AMMA's historic election: Shwetha Menon and Kuku Parameswaran eye landmark wins

The Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) is gearing up for one of its most fiercely contested elections in its history. The upcoming vote, set for Friday at a city hotel, has generated significant buzz, with the possibility of a woman president for the first time ever. At the centre of this high-stakes battle are popular actress Shwetha Menon and actor-turned-BJP leader Devan, both vying for the prestigious president’s chair. Should Menon emerge victorious, she will make history as the first woman to lead AMMA since its inception.

Equally intense is the race for the general secretary’s position. Actress Kuku Parameswaran is up against veteran actor Raveendran for the role. A win for Parameswaran would also mark a significant milestone, as she would become the first woman to hold such a powerful position within the organisation.

As per reports from IANS, an anonymous AMMA member has described the election as a "touch and go" affair, with no clear favourite emerging. "There’s no official panel this time. Each candidate is fighting their own battle. The presidential and secretary contests are both 50-50, and while 500 members are eligible to vote, turnout may only reach about 50 per cent," the source added.

Tensions have been running high in the lead-up to polling day. Last week, AMMA’s ad-hoc committee issued a gag order, instructing members not to discuss internal matters with the media until after the election. This move came after a public spat between actresses Ponnamma Babu and Maala Parvathy regarding the association’s finances. The altercation reportedly raised concerns among industry veterans Mohanlal and Mammootty, prompting election officials to threaten strict action against those who violated the gag order.

Beyond the electoral drama, the incoming leadership will inherit a host of significant challenges, particularly unresolved issues with the Income Tax Department. With history potentially in the making and key positions up for grabs, AMMA's 2024 election is shaping up to be a defining moment for the organisation—and a potential turning point for women's representation in Malayalam cinema's most influential body.