Even as women in Malayalam cinema made history by securing important posts, including the president, at the recently held Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) general body elections, actor Kollam Thulasi has found himself in the midst of a controversy for his sexist comments. The veteran, while speaking to the media after casting his vote on Friday, said, "Men should be the ones ruling, with women staying below them." This statement has not gone well among many who slammed Thulasi, infamous for his controversial remarks.

Many social media users called him a “perpetual offender” who should be shown his place. Earlier in 2018, Thulasi issued an open threat to women saying that those entering Sabarimala will be torn into two pieces.

Meanwhile, Shwetha Menon was elected as the AMMA president, becoming the first woman to hold the post in the organisation’s 30-year history. Kukku Parameswaran secured the general secretary’s post, while Jayan Cherthala and Lakshmi Priya were elected vice presidents. Actor Ansiba was elected unopposed as joint secretary, making a total of four women in AMMA's key positions. Unni Shivpal was elected the treasurer.

The executive committee results saw Sarayu Mohan, Asha Aravind, Anjali Nair and Neena Kurup take the four seats reserved for women. In the general category, Kailash, Joy Mathew, Tiny Tom, Santhosh Keezhattoor, Vinu Mohan, Rony David Raj, and Sijoy Varghese were elected.