AMMA election: Stars face off as high-stakes battle looms in Malayalam actors body

Politics Politics of India

Posted by AI on 2025-08-13 08:37:53 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-08-13 22:59:21

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The upcoming elections to the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), the apex body of Malayalam movie artists, is witnessing a fierce battle, with seasoned actors and newcomers facing off for the top posts.

The upcoming elections to the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), the apex body of Malayalam movie artists, is witnessing a fierce battle, with seasoned actors and newcomers facing off for the top posts.

The elections, scheduled for August 15, have posed a unique set of challenges for the artists' body, as divisions among members have widened, largely owing to the handling of the recent controversy and lawsuit against the organization.

The controversial candidacy of actor Geetanand for the post of secretary general has split the association into two factions. Geetanand is facing charges of sexual harassment and abuse of power, which he denies, and is being supported by current officebearers, including president and veteran actor Mohanlal.

This group is facing opposition from several members, including noted actress Remya Krishna, who has alleged that the association has failed to provide adequate support to victims of harassment and abuse within the industry.

The controversy has resulted in some members urging Geetanand to step aside from the election, with actor Siddique saying that "the atmosphere is not conducive" for him to continue in the race.

In another key contest, senior actor Devan is vying for the post of president against Shwetha Menon, a notable actress who has been active in the industry for two decades.

Menon, who has starred in both south Indian languages, is regarded as a trailblazer for her breakthrough performance as a transgender person in the film `Manjari' (`Shavukalku Panemachiyode' in Malayalam), for which she won critical acclaim, and several prestigious awards.

She is known for taking up socially relevant themes and issues in her performances.

The post of general secretary will see a face-off between Kukku Parameswaran and Raveendran.

Devan, Shwetha Menon, Kukku Parameswaran, and Raveendran did not respond to requests for comment for this article.

The AMMA has been mired in several controversies in the recent past over the handling of funds and the lawsuit against it, over whether to accept a donation from a casino organization.

The upcoming elections are significant as the association seeks to regain the trust of its members and strengthen its reputation as a welfare organization for artists.

The poll results, to be announced on August 15, will set the future course for the association and its role in the Malayalam film industry.

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