The ongoing turmoil within the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) deepened on Monday after acclaimed actors Revathy and Padmapriya announced their resignation from the organization, citing concerns over patriarchy, accountability and internal power structures.
The resignations mark another significant development in a period of uncertainty for the influential actors’ association, which has faced leadership disputes, governance challenges and growing criticism from several members in recent weeks.
Actors Cite Long-Standing Concerns
In a joint statement shared on social media, Revathy and Padmapriya said their demands over the past decade had consistently focused on creating safer workplaces, ensuring dignity for members and establishing greater accountability within the film industry.
The actors stated that their efforts often resulted in isolation rather than meaningful change.
According to the statement, they continued to remain within the organization for years despite setbacks because they believed reform was still possible.
However, they concluded that remaining within the association was no longer consistent with their principles.
Criticism of Organizational Direction
The two actors argued that AMMA had gradually moved away from its original purpose of representing all actors equally.
They expressed concern that the organization had become increasingly influenced by what they described as patriarchy and internal power politics.
While announcing their departure, Revathy and Padmapriya emphasized that leaving the association should not be viewed as surrendering their commitment to industry reform.
Instead, they said they would continue advocating for greater fairness, transparency and equality within the Malayalam film industry through other platforms.
Connection to Women in Cinema Collective
Both actors are prominent members of the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC), an organization formed in 2017 following widespread discussions about workplace safety and gender equality in the Malayalam film industry.
The collective has consistently advocated for structural reforms, stronger protections for women and improved mechanisms for addressing professional grievances.
Over the years, WCC has played a central role in conversations surrounding industry accountability and institutional reform.
AMMA Faces Leadership Uncertainty
The resignations come during one of the most challenging periods in AMMA’s history.
Last month, the executive committee led by president Shwetha Menon stepped down following the organization’s annual general body meeting, where members reportedly voted to remove the committee over alleged administrative irregularities.
An ad hoc committee headed by actor and legislator Ramesh Pisharody was subsequently appointed to oversee the organization’s affairs until fresh elections could be conducted.
However, the situation became more complicated when Menon later maintained that she remained the legitimate president of AMMA and questioned the validity of the ad hoc arrangement.
The crisis further intensified after Pisharody resigned from the interim committee.
Additional Allegations Add to Tensions
The leadership dispute has been accompanied by fresh allegations from members of the film community.
Actors Ansiba Hassan and Maala Parvathi have publicly raised concerns regarding communal polarization within sections of the organization, adding another layer to the ongoing controversy.
These developments have contributed to growing calls for greater transparency and institutional reforms within the association.
Industry Watches Closely
As the crisis unfolds, many in the Malayalam film industry are closely monitoring developments.
Veteran actors Mammootty and Mohanlal, two of the industry’s most influential figures, have largely refrained from publicly commenting on the dispute or aligning themselves with any particular faction.
Their silence has fueled speculation about how the organization may move forward as efforts continue to stabilize its leadership structure.
With resignations, leadership disagreements and demands for reform continuing to dominate discussions, the future direction of AMMA remains one of the most closely watched issues in the Malayalam entertainment industry.
