Key Takeaways
- The Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes has elected new leaders, including vice-presidents Asha Aravind and Sijoy Varghese.
- The organisation has been facing internal turmoil, including a no-confidence motion against the leadership and allegations of workplace harassment.
- The election of new leaders is expected to bring stability to the organisation and address the concerns of its members.
What happened
The Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) has elected new vice-presidents, Asha Aravind and Sijoy Varghese, in a revamp after the actorsโ body plunged into organisational turmoil.
An executive committee meeting of the association held on September 30, 2026, elected them to the posts of vice-president, which had remained vacant after the resignation of actors Lakshmipriya and Jayan Cherthala.
Actor Neena Kurup has been elected as the new treasurer, replacing actor and former treasurer Unni Shivpal, who was asked to go on leave following an alleged workplace harassment complaint by an employee of the association.
Actor Sarayu Mohan has been elected as the joint secretary, replacing actor Ansiba Hassan, who had stepped down from the post in February 2026 after accusing actor Tini Tom and a section of the members of subjecting her to character assassination and making alleged communal remarks targeting her.
Why it matters
The internal rift in the association had worsened after Shweta Menon, its first woman president, announced her resignation after a section of the association moved a no-confidence motion against the leadership at a general body meeting held in June.
The leadership was accused of failing to run the day-to-day affairs of the organisation and resolve the disputes within the outfit.
The election of new vice-presidents and other office-bearers is expected to bring stability to the organisation and address the concerns of its members.
What it means for you
The association has been facing organisational turmoil since the general body meeting in Kochi on June 21, 2026.
The new office-bearers are expected to work towards resolving the internal conflicts and improving the overall functioning of the organisation.
This development is significant for the Malayalam film industry, as AMMA is a prominent organisation that represents the interests of actors and other stakeholders.
By the numbers
- 2 new vice-presidents, Asha Aravind and Sijoy Varghese, have been elected.
- 1 new treasurer, Neena Kurup, has been elected.
- 1 new joint secretary, Sarayu Mohan, has been elected.
- June 21, 2026: The general body meeting in Kochi where the internal rift in the association worsened.
- February 2026: Actor Ansiba Hassan stepped down from the post of joint secretary.
What happens next
The association is expected to move forward with its new office-bearers and address the concerns of its members.
The Ernakulam Munsif Court had stayed the functioning of the ad hoc committee on the plea of Shweta Menon, and Mr. Pisharody stepped down from the post of convenor of the ad-hoc committee following the court order.
The new office-bearers will need to work towards rebuilding trust and stability within the organisation, and addressing the concerns of its members.
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The Malayalam film industry will be watching the developments in AMMA closely, as the organisation plays a crucial role in promoting the interests of actors and other stakeholders.
As the association moves forward, it will be important to monitor the progress of the new office-bearers and their ability to address the internal conflicts and improve the overall functioning of the organisation.
The election of new leaders is a significant step towards revamping the organisation, but it is only the first step in a long process of rebuilding and recovery.
The Malayalam film industry is a significant contributor to the Indian economy, and the stability and success of AMMA are crucial to its continued growth and development.
The Indian government has also taken steps to support the film industry, including the introduction of policies and initiatives to promote the growth of the sector.
However, the industry still faces challenges, including piracy, lack of infrastructure, and limited funding opportunities.
AMMA plays a crucial role in addressing these challenges and promoting the interests of actors and other stakeholders in the Malayalam film industry.
The organisation has been working to improve the working conditions and rights of actors, as well as to promote the growth and development of the industry as a whole.
The election of new leaders is a significant step towards achieving these goals, and it will be important to monitor the progress of the organisation in the coming months and years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is AMMA?
The Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes is a prominent organisation that represents the interests of actors and other stakeholders in the Malayalam film industry.
Why was there a no-confidence motion against the leadership of AMMA?
The no-confidence motion was moved against the leadership of AMMA due to allegations of failing to run the day-to-day affairs of the organisation and resolve the disputes within the outfit.
What are the challenges faced by the Malayalam film industry?
The Malayalam film industry faces challenges, including piracy, lack of infrastructure, and limited funding opportunities.
