Women leading the charge in AMMA elections? Here's how these artists are vying to change the narrative

Last August, the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA)—established in 1995 for the welfare of Mollywood artists—endured one of its most challenging periods. Several senior male members, including Siddique, faced allegations of sexual assault from women, which were highlighted by the explosive findings of the Hema Commission reports. Nearly a year later, AMMA, which had become the subject of widespread ridicule and criticism, is now seeking redemption. Leading the charge in the upcoming elections to AMMA are a group of women with strong opinions who have charted their own paths in their careers. This is particularly significant given that AMMA has long been seen as a male-dominated organisation.

In its 30-year history, this is the first time that AMMA has a woman contestant running for the presidency, a position that has previously only been held by men, such as Madhu, MG Soman, Innocent, and Mohanlal. If she wins against Devan, the other candidate for the position, Shwetha Menon will make history as the first woman to lead the over 500-member association. Even if she does not win, she will still have achieved a significant milestone, as no woman has ever contested for this post before. Additionally, Shwetha was the only woman to have served as vice-president of the association.

Kukku Parameswaran, a former state award-winning actress and dubbing artist who runs her own fashion and textile company, Cuckoo Designs, is poised to change the narrative if she wins the contest for the general secretary post. Should she defeat actor Raveendran, Kukku will become the first woman general secretary of AMMA—a role previously held only by Mammootty, Mohanlal, Edavela Babu, and Siddique. At 33, Ansiba Hassan is likely the youngest woman to serve as Joint Secretary in AMMA.

The ‘Drishyam’ actor, who previously served on the executive council under Mohanlal’s leadership, is now the second woman to hold that position, following Suchitra Murali. If both Shwetha Menon and Kukku Parameswaran win, it will mark the first time that women occupy the top three positions in AMMA.

Maala Parvathi, who has been outspoken about various issues in the industry, believes that women are fully capable of leading effectively. She emphasized that this year’s AMMA candidacy should not be viewed as a battle between men and women, but rather as a competition among individuals qualified to hold these positions. “Shwetha Menon and Kuckoo Parameswaran are women who have fought their own battles. If they win, it should be seen as a testament to their capabilities; their success should not solely be attributed to their gender,” she stated.

However, she noted that their struggles may be more challenging. “Some individuals are already working hard to tarnish the reputations of people like Kukku Parameswaran, who is running for the general secretary position. Even if she or Shwetha wins, there will always be those who seek to undermine them,” she added. Actor Jagadish, who previously ran for the presidency of AMMA but later withdrew his nomination, is perceived by some as sending a negative message. He claimed that his decision to step back was motivated by a desire not to hinder women candidates. However, a member of AMMA asserted, “Everyone knows why he withdrew his nomination. He was not being genuine when he said he did not want to be a hindrance to the women candidates. His statement conveyed a negative message.”

Director K. A. Nishad views it as a positive development when women take on leadership roles within an association, asserting that women are just as capable as men in administrative matters. However, he believes that individuals who resort to cheap tactics and dishonest behavior should not be allowed to run for elections in an organization like AMMA.

Others share the perspective that anyone with leadership capabilities, regardless of gender, should be eligible for the position of president. “Both men and women should avoid becoming mere puppets in the hands of influential individuals. That is where the real danger lies,” remarked a person close to the association.

Revolution in KFPA

Producer Sandra Thomas is one of the nominees who is set to contest to the post of president of the Kerala Film Producers Association. Sandra said she decided to contest the elections this year because of the rising discontent towards the leadership within the association. “I believe I have sufficient support within the organisation to become president. The current leadership is spineless and has never supported the actual needs of the producers within the association,” she said. She added that one should consider people’s capability and not their gender, while discussing candidacy. “Though it has not happened before, I don’t think people should judge this elections based on the gender of the person who is contesting. I am running for the post of president since I think I am capable enough to lead,” she said. She added there are negative campaigns surrounding her being circulated against her candidature. “The current argument is that I have only done five films and so I am not capable to run for the post of president. However, the producers’ association bylaw specifically states that the candidate should have done have at least three films. I am sure the current leadership has no qualms trying to state that I am ineligible to contest the elections,” she said.The scrutiny of nomination papers will be completed on August 4 and the film producers’ association will go to the polls on August 14,” she said.