Shwetha Menon backs Prithviraj to lead Malayalam movie artists association after Mohanlal

If all goes well, the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) may have a new President in actor Prithviraj Sukumaran. The organisation fell into a crisis after its former head, superstar Mohanlal, and several other office-bearers resigned en masse. This move came after the Hema Committee Report unveiled a series of sexual abuses in the Malayalam film industry.

Amid the resignation of AMMA's office-bearers, many actors, particularly women, have expressed their approval and relief.

Noted actress Shwetha Menon welcomed the executive committee’s decision to step down and voiced hope that the organization would see the emergence of new leaders who can effectively continue its ongoing initiatives. She suggested that a younger actor like Prithviraj has the potential to guide the association forward. "I feel Raju (Prithviraj) as a president in the future. I think he has the capability... calibre for the same," she told the press.


Veteran dubbing artist Bhagyalakshmi also expressed approval of the AMMA panel's resignation, stating that it was their responsibility to step down in light of the sexual allegations and accusations that had surfaced against its members.

What's Happening In Mollywood?

The Malayalam film industry has been steeped in controversy following the explosive findings of the Justice Hema Committee Report.

In response, AMMA President Mohanlal and the executive committee members resigned on Tuesday, a move driven by a series of sexual harassment allegations against various members. In a surprising development, the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) issued a press release announcing the mass resignation of its leadership, including President Mohanlal.

Reportedly, in his role as president, the veteran actor convened an online meeting with the association’s members to address the unprecedented crisis before the decision was made for the entire executive panel to resign.

In a subsequent statement, AMMA explained that the current administrative panel chose to step down, taking moral responsibility for the allegations that emerged.

All the revelations on harassment and abuse in the Malayalam film industry has sparked a flurry of revelations, with numerous female actors coming forward to share harrowing stories of mistreatment by their male colleagues. As the report gained attention, more accusations against various actors and directors began to surface.

In response to these allegations, the government announced the formation of a seven-member special investigation team to thoroughly investigate the claims that have emerged following the report's publication.

The Justice Hema Committee, established by the Kerala government after the 2017 actress assault case, has uncovered widespread harassment and exploitation of women in Malayalam cinema, leading to renewed demands for accountability and justice.