From Mohanlal to Tovino, stars line up to vote in AMMA elections

The Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) is witnessing one of the most fiercely contested elections in its history today. Voting began at 10 am at the Marriott Hotel, Kochi, and will continue until 1 pm, with results expected by 4 pm.

At the centre of the high-stakes battle is the race for the president’s post, with popular actress Shwetha Menon and actor-turned-BJP leader Devan going head-to-head. If Menon wins, she will become the first woman to lead AMMA since its inception — a historic moment for the organisation.

The fight for the general secretary’s position is equally intense, with actress Kuku Parameswaran up against veteran actor Raveendran. A win for Parameswaran would also be groundbreaking, making her the first woman to hold the post. If both Shwetha and Kuku emerge victorious, AMMA will see women at its helm for the very first time.

By mid-morning, several leading names in Malayalam cinema had cast their votes, including Mohanlal, who told reporters that “nobody has left AMMA” and expressed confidence that “a good committee will be formed.” Actor Dharmajan Bolgatty also spoke to the media, calling it “a very critical election” with “apt individuals contesting.”

Many actors, however, kept a low profile, avoiding interaction with the press before and after voting. Those spotted at the venue included Joju George, Tovino Thomas, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Maniyanpilla Raju, Nikhila Vimal, Dharmajan Bolgatty, Sudhir Karamana and Baiju Santhosh. Union Minister and actor Suresh Gopi also arrived to cast his vote.

In the early run-up to the polls, Jagadeesh, Raveendran, Jayan Cherthala, and Anoop Chandran had also filed nominations for the president’s post, but later withdrew.

AMMA currently has 504 members, with at least half expected to cast their votes today.