What’s Happening In A.M.M.A? The Controversies & Conflicts Behind Shweta Menon’s Resignation

The Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), one of the most influential organisations in the Malayalam film industry, has once again been plunged into controversy.

In a dramatic development, actor Shweta Menon, the first woman to be elected president of AMMA, resigned from her post on Sunday, along with the entire executive committee, exposing deep divisions within the organisation.

The resignation marks the latest chapter in a prolonged period of instability for the actors’ body, which has struggled to recover from the fallout of the Justice Hema Committee report and a series of controversies involving several of its members.

Announcing her decision after AMMA’s annual general body meeting in Kochi, Shweta Menon said she could no longer continue under the prevailing circumstances. She also declared that she was resigning from the association itself.

Actress Shweta Menon Announces Resignation As AMMA Chief During General Body Meeting

“There are attempts to take the association into the hands of people who are facing allegations. I cannot remain as a puppet,” she told reporters, signalling serious differences within the organisation.

The annual general body meeting witnessed heated arguments from the very beginning. The dispute centred around the association’s financial accounts.

When General Secretary Kukku Parameswaran presented the annual receipts and payments statement, a section of members, including actors Siddique and Edavela Babu, questioned the transparency of the accounts. Several other members joined the criticism, leading to a deadlock over the approval of the financial statements.

As tensions escalated, discussions reportedly turned into a confrontation between supporters and critics of the leadership. With demands for accountability growing louder and a possible no-confidence motion looming, Shweta Menon announced the resignation of the entire executive committee.

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Following the mass resignation, AMMA constituted an ad hoc committee led by actor and MLA Ramesh Pisharody to oversee the association until fresh elections are held.

Shweta Menon’s election as AMMA president in 2025 was viewed as a significant moment for the organisation. She became the first woman to lead the three-decade-old association at a time when questions were being raised about the treatment of women in the Malayalam film industry.

Her appointment came after the previous executive committee led by superstar Mohanlal stepped down in 2024 following widespread criticism linked to the Justice Hema Committee report.

Many had hoped that a woman president would usher in reforms and rebuild trust in the organisation. However, critics argue that despite the leadership change, the power structure within AMMA remained largely unchanged.

Industry observers note that Shweta faced resistance from different factions within the association and often struggled to assert authority amid competing interests.

The roots of AMMA’s present crisis can be traced back to the Justice Hema Committee report, which highlighted the challenges faced by women working in Malayalam cinema.

The report triggered intense debate across Kerala and led to allegations of sexual misconduct against several film personalities. Questions were also raised about whether AMMA had done enough to protect women in the industry.

The controversy severely damaged the organisation’s reputation and created deep divisions among its members. Even after changes in leadership, the fallout from the report continued to influence internal politics.

Another sensitive issue that continues to divide the organisation is the case involving actor Dileep.

Although Dileep was acquitted by a sessions court in December 2025 of conspiracy charges related to the 2017 actor assault case, the matter remains emotionally and politically charged within the Malayalam film fraternity.

According to industry sources, different groups within AMMA continue to hold strong and opposing views on the issue. Some members believe certain influential figures still wield considerable influence within the organisation, making consensus difficult.

The latest internal conflict emerged after actor Ansiba Hassan, known for her role in the Drishyam films, resigned as AMMA’s joint secretary and levelled serious allegations against actor Tiny Tom.

Ansiba claimed she faced mental harassment within the organisation and alleged that Tiny Tom spread rumours about her and used a communal slur while referring to her. She further stated that she received little support from the leadership when she raised concerns.

Tiny Tom strongly denied the allegations, calling them baseless and insisting that he had never made communal remarks against anyone.

The controversy widened when actor Lakshmipriya admitted filing a police complaint against Ansiba over a personal dispute, while actor Neena Kurup later submitted a separate complaint against Tiny Tom, alleging abusive behaviour.