Thiruvananthapuram: Senior figures within the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) have largely maintained a silence as internal conflicts threaten to tear the organisation apart. Despite escalating controversies, veteran actors have repeatedly declined to make any public statements.

Amidst the growing unrest, AMMA President Shwetha Menon has announced her willingness to step down if requested by senior members of the guild.

Speaking to the press, Shwetha Menon alleged that she was being actively targeted by a faction within the executive committee. She claimed that the operations were being controlled largely by the General Secretary and the Treasurer.

Addressing recent internal disputes, the President dismissed the grievance raised by committee member Ansiba Hassan as a personal matter, stating it was not an issue the association could interfere with.

"I am not going to the General Body meeting to concede defeat and retreat," Shwetha Menon told reporters. "I will say what needs to be said there."

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Information on sponsorship document

Meanwhile, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) regarding the particular 'AMMA Kudumba Sangamam'—regarded as the catalyst for the current crisis—has surfaced.

The event, which took place on February 14, was primarily sponsored by the Vennala Thykkattu Mahadeva Temple, chaired by TG Nandakumar. As per the documents, a total sponsorship of Rs 75 lakh was agreed upon, to be paid in two instalments. The contract was signed by Kukku Parameswaran and Nandakumar, with the temple management providing an advance of Rs 30 lakh.

Sources reveal that while Ansiba Hassan strongly opposed the partnership during an executive committee meeting, the decision to accept the sponsorship was pushed through by majority support.

An outstanding balance of Rs 45 lakh is still owed to AMMA under the agreement. It has emerged that temple officials previously expressed dissatisfaction, alleging that their advertisements were not given sufficient prominence at the venue. However, Nandakumar has apparently confirmed that the remaining funds would be transferred to the association by the 31st of this month.

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"I was also labelled a Jihadi"

In a further blow to the organisation's image, actor and committee member Usha Haseena has levelled explosive allegations against her colleagues, claiming she was subjected to communal slurs.

"I was also called a 'Jihadi' by a fellow executive committee member," Usha revealed. "I intend to expose exactly who that person is at the upcoming General Body meeting."

Usha Haseena also questioned the executive leadership's shifting stance on inclusivity. She noted that the President had initially promised to reinstate all actresses who had previously resigned from AMMA, including the survivor of the 2017 assault case.

According to Usha Haseena, when Ansiba Hassan followed up on this promise during a subsequent meeting, the President claimed that certain members had opposed the move. Usha Haseena has demanded transparency, stating that the identities of those blocking the return of former members must be made public.