hoc capacity to ensure that AMMA’s welfare projects and initiatives for its members remain unaffected during this interim period.
Among the most significant triggers for this unprecedented dissolution was the resignation of actor Siddique, who held the position of general secretary within the association. Siddique resigned on Sunday after actress Revathy Sampath accused him of sexual assault. This incident was a pivotal point that led the committee to take collective responsibility for the contentious developments that ensued following the release of the K. Hema Committee report, a comprehensive investigation into the issues faced by women in the Malayalam film industry.
These resignations did not come without their share of earlier tensions and calls for justice. Prominent actors within the association, including Prithviraj, had been vocal about their demands for those accused of sexual misconduct to step down from their official roles. The pressure reached a boiling point, necessitating the drastic measure of disbanding the entire committee.
The dissolution of the committee has prompted the need for urgent restructuring. A new executive committee is projected to be installed within the coming two months, pending the convening of a general body election. During this period, the day-to-day operations and decision-making responsibilities of the association will be overseen by an ad hoc committee to ensure that AMMA’s essential functions and member support systems continue unimpeded.
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Significantly, the roster of resigning members is comprised of influential figures in the Malayalam cinema industry. Besides Mohanlal, notable members who submitted their resignations include vice-presidents actors Jagadish and R. Jayan. Additionally, Unni Mukundan, who served as the treasurer, and Baburaj, the joint secretary, also stepped down from their responsibilities. Other executive committee members included actors Kalabhavan Shajon, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Joy Mathew, Suresh Krishna, Tini Tom, Ananya, Vinu Mohan, Tovino Thomas, Sarayu Mohan, and Anseeba—all of whom chose to resign en masse.
The gravity of this situation reflects the broader challenges currently faced by the Malayalam cinema industry. The explosive revelations and subsequent ramifications highlight the urgency for systemic change and the creation of a safer, more respectful working environment for all professionals involved. The AMMA committee’s resignation is being seen as a significant, albeit challenging, step towards addressing these endemic issues.
Meanwhile, the dissolved AMMA committee, now functioning in an interim capacity, has pledged continued support and welfare services for its members. They ensure their commitment to transparency and accountability during this period of transition. Moreover, it remains pivotal for the ad hoc committee to maintain stability while navigating through these turbulent times.
These recent developments have sparked an extensive discourse on the necessity for stringent protocols and comprehensive protective measures to safeguard artists, particularly women, within the Malayalam film industry. As the community awaits the formation of a new executive committee, the collective hope is for substantive reforms and a renewed focus on ethical standards to restore faith and credibility in the industry.
The unfolding scenario also serves as a critical turning point, compelling the industry to introspect and commit to driving positive change. Stakeholders and observers alike are urging for continued vigilance and persistent advocacy to ensure that the Malayalam cinema industry emerges as a model of integrity and respect in the arts and entertainment sector.
