Archive · 17 Aug 2025
AMMA Elects First Female Leaders Amid Controversy
AMMA, a Malayalam film actors' group, has new leaders: Shwetha Menon and Cuckoo Parameswaran.
It's a first for women!
Some members who left are asked to come back.
One actor, Kollam Thulasi, made some very bad, sexist comments about women after the change.
Another actor, Bhavana, isn't part of AMMA anymore so she didn't say anything about the new leaders.
Shwetha Menon and Cuckoo Parameswaran are now AMMA's president and general secretary.
This is the first time women hold these top positions since AMMA's 1994 inception.
Asif Ali urges previously departed members to return to AMMA.
Kollam Thulasi made controversial, misogynistic remarks regarding the leadership change.
Bhavana declined to comment, stating she is no longer an AMMA member.
- Who
- Shwetha Menon, Cuckoo Parameswaran, Asif Ali, Kollam Thulasi, Bhavana, and AMMA members.
- What
- Shwetha Menon and Cuckoo Parameswaran become AMMA's president and general secretary, respectively, marking the first time women lead the organization.
- When
- Following controversies and the resignation of the previous executive committee in August 2024.
- Where
- Within the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA).
- Why
- To address past issues and seek unity within the organization.
Progress & Inclusion
Addressing Issues
Effectiveness of Change
Progress & Inclusion
Appointment of female leadership represents progress and addresses historic gender imbalances.
Addressing Issues
The appointment alone does not address deep-seated issues such as exploitation and power imbalances.
Reconciliation
Progress & Inclusion
Calls for the return of former members signal a desire for healing and reconciliation.
Addressing Issues
Some members may feel that AMMA has not adequately addressed the issues that led to their departure.
Misogyny
Progress & Inclusion
Kollam Thulasi's misogynistic comments were widely condemned.
Addressing Issues
Those comments are not representative of all members' views.
- Organization
- AMMA (Association of Malayalam Movie Artists)
- New President
- Shwetha Menon
- New General Secretary
- Cuckoo Parameswaran
- Executive Committee Term
- 3 years
- Controversial Remarks
- Kollam Thulasi's misogynistic comments
Sources
Malayalam film body gets first woman head as Shwetha Menon wins controversial election - Telegraph India
Shwetha Menon urges assault survivors to return to AMMA
