Kochi, Aug 9
With just days to go for the election of new office bearers, the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) has directed its members to refrain from speaking to the media about internal matters until polling day on August 15.
The gag order follows an escalating war of words between actors Ponnamma Babu and Mala Parvathy over the association's finances.
Election officials have warned that strict action will be taken against members violating the directive. Sources say the move was prompted by senior actors, with both Mohanlal and Mammootty reportedly expressing disappointment over the public spat.
Ponnamma had claimed that when former general secretary Idavela Babu stepped down, AMMA’s account held only Rs 2 crore, which the current committee under Babu Raj grew to over Rs 7.5 crore. Parvathy countered that the figure was over Rs 5 crore at the time, even after settling dues for parking space near AMMA’s headquarters, with additional funds arriving later.
The dispute has been further inflamed by controversies surrounding Shwetha Menon, who is contesting for president. The Kerala High Court has stayed an obscenity case against her, which critics allege is part of an election-time smear campaign.
Cuckoo Parameswaran, another candidate, has lodged a complaint with the State Police chief alleging her name is being dragged into the “memory card†controversy and that she is facing severe cyberattacks. She accused Babu Raj and his associates of orchestrating the campaign.
Parvathy also alleged that Babu Raj’s camp is working with YouTubers who produce content in his favour, while ignoring key issues such as pursuing the memory card case with the police or questioning the charges against Shwetha Menon.
“If I stay silent, their version will prevail. This matter must go to law enforcement for a clear resolution. Shwetha and Cuckoo are not guilty -- they are victims of an election-time mudslinging campaign,†she said.
The August 15 polls will see Shwetha Menon face Devan for president. Other key posts are being contested by multiple candidates, except joint secretary, where Anziba Hasan has been elected unopposed.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Typical election drama! But seriously, when senior actors like Mohanlal and Mammootty are unhappy, you know things have gone too far. The association needs better financial transparency - 2cr vs 7.5cr is a huge difference!
The memory card controversy and cyberattacks are worrying. This election is becoming more about mudslinging than actual issues affecting Malayalam cinema artists. Where are the discussions about welfare schemes or better working conditions?
As an outsider, I find it fascinating how similar these election dramas are across industries! The YouTuber angle is particularly modern - shows how social media has changed politics everywhere.
While the gag order seems extreme, maybe it's needed to stop this circus. But they better investigate all financial claims properly after elections. Malayalam cinema is our pride - can't let it be tarnished by association politics!
The women candidates seem to be facing the worst of this dirty politics. First Shwetha's obscenity case (which court stayed!), now Cuckoo's cyberattacks. Malayalam industry claims to be progressive but this shows the reality 😤
Interesting to see how artist unions function in India
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