It's action time for Shwetha's women-powered AMMA

As Shwetha Menon takes the dais, she first makes it clear- It’s not the time to talk anymore, but the time for action. The acclaimed actor, who created history by becoming the first woman president of the 30-year-old Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA), made it clear that her team is focused on delivering results.

"Today, I sit before you with a far greater responsibility. I am no longer just Shwetha Menon — I am now the president of AMMA," she stated with resolve. "I have always spoken up and voiced my opinions in the past. But now, the time for talk is over. It’s time to act," she said during the session on "rescripting AMMA" at the Manorama News Conclave 2025, held at the Lulu Bolgatty International Convention Centre in Kochi.

At the same time, she urged people not to reduce AMMA’s future to a gender narrative alone. "This organisation was led by actors like MG Soman, Innocent, and Mohanlal. I plan to take their vision forward, but of course with some changes," she said. 

She acknowledged the existence of a power group in the industry, though 'such groups are prevalent in other industries too'. "Cinema is not about gender. It is about characters. It is the unity of so many people. Please don't dilute it and make it a gender conversation," she stressed.

She added that she will address the issues of women within the industry. "I have only taken the leadership five days ago. Give us time, but I will definitely sit with the women in the industry and listen to their difficulties. As a woman, I am sure I can understand their needs," she said.

She highlighted the inclusion of new members in the executive body, expressing hope for bringing about effective change through open and equal communication. "If leaders like Mohanlal and Mammootty were at the helm, our interactions might have been influenced by the respect for their seniority. Today, however, we function as a team where everyone communicates as equals," she said. 

Hema Committee report
She appreciated all the women who spoke out against their predators before the Hema Committee, but felt the focus was diluted. "Also, I believe not much can be done by the Hema Committee, unless we, as a unit, whether it be men or women, actor or producer, decide and think of making our working conditions better. A hundred years ago, the situation was different; it will continue to change for the better in the future," she said.

She maintained that she always stands for the victim and never with the abuser. "That has always been my stand," she added. 

On how AMMA is paving the way for change through their intervention in the recent Vinayakan-Yesudas issue, she said, AMMA has never stayed silent in the past. "The Association has always responded to issues. It has always stood by me in difficult times," she said.

She added that she has faced discrimination within the industry, but she has always voiced her opinion. "When I came to Mollywood from Bollywood, I faced issues with the cleanliness and changing rooms. When women had to arrive for a shoot at 7 am, they had to get ready by 5 am. However, men could arrive by 8 am. It was the same thing with the packup, when men could leave early. Of course, there are these technical issues," she said. She clarified that she emphasised the term 'technical issues' due to the conversation gaps, which need to be addressed.

She said she has always shared a close friendship with the members of the WCC. "Rima and Revathy chechi had contacted me during the elections and the win. Of course, beyond all that, we are women," she said.