Shammi Thilakan said that the president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (A.M.M.A), has lost his ability to react (Image: Instagram @shammithilakan)

Actor Shammi Thilakan has sparked controversy with his candid remarks, stating that Mohanlal, the president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), has lost his ability to react effectively. He asserted that idols that ‘need to be broken’ and should be shattered, implying that Mohanlal’s leadership has become obsolete. He also made a cryptic comment, citing a proverb “Those who eat salt must drink water,” (Those who have made trouble are subject to accept the peril)  in reference to the ongoing Ranjith issue.

In an interview with Manorama News, Shammi Thilakan revealed that he has halted performing rituals (karma) after realising that his father’s (veteran actor Thilakan)  spirit remains present despite his efforts. This epiphany led him to conclude that there was no point in continuing to perform these deeds. He also referenced a 2018 meeting where Joy Mathew attributed the organisation’s problems to his father’s (Thilakan’s) practices, suggesting that his father’s spirit continues to influence the organisation.

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Additionally, he stated that Siddique’s resignation as AMMA’s General Secretary was inevitable, reiterating his phrase, “You can’t avoid the fallout of your actions.” He claimed that he was expelled from the organisation despite providing a satisfactory response to the show-cause notice, but was ultimately asked to appear in person and was expelled when he couldn’t comply.

The late actor Thilakan had raised his concerns and escalated tensions regarding the ‘uncanny’ incidents that happened in the AMMA organisation as he opposed and voiced against some of its executive members many years ago. He explained how those members oppress others which gradually leads to its fall.

In a talk show, Thilakan recalled his lousy experience which resulted in his exclusion from the Malayalam movie project Christian Brothers despite receiving an advance payment to act in that movie. Later the film producer acknowledged that he was forced by FEFKA to make a decision removing Thilakan from the role.

He was denied of certain films as an aftermath of his strong opposition towards the A.M.M.A members. Later he got banned from acting in movies as he exposed many prominent actors who dominated the industry and deliberately diminished the opportunities of other emerging actors.

Following his father’s path, Shammi Thilakan said that a ‘Mafia Group’ exists in the industry which is considered as highly influential. He slammed actor Ganesh Kumar for being one of the culprits behind his late father’s ban from all popular movies.

He had raised concerns about the defamation of his father after Thilakan died in 2018 at the A.M.M.A board meeting. However, A.M.M.A. president Mohanlal assured that the committee would push for an immediate solution to bring justice for his father. Despite this assurance, he continued to fight for his father’s reputation. He also questioned the silence of actors, espespecially Director Vinayan, regarding the female actors who came forward with revelations claiming that Vinayan is aware of the names of those who are in the power group.

The Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (A.M.M.A) which was established in 1994, is a prominent organisation representing film actors in the Malayalam cinema industry. Its governing body, comprising a president, vice presidents, general secretary, and other members, serves a three-year term.

However, A.M.M.A found itself embroiled in controversy in August 2024, following the release of the Justice Hema Committee Report exposing the dark side of the Malayalam film industry. The report was completed in 2019 but kept under wraps until a Kerala High Court order revealed widespread discrimination and challenges faced by women in the industry.

The Committee was formed in 2017 after the shocking abduction and sexual assault of a prominent actress, the committee uncovered a male-dominated industry rife with misogyny, where a powerful “mafia” of influential male actors, directors, and producers wield significant control over A.M.M.A and the industry at large, suppressing any opposition to their authority over their female co-actors.

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