Film producer Sandra Thomas has alleged that veteran actor Mammootty personally phoned her, urging her to withdraw the legal case she filed after her nominations for the posts of President and Treasurer in the upcoming Kerala Film Producers Association (KFPA) elections were rejected. Speaking to Oneindia Malayalam, Sandra claimed the call lasted 45 minutes and ended with a pointed question from her side: “If your daughter faced such injustice, would you tell her to stay silent for the sake of her career?” According to her, Mammootty did not provide a direct answer, merely saying, “It’s up to Sandra now. I have nothing more to say.”
Sandra further stated that Mammootty also pulled out of a film they had planned to do together. “If everyone is trying to oust me from here, then I will make sure I stay right here,” she said, signalling her intent to stay the course despite growing opposition. The controversy erupted after both her nominations were rejected by the KFPA Returning Officer on grounds of ineligibility. According to the association’s rules, candidates must furnish three censor certificates under their individual name to be eligible to contest key posts. Sandra had submitted two certificates from her solo banner, Sandra Thomas Productions, and one from her previous joint venture, Friday Film House. The Returning Officer ruled this combination insufficient, contending it failed to establish her individual eligibility.
Challenging this decision, Sandra has moved the Ernakulam Sub Court, seeking an immediate stay on the rejection and questioning the neutrality of the Returning Officer. Her petition also raises concerns about the same person holding the Returning Officer position for over two decades, calling it a violation of KFPA’s constitution and detrimental to the democratic spirit of the elections. She alleged that her nomination was selectively scrutinised and rejected with bias. “No other candidate’s documents were questioned in this manner. The Returning Officer had clearly made up his mind,” she said.
During the interview, Sandra also called out Mammootty’s silence on what she described as internal irregularities within the KFPA, particularly pointing out that the current President of the association is reportedly a close aide of the veteran actor. “Shouldn’t he be able to take a stand then?” she asked. Meanwhile, Mammootty’s team has yet to respond to the allegations. Sandra also noted that while superstar Mohanlal has not directly reached out to her, people close to him have conveyed their support.
Sandra’s nomination bid was seen by many as a challenge to the long-standing leadership of the KFPA. She was expelled from the association in November 2024 over alleged indiscipline, though the court subsequently stayed the decision. The KFPA elections are slated for August 14.
