Actress and AMMA president Shwetha Menon has spoken publicly about the ongoing tensions within the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), admitting that communication gaps and internal disagreements have created challenges for the organisation.
Speaking about the current situation, Shwetha said she has often felt isolated while handling responsibilities within the association.
“I feel like I am being cornered. I feel like that is the agenda,” she said.
‘People Had Issues With a Woman in Power’
Shwetha Menon also reflected on the difficulties she faced after taking up a leadership role within the organisation.
“From the very first meeting itself, I realised that people had issues with a woman being in power,” she said.
The actress pointed out that earlier AMMA leadership structures included influential senior stars like Mammootty and Mohanlal, while the current administration functions differently.
“We no longer have figures like Mammootty or Mohanlal leading us. Now, when a woman is at the helm, there seems to be very little respect,” she added.
According to Shwetha, standing firm and responding strongly helped her continue despite the challenges.
“I’ve managed to survive this long only because I react and fight back,” she said.
General Body Meeting to Address Key Issues
The AMMA president stated that resolving the ongoing issues within the association remains her immediate priority.
“There are issues, and they need to be resolved. We will discuss all of these issues in the general body meeting,” she explained.
The meeting is expected to take place next month and is being closely watched by members of the Malayalam film industry.
Shwetha Defends Current Committee
Responding to criticism surrounding the functioning of the current administration, Shwetha defended the committee and said she believes the team has worked effectively.
“I feel the current committee has done a lot, and if at all, even a bit better,” she said.
The actress also stressed that she remains motivated despite the controversy.
“I am not tired of any of this. Every day is a new day for me,” she added.
Lawyer’s Advice Led to ‘Miscommunication’
Shwetha further revealed that a legal consultation in January created confusion within the administration regarding the distribution of powers inside the organisation.
“A lawyer informed us that most of the powers rested with the general secretary, and that became the first miscommunication within the administration,” she explained.
Joy Mathew Responds to Allegations Against Tiny Tom
Meanwhile, executive committee member Joy Mathew also reacted to allegations raised by former AMMA joint secretary Ansiba Hassan against actor Tiny Tom.
Joy Mathew said he does not believe Tiny Tom made religion-based remarks intentionally.
“Right now, these are allegations. When women raise allegations, people tend to believe them immediately, but we still do not know the truth,” he said.
He also stated that legal authorities, rather than AMMA, should investigate such matters if necessary.
“If Tiny Tom has faced such an allegation, then he should face it legally. It is not AMMA’s duty to investigate it,” he added.
‘Artists Cannot Be Religious Extremists’
Joy Mathew further defended Tiny Tom’s personality, describing him as someone known for joking frequently.
“He may have said something jokingly, but I do not think anyone in this organisation is a religious extremist. Artists cannot be like that,” he said.
The controversy surrounding AMMA continues to generate discussion within the Malayalam film industry ahead of the upcoming general body meeting.
