Film bodies in Kerala, including the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) and the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA), have begun deliberations on reinstating actor Dileep following his acquittal in the 2017 actor assault case.
FEFKA, which was the first organisation to suspend Dileep after his arrest in July 2017, has formally initiated the process. Confirming the development, FEFKA general secretary B Unnikrishnan said the federation had acted as a trade union at the time of the actor’s arrest but was now reviewing its decision in light of the court verdict.
“As a union, we suspended Dileep after his arrest. He has now been acquitted, and we are considering reinstating his membership. We have requested the directors’ union to examine the verdict and take steps towards revoking the suspension,” Unnikrishnan said.
AMMA, meanwhile, stated that it would abide by the judicial process. In a brief statement shared on social media on Monday, the artistes’ association said it respected the court’s decision and that the law should be allowed to take its course.
AMMA, meanwhile, stated that it would abide by the judicial process. In a brief statement shared on social media on Monday, the artistes’ association said it respected the court’s decision and that the law should be allowed to take its course.
Dileep’s association with AMMA has been marked by controversy since the case came to light. While the actor was initially expelled from the organisation, he was later reinstated, triggering strong criticism from the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC). In October 2018, amid mounting pressure, Dileep resigned from AMMA. At the time, he was serving as the association’s treasurer during the late actor Innocent’s presidency.
Speaking to reporters in Kochi, AMMA vice-president Lakshmi Priya said she personally welcomed the verdict. “I don’t believe Dileepettan would commit such a crime,” she said, adding that her view did not imply a lack of solidarity with the survivor. “Both of them are colleagues and friends to us,” she said.
Apart from his acting career, Dileep is also the founding president of the Film Exhibitors United Organisation of Kerala.
