Producer Sandra Thomas has been expelled from the Kerala Film Producers Association (KFPA) for allegedly breaching its disciplinary standards. This decision followed an executive committee meeting held on October 28, 2024, where members concluded that Sandra had “defamed” them by making unfounded allegations and had repeatedly violated association rules. Her response to a show-cause notice regarding these violations was found to be unsatisfactory by the association.
The tensions escalated as Sandra publicly condemned the KFPA for its lack of action on issues faced by women producers within the Malayalam film industry. Her accusations included derogatory remarks made by officials during a meeting about film distribution, which led to her filing a complaint with the police.
Earlier, Ernakulam Central Police initiated a case against nine office bearers of the KFPA after a woman producer alleged misbehaviour by prominent industry figures, including Listin Stephen, B Rakesh, and Anto Joseph. This complaint was lodged with the Special Investigation Team (SIT), established to address sexual assault cases in the film sector, following the findings of the Hema Committee report.
In her reaction to her expulsion, Sandra reiterated her belief that the KFPA operates in an “anti-women” manner, asserting that it has failed to acknowledge the concerns raised by its female members. She described her removal as emblematic of undemocratic practices within the association, particularly against women who challenge its leadership.
Previously, Sandra had sought changes in the KFPA's leadership, claiming that discussions on women's issues were often treated as trivial. The ongoing situation underscores the significant challenges women face in the Malayalam film industry, with the SIT continuing its investigations into the allegations against KFPA members.
Sandra has backed various films, including Philips and the Monkey Pen (2013), Peruchazhi (2014), Aadu (2015), Adi Kapyare Kootamani (2015), and Nalla Nilavulla Rathri (2023). Her most recent production was this year's Shane Nigam-Mahima Nambiar starrer Little Hearts.
