Key Points

Shwetha Menon has made history as the first female president of AMMA following Mohanlal's resignation over sexual abuse allegations. The change comes after the explosive Justice Hema Committee report revealed systemic harassment in Mollywood. Menon acknowledges the challenges ahead but promises meaningful reforms. Her leadership marks a potential turning point for gender equality in the Malayalam film industry.

Key Points: Shwetha Menon Elected First Female AMMA President After Mohanlal Resigns

  • Shwetha Menon replaces Mohanlal as AMMA president after his 2024 resignation
  • Justice Hema Committee report exposed harassment in Malayalam cinema
  • Mohanlal and executive committee quit amid abuse allegations
  • Menon pledges reforms but cautions against expecting quick fixes
2 min read

Shwetha Menon appointed as AMMA president after Mohanlal's resignation; actor says I have an agenda

Shwetha Menon becomes AMMA's first woman president post-Mohanlal's exit, vows change amid industry harassment allegations.

"I do have an agenda...Please don't expect miracles, but we will be doing something for a change – Shwetha Menon"

Kochi, August 15

After months of controversy, actor Shwetha Menon has been elected as the first-ever female president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA).

Speaking to ANI, Menon opened up about her recent appointment, stating that she has planned to bring changes to necessary matters.

"I haven't planned anything..I do have an agenda...This is a very big matter...Please don't expect miracles, but we will be doing something for a change," Shwetha Menon said.

The much-awaited election results for the AMMA presidential position came nearly a year after former president, actor Mohanlal, resigned from his position in August 2024.

He resigned as the head of the 17-member executive committee over growing allegations of sexual abuse within the Malayalam film industry. The allegations surfaced in the Justice K Hema Committee's report on the working conditions of women in Mollywood.

At that time, all other executive members also resigned from their positions.

The controversy stemmed from several complaints and allegations from many female actors in the wake of the Hema Committee report. The government also formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the hardships faced by women in the industry.

A redacted version of the Justice Hema Committee report was also made public, shedding light on harassment faced by women in the Malayalam film industry. The 235-page report noted that the industry is controlled by 10 to 15 male producers, directors, and actors who have been dominating and exerting control.

Earlier in January this year, Malayalam actor Unni Mukundan stepped down as the AMMA treasurer, citing increasing work commitments that had affected his "mental health."

With Shwetha Menon's latest appointment, the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists is expected to undergo a major transformation under new leadership.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rahul R
I'm cautiously optimistic. The issues run deep in the industry - just changing the president won't magically solve everything. But it's a good first step. Hope she has concrete plans beyond just "having an agenda".
A
Ananya R
As a Malayali woman, this makes me so emotional 😭 After all the struggles our actresses have faced, seeing a woman lead AMMA gives me hope. But the real test will be whether she can stand up to the powerful lobbies in the industry.
V
Vikram M
Let's not make this about gender. The important thing is having someone competent who can clean up the mess. Mohanlal did his best but the system was too rotten. Hope Shwetha can bring real change.
S
Sarah B
Interesting development! Coming from Hollywood, I've seen how difficult it is to change entrenched power structures. Wishing Shwetha Menon all the best - she'll need tremendous courage to take on the "10-15 men" mentioned in the report.
K
Karthik V
The real question is - will the big stars actually listen to her? Or is this just tokenism to quiet the critics? I want to believe in change but Malayalam cinema has disappointed us too many times before.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50