Kochi: In a significant development that has sent shockwaves through the Malayalam film industry, Megastar Mohanlal has stepped down from his position as President of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA). The decision, announced on Tuesday, comes amid a mounting controversy surrounding the organisation’s response to the Hema Committee Report and the increasing allegations of misconduct within the industry.
Mohanlal’s resignation follows growing unrest within AMMA, with many members expressing dissatisfaction over how the organisation has handled the recent scandals. The Hema Committee Report, which has brought serious accusations against several prominent figures in the Malayalam film industry, has created a storm of criticism, with accusations of sexual harassment and misconduct continuing to surface.
The controversy reached a tipping point when a section of AMMA’s executive committee reportedly decided to resign, citing their concerns over the organisation’s stance on these issues. On Tuesday, news broke that 17 executive committee members had tendered their resignations, leading to the disbanding of the committee.
The members who resigned alongside Mohanlal include General Secretary Siddique, and notable actors such as Jagadish, Jayan Cherthala, Baburaj, Unni Mukundan, Kalabhavan Shajon, Suraj Venjarammoodu, Joy Mathew, Suresh Krishna, Tini Tom, Ananya, Vinu Mohan, Tovino Thomas, Sarayu Mohan, Ansiba Hassan, and Jomol.
The mass resignation is seen as a clear indication of the growing dissent within AMMA, as the organisation grapples with the fallout from the Hema Committee Report. The report, which was commissioned to investigate sexual harassment and other issues within the film industry, has already led to several high-profile resignations and has tarnished the image of AMMA and its members.
Mohanlal, who has been a towering figure in the Malayalam film industry for decades, had taken on the role of AMMA President in 2018. His resignation, along with those of the other committee members, marks a significant shift in the leadership of the organisation at a time when it faces unprecedented challenges.
As the Malayalam film industry continues to navigate this turbulent period, all eyes will be on how AMMA reconstitutes its leadership and addresses the serious issues raised by the Hema Committee Report. The resignations signal a need for introspection and change within the organisation, as it seeks to restore its reputation and address the concerns of its members and the public.