Crisis in AMMA: Actors Mallika Sukumaran among 17 members to resign after Shwetha Menon's exit

A deepening crisis has gripped the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA), one of the most prominent bodies representing Malayalam cinema professionals. On Sunday, June 20, 2026, the 17-member executive committee, including its first female president, Shweta Menon, collectively resigned from their positions following a contentious general body meeting in Kochi, Kerala. This decision followed a no-confidence motion moved by a faction of members, who accused the leadership of poor governance, financial mismanagement, and inability to handle internal disputes effectively. The resignation of the entire executive committee marked a dramatic turning point in the organization’s recent history, especially considering that Menon had become the first woman to hold the presidency of AMMA just under a year ago.

The crisis began during the annual general body meeting, where members raised serious questions about the adoption of the annual report and the state of the organization’s financial records. Some members alleged that the financial statements lacked transparency and clarity, prompting sharp exchanges between the leadership and other attendees. Despite these accusations, Menon denied claims of mismanagement, asserting that the accounts managed by her committee since September were in order. However, she admitted that unresolved issues from the previous administration, particularly concerning financial discrepancies, remained unaddressed. Additionally, Menon claimed that efforts were underway to hand over control of the organization to individuals previously linked to controversies.

The resignation of the executive committee was not an isolated incident. It followed earlier resignations and tensions within the organization. In February 2026, Ansiba Hassan, who had served as joint secretary, stepped down after accusing actor Tini Tom and others of making communal remarks and engaging in character assassination against her. Hassan later stated that she felt vindicated when the general body meeting recognized the shortcomings of the current leadership. Meanwhile, actor Lakshmipriya, who had been serving as vice-president, rejected allegations that the executive committee resigned due to an inability to present proper financial statements. She argued that the issue lay with the previous committee, which had not finalized certain accounts.

The fallout continued into Monday, June 22, 2026, with more resignations. Mallika Sukumaran, a veteran actress, and Lakshmipriya both stepped down from their primary memberships in solidarity with Menon. Sukumaran expressed support for Menon in a social media post, stating that she was leaving the association to stand with “truth and justice.” These resignations underscored the growing dissatisfaction among members with the leadership’s handling of internal matters and the organization’s direction.

In response to the crisis, an ad-hoc committee consisting of nine members was formed to oversee the affairs of AMMA for the next four months. The interim leadership includes actor and MLA Ramesh Pisharody as convener, along with notable figures such as KB Ganesh Kumar and Suresh Krishna. This temporary arrangement aims to stabilize the organization until fresh elections can be conducted. The ad-hoc committee has been entrusted with planning the schedule for future elections and addressing critical organizational decisions.

Reactions from the broader film community have varied. Veteran actor Mallika Sukumaran acknowledged the mistakes made by the outgoing committee but emphasized the need for leadership that understands the intricacies of the film industry and can effectively address members’ concerns. Conversely, actor Bheeman Reghu criticized Menon’s leadership style, suggesting it had alienated many members. Others, like actor Anoop Chandran, attributed the turmoil primarily to inexperience rather than outright incompetence.

As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on whether the newly formed ad-hoc committee can restore stability and trust within AMMA. With the organization now facing significant challenges, the coming months will determine how effectively it can navigate these turbulent times and emerge stronger.