Actor Maala Parvathi has called for the resignation of the current governing body of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), citing what she described as administrative failures, a lack of transparency and the organisation's handling of multiple recent controversies. In an open letter shared on social media on Sunday, Maala said she was watching the developments within the organisation "with deep regret" and argued that the present crisis was markedly different from controversies AMMA had faced in the past.
According to the Bheeshma Parvam actor, while the organisation had previously come under scrutiny over issues such as the actress assault case, the current controversies raise serious questions about the functioning and decisions of the leadership itself, including the president and general secretary. "Transparency and accountability should have been ensured. Instead, disturbing stories of internal conflict are emerging," she wrote. The remarks are particularly significant as AMMA is currently headed by actor Shwetha Menon, who became the organisation's first woman president after succeeding Mohanlal. The leadership change came in the wake of the fallout from the Hema Committee report, which led to the resignation of the previous executive committee headed by the Drishyam 3 actor.
Referring to actor Neena Kurup's ongoing dispute with Lakshmipriya, Maala questioned why timely action had not been taken. She noted reports that the disciplinary committee had not even succeeded in securing the appearance of the concerned individual before it, calling it a matter of concern. The actor also raised questions about the dismissal of former office manager Athulya. She said allegations involving a security staff member were serious enough to warrant a written complaint, a formal inquiry and, if necessary, legal action. However, she alleged that action had been taken without adequately verifying the claims or properly informing the governing committee. "The information that has come out points to serious administrative lapses," she said.
Maala further criticised reports that AMMA's electricity bill had allegedly been paid from the office manager's salary, arguing that such practices were incompatible with the functioning of a professional organisation. She also accused the leadership of failing to maintain adequate communication with members, stating that unanswered phone calls and a lack of clarity on important issues had damaged the organisation's credibility. The actor expressed concern over the increasingly public nature of disputes within the organisation, saying that the exchange of allegations and counter-allegations among members had hurt AMMA's dignity and reputation.
Against this backdrop, Maala called on the current leadership to step down. "As a member, it is my opinion and demand that the governing body resign, taking moral and political responsibility for the current crisis and administrative failures," she wrote. The actor also addressed the allegations recently raised by Ansiba Hassan against actor and mimicry artist Tini Tom, which have become one of the central controversies facing the organisation.
Maala said the allegations deserved a comprehensive and impartial inquiry rather than attempts to discourage public discussion. "Allegations relating to communalism or discrimination naturally become matters of public debate. Instead of asking people not to discuss them, the organisation's responsibility is to establish the truth," she wrote.
She added that complaints submitted by Ansiba, Neena Kurup and others should have been discussed and resolved within the organisation through a process that members could trust. The failure to create such an environment, she argued, was disappointing. Maala also defended her own decision to speak publicly about the issues, saying that public figures must be prepared to face scrutiny and questions from society. "Remaining silent is not my way. If I have done anything legally wrong, appropriate action can be taken," she wrote.
Concluding the letter, Maala said she had placed great hopes in the current governing body and therefore felt a moral responsibility to voice her concerns. She reiterated her demand that the leadership resign in the interest of preserving AMMA's credibility and public trust.
Her statement comes amid growing turmoil within the organisation following Ansiba Hassan's allegations against Tini Tom, complaints involving actor Lakshmipriya, and increasing criticism of the leadership's handling of internal disputes. AMMA's executive committee is scheduled to meet on Monday as pressure mounts on the organisation to respond to the escalating controversy.
