Is AMMA's Decision to Elect a New Team Going to Be Challenging?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Mammootty and Mohanlal have guided the industry for over 30 years.
- The Hema Committee report revealed serious issues facing women in the industry.
- Allegations of misconduct have led to significant leadership changes.
- Elections for a new team are expected within three months.
- The absence of key figures has created uncertainty for AMMA's future.
Kochi, June 24 (IANS) For more than thirty years, the Malayalam film fraternity has been under the leadership of Mammootty and Mohanlal, whose words have consistently commanded respect and served as the cohesive force within the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA), despite the prominent egos of its members.
Recently, the dynamics within AMMA have been under scrutiny since the release of the Hema Committee report, which highlighted the shocking conditions endured by women in the industry.
The situation escalated when numerous female artists, primarily those in supporting roles, came forward with serious allegations of sexual exploitation by notable male actors.
Problems intensified when the newly appointed general secretary, Siddique, had to resign after allegations against him emerged last year.
Despite the Mohanlal-led AMMA executive having a three-year term, the team opted to step down following the allegations and subsequent police complaints, but was asked to function as an ad-hoc committee until the next annual general body meeting.
During the annual meeting held on Sunday, discussions revealed significant differences regarding the future direction of AMMA.
Ultimately, it was resolved that rather than appointing new individuals for the roles of secretary and treasurer, a new election would take place.
An actor, speaking on the condition of anonymity, indicated that this election is expected to occur in three months, likely in September.
Meanwhile, Mohanlal has informed his close associates that he will refrain from taking any positions and believes it is best for a new team of emerging actors to assume leadership.
However, this new generation of actors is showing little interest in leading AMMA, resulting in confusion. The absence of Mammootty, who is currently unwell and distancing himself from all film-related activities, is particularly detrimental to AMMA.
Mammootty's opinions have always been highly regarded, and his absence is a significant loss for the organization.
With Mohanlal firmly stating his disinterest, all eyes are now on who will rise to fulfill the unifying role as discussions commence on creating a new leadership team for AMMA through democratic means.