AMMA election day sees high drama; Mohanlal says 'No one has left the organisation'; Shwetha Menon, Devan in presidential face-off

Former AMMA president Mohanlal was among the first to arrive for the much-watched election to the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists on Friday.As reported by On Manorama, accompanied by producer-actor Antony Perumbavoor, the veteran actor cast his vote and spoke of his hopes for the organisation’s future."The committee will be formed in line with the members’ views and will guide the AMMA movement in the right direction. No one has left the organisation — everyone remains part of it. I am confident that, together, we can ensure the best governance,” Mohanlal told the media before heading off to catch his afternoon flight to Chennai.Antony Perumbavoor added that this year’s poll was different: “Just like in the Producers’ Association elections, here too those acceptable to everyone will be elected.

Personal opinion has no relevance.”

Shwetha Menon vs. Devan for the top post

With Mohanlal stepping down and opting not to contest, the election has set the stage for a high-stakes battle between Shwetha Menon and Devan for the presidency. Other key positions up for grabs include two vice-presidents, a general secretary, and 11 executive committee members.

Kukku Parameswaran and Raveendran are contesting for general secretary, while Jayan Cherthala, Lakshmi Priya, and Nasser Latif are in the running for vice-presidents.

Last month, Ansiba Hassan became joint secretary unopposed after 12 rivals withdrew.

Controversy casts a shadow

The campaign has been affected by allegations and legal disputes. Police registered a case against Shwetha Menon for “transmitting sexually explicit content”, later stayed by the High Court. Kukku Parameswaran has faced claims that she holds a memory card with sensitive testimonies of women actors, which she has reported to the police and the State Women’s Commission.The current election was triggered after the entire 2024-27 AMMA executive committee resigned following the Justice Hema Committee report’s explosive revelations of systemic harassment and abuse in the industry. Despite 74 nominations being filed, many were withdrawn or rejected after scrutiny, with several contenders — including Jagadeesh and Anoop Chandran — exiting the presidential race before voting day.

"Get the latest news updates on Times of India, including reviews of the movie Coolie and War 2."