Malayalam actors’ body AMMA issues show-cause notices to 4 members as internal feud deepens

Kochi: The Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) has descended into a deeper crisis after issuing formal show-cause notices to key office-bearers and executive committee members, signalling an escalation of the infighting and factional rifts that have roiled the organisation in recent weeks.

Former joint secretary Ansiba Hassan, general secretary Kukku Parameswaran and executive members Tiny Tom and Lakshmi Priya have been directed to appear before the executive committee as part of an internal disciplinary process. The move follows weeks of public allegations, resignations and open disputes between members.

Ansiba has been asked to present herself between 1 and 3 June and submit documentation supporting the accusations she made before stepping down from her post. The organisation, long regarded as one of the most influential bodies in Malayalam cinema, is now struggling to contain the turmoil.

Leadership split deepens

Insiders say the stand-off has exposed sharp divisions, with president Shweta Menon and general secretary Kukku Parameswaran reportedly leading opposing camps. Members have increasingly taken their disagreements into the public domain, severely disrupting AMMA’s day-to-day functioning.

Attempts at back-channel mediation have yielded little progress, with senior industry figures privately acknowledging that the conflict seems to have moved beyond informal resolution.

Veteran stars Mammootty and Mohanlal are said to be monitoring developments but have not yet intervened. A decisive call on the current leadership is expected at next month’s general body meeting.

Allegations trigger legal moves

The crisis intensified after Ansiba accused Tiny Tom of racial insults, personal attacks and repeated harassment, alleging that he labelled her a “religious extremist” and “jihadi” during internal interactions. She is preparing to initiate legal action following advice that her claims have strong merit.

Actor Nina Kurup and others are expected to be key witnesses. Nina had earlier lodged a separate complaint with AMMA, accusing Tiny Tom of publicly humiliating her during rehearsals for an AMMA family event and using obscene and intimidating language. She has demanded a full inquiry into what she describes as a pattern of misconduct.

Complaints against police handling

Ansiba has also filed grievances with the Chief Minister and the state police chief, alleging mistreatment at a police station after what she claims was a false complaint submitted by Lakshmi Priya. She has urged that an independent body, rather than AMMA’s existing executive panel, investigate her allegations.

Her proposal for a neutral inquiry committee includes Ramesh Pisharody, Mala Parvathy and Dhyan Sreenivasan.

With accusations multiplying and internal relationships fraying further, the upheaval within AMMA has become a major flashpoint for the Malayalam film industry.

(With IANS inputs)