Veteran actor Mallika Sukumaran and actor Lakshmipriya resigned from their primary memberships of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA).
Actor Asha Aravind stepped down from the newly formed ad-hoc committee, further escalating the AMMA crisis.
The internal dispute was triggered by actor Ansiba questioning the association's finances during a recent general body meeting.
The crisis within the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) escalated on Monday (June 22), as veteran actor Mallika Sukumaran and actor Lakshmipriya resigned from their primary memberships. Their resignations come following mass resignation of AMMA's 17-member executive committee on Sunday (June 21).
AMMA crisis deepens with more resignations
Actor Asha Aravind stepped down from the newly formed ad-hoc committee on Monday, exacerbating the administrative collapse. The sudden exits unfolded shortly after actor Mohanlal appealed to members to bury their differences and protect the organisation.
Resignations amidst financial scrutiny dispute
Actor Ansiba Hassan questioned the association's finances at the recent general body meeting, triggering the internal dispute. There was a stormy argument among female members, with some supporting former president Shwetha Menon and some Ansiba.
Actor Maala Parvathi condemned attempts to shield office-bearers from financial scrutiny. She argued that accountability cannot have a gender exception within the professional body.
“Whether it is a man or a woman, when they occupy a responsible position, they have to answer questions. Mistakes can happen, but they must be corrected. Instead, the executive committee chose the easy way out,” Parvathi said.
Mallika Sukumaran on AMMA crisis
Mallika Sukumaran shared a Facebook post accusing AMMA missing a historic opportunity for progress. The Kerala state government recently granted official industry status to cinema in its 2026-27 budget.
Sukumaran argued that AMMA should focus discussions on developing studios, training centres, VFX parks, and expanding professional opportunities for women. Instead, she said, the body remains consumed by internal conflicts rather than constructive industry development.
“Kerala gave cinema the keys to the factory. AMMA is still arguing in the parking lot,” she wrote.
According to PTI, Lakshmipriya, who served as vice-president in the outgoing executive committee, said some members had arrived at the general body meeting with a predetermined agenda.
