AMMA projects show of unity after historic climax in election

AMMA elections ended not in division but in unity, with rivals embracing as results were declared. Presidential contenders Shwetha Menon and Devan hugged each other, setting the tone for a conciliatory new term. “If Shwetha is AMMA’s mother, then I am AMMA’s father,” Devan said, adding that his goal had been to contest fairly, ensure a woman’s victory, and in that sense, he had succeeded.

After voting, Mohanlal said that nobody has left AMMA and expressed hope for a strong and effective committee.

Until the announcement, the mood had been tense and many expected an open conflict, but AMMA as an organisation emerged as united after the elections. Actors such as Usha Haseena, who had earlier objected to Shwetha’s candidacy, told the media that she welcomed the decision and that any grievances had already been shared with the committee.

One of the major issues linked to the election was the case filed against Shwetha Menon.

Shwetha addressed the matter, saying she does not know the person who lodged the complaint and has no idea what prompted it.

After the results were announced, almost all the actors present appeared pleased, reflecting how AMMA had come together again as a single unit.

The polls recorded a 59 per cent turnout, with 298 of 504 members voting between 10 am and 1 pm. While prominent stars like Prithviraj Sukumaran and Kunchacko Boban were absent, actors including Tovino Thomas and Basil Joseph turned up. Devan observed that many young members distance themselves from AMMA, believing it exists mainly to secure film roles, and promised to work towards bringing them back.

Shwetha, visibly elated, said she had stayed silent until the very end. “I feel very happy. I never considered this a competition with Devan. There is a long road ahead and so much to do,” she said. Her win also carried a nostalgic coincidence — her debut film Anaswaram was released on August 15, 1991, the same date the results were declared this year.

While most members avoided speaking before the results, Mohanlal, Baburaj, Devan and Navya Nair briefly addressed the media. Navya cited personal reasons for withdrawing from the contest. Baburaj, who had stepped back after sexual misconduct allegations, urged the new committee to prioritise finding out who was behind the case against Shwetha.

Shwetha’s victory over Devan came after a tense face-off, while Kuku defeated veteran Raveendran in another close race. By the end of the day, the message was clear — AMMA’s future will be built on cooperation, not rivalry.