‘Walking away isn’t defeat, but self respect’: Actresses Revathy and Padmapriya resign from AMMA

Kochi: In a major development amid escalating internal rifts within the Malayalam film industry, acclaimed actresses Revathy and Padmapriya have officially resigned from the primary membership of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA).

Announcing their departure through a joint statement on their official Instagram accounts, the actresses made it clear that their decision was a calculated move following a decade of systemic neglect, rather than an emotional reaction.
 

The actresses alleged that despite viewing the association as their home, their basic demands for a safe workspace and equal consideration were met with silence and alienation.

The statement also directly addressed the aftermath of the landmark Justice Hema Committee report, which exposed deep-rooted exploitation within the industry.

Revathy and Padmapriya pointed out that the mass resignations within AMMA following the report's publication were merely a tactical move to evade institutional accountability. They stated that as soon as public attention waned, the old power dynamics and operational methods quickly returned.

Asserting that patriarchy and the concentration of power have severely diluted the association’s founding objectives, the actresses stated that leaving the guild at this juncture is a decision rooted firmly in self-respect.

The statement concluded with a reminder that an organisation's strength lies in its credibility, not in the individuals who control it. Despite severing ties with the guild, they expressed unwavering commitment to their craft and hope for a better cinema culture for the next generation of women.
"Malayalam cinema will always be ours to love and to work for. That never depended on a membership," they affirmed, concluding with: "See you at the cinemas."