Revathy and Padmapriya Resign from AMMA Amid Leadership Crisis
Revathy and Padmapriya's Departure from AMMA
The ongoing turmoil within the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) has escalated, as prominent actors Revathy and Padmapriya have stepped down from their primary membership. In a collaborative statement, they expressed that AMMA had failed to communicate the rationale behind their decision. Their resignations occur amidst a leadership crisis within the organization, which has been exacerbated by the fallout from the remarks made by Ansiba Hassan and Tini Tom, as well as the role of AMMA President Swetha Menon. Notably, industry icons Mammootty and Mohanlal have remained largely silent on the matter, refraining from issuing any public comments.
Reasons Behind Revathy and Padmapriya's Resignation from AMMA
On Monday, Revathy and Padmapriya announced their exit from AMMA, citing a departure from the organization's original principles. In their joint statement shared on social media, they highlighted their long-standing demand for safer working conditions, accountability, dignity, and equitable treatment within the industry. They stated, "Our resignation is not impulsive and is not triggered by a single event. For nearly ten years, we have sought basic rights: safer workplaces, dignity, accountability, and equal treatment, which every member deserves and values we believed could unite us all."
They further clarified that their resignations, following the Hema Committee report, were not merely principled stands but rather a means to escape accountability. Both actors are also part of the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC), established in 2017 to push for reforms in the Malayalam film industry after the actress assault incident.
AMMA's Internal Struggles Intensify
In their statement, the actors remarked, "AMMA was intended to be a unified voice for all actors. However, it has increasingly been influenced by patriarchal structures and power struggles, undermining its foundational ideals. Our decision to leave is not a sign of defeat but a matter of self-respect."
Their departure coincides with AMMA facing a significant leadership crisis. The executive committee, led by president Swetha Menon, resigned following the annual general body meeting on June 21, where members voted to dissolve the committee due to alleged irregularities. An interim panel, headed by actor and MLA Ramesh Pisharody, was appointed to manage the organization until new elections could be held. However, Swetha Menon later asserted her position as AMMA president, labeling the interim committee as 'illegitimate.' The situation further escalated when Pisharody resigned from the interim panel, following Ansiba Hassan's resignation from AMMA, where she alleged harassment and communal discrimination, and filed a police complaint against executive committee member Tini Tom for his remarks.