AMMA Elections 2025: Shwetha Menon leads the race: Final candidates for the historic election to be announced on July 31
Shweta Menon
is emerging as a leading candidate in the upcoming AMMA (Association of Malayalam Movie Artists) presidential election. The final list of candidates will be released on July 31.
Nominations must be withdrawn by 3 pm, after which the confirmed list is expected to be released by 4 pm.
August 15 polls see record female participation
AMMA elections to be held on August 15 this year are considered a major turning point for the Malayalam film industry. As per Cinema Express, this is a record number of women contesting for top positions in the AMMA organization. This is seen as a sign of change, given that the organization's structure and gender equality demands have been controversial for the past few years.
Shwetha Menon may become AMMA's first woman president
Devan and Anup Chandran are also contesting for the post of president along with Shwetha Menon. It is reported that initially, Manutakiya Jagadish, Jayan Serthala, and Ravindran withdrew from the race. This is said to be a historic election as it is the first time that a woman has led AMMA since it was founded in 1994. So, chances are high for Shwetha Menon to be elected as the president of AMMA.
Election follows the 2017 case, the
Hema report
, and exits
The election is taking place against the backdrop of the 2017 sexual assault case against a Malayalam actress and the subsequent report submitted by the Hema Committee. The report was heavily criticized for gender discrimination and mishandling of industrial complaints. The ensuing backlash led to the resignation of the AMMA executive committee headed by Mohanlal in 2024. Before that, the credibility of the organization was also greatly damaged due to sexual allegations against leading members Siddique and Baburaj.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
27 minutes ago
- The Hindu
Comprehensive policy for Malayalam film industry within 2-3 months: Saji Cherian
The two-day Kerala Film Policy Conclave concluded here on Sunday with Minister for Cultural Affairs Saji Cherian making a commitment to frame a comprehensive policy for the Malayalam film industry within 2-3 months. Over the two days, panel discussions with stakeholders from the industry as well as experts from various sectors were held on nine major subjects, followed by open forum sessions involving all the delegates. At the closing ceremony, Mr. Cherian said that the government has taken serious note of the issues raised by the junior artistes about their abject working conditions, including long working hours, which will be addressed. The government will also initiate talks to arrive at a solution for the wage disparity in the industry with the stars taking a good part of the production cost, while the rest get a pittance. Safety on sets 'The government does not agree with the attempts to paint the whole film industry with the same brush. A few people who have made money are coming into the industry with other intentions. Their actions bring disrepute to the whole industry. It has to be ensured that women can work freely in shooting sets. Both women and men should have the equal freedom to go about their work. The policy will ensure complete safety for everyone on the sets. ID cards will be considered for people across sections as part of safety measures,' he said. He brought to the attention of Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal the issue of eliminating entertainment tax to resolve the issue of double taxation in the film sector. The Minister said that ₹5 crore has been allocated for implementing e-ticketing this year itself and an agreement had been reached with Digital University Kerala in this regard. A single-window system will be introduced to grant permission for film shooting. The government will ensure at least one screening in theatres for independent films and will examine the provision of more subsidies to them. The issue of bringing a common code of conduct will also be considered to prevent review bombing from damaging the film industry. The suggestion to organise a student film festival will be considered. Improvements will be brought about in the functioning of the welfare funds for cultural activists. The Finance Minister has agreed to consider favourably a proposal to revise the funds, said Mr. Cherian. The government is also planning a project to support the modernisation of old cinema theatres in the State.
The Hindu
an hour ago
- The Hindu
Adoor Gopalakrishnan courts controversy at Kerala Film Policy Conclave, Minister counters him
The closing ceremony of the Kerala Film Policy Conclave in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday witnessed some dramatic moments when veteran filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan made some controversial statements on the State government's project to promote filmmakers from Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities and the one for women filmmakers, with Minister for Cultural Affairs Saji Cherian countering his assertions in his speech. 'The government is providing ₹1.5 crore for filmmakers from the SC/ST communities to make films. I told the Chief Minister that the government is paving the way for corruption through this, but nothing has changed. The intent behind the project is good, but they should be given at least three months of intensive training to make films. All the filmmakers who have made films under this project have complaints about it. They should be made aware that these are public funds. The amount should be reduced to ₹50 lakh. This money is not meant to make commercial films,' said Mr. Gopalakrishnan. Regarding a similar project for women filmmakers, he said that 'just because one is a woman, the government should not be giving money to make films.' They should also be provided training. They should know all the difficulties involved in making a film, he said. Mr. Cherian in his speech disagreed with Mr. Gopalakrishnan and said that even ₹1.5 crore was insufficient to make quality films these days, as most of the filmmakers under the project struggled due to funding issues. 'A rare opportunity' 'In the 98 years of Malayalam cinema's history, those from the SC/ST communities have not got a mainstream opportunity. This funding project is one of the best decisions this government has taken, because of which many new filmmakers from these communities were able to come forward. They were selected by a committee of experts through an intensive screening process,' he said. Mr. Gopalakrishnan's comments invited loud disapproval from a section of the audience, especially singer Pushpavathy. Later, speaking to the media, she said that Mr. Gopalakrishnan was attempting to torpedo a project to promote filmmakers from marginalised communities. 'People from the SC/ST communities have experienced oppression for centuries. Our forefathers have experienced slave-like conditions. It has just been decades since we started getting proper education. Any attempt to torpedo such projects has to be opposed. The government has clearly rejected his remarks,' she said. On IFFK Mr. Gopalakrishnan demanded that the delegate fee for the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) be raised to ensure that only those who were really interested in cinema got in. Recounting an event from the past, he said that 'a group of labourers from the Chala market barged into the theatre just to watch the adult content.' He also criticised the 2023 protest movement by the students of the K.R. Narayanan National Institute of Visual Science and Arts demanding the resignation of the institute's director Shankar Mohan for alleged caste discrimination, which also led to Mr. Gopalakrishnan's resignation as the institute's chairperson. He claimed that the institute was primed for take-off during his tenure, but no one knows the state of the institute now. Countering him, Mr. Cherian said that the institution was functioning effectively. The Minister also countered poet and filmmaker Sreekumaran Thampy's claim that nothing happened after the K. Hema Committee report was published. 'It is because the Hema committee report that this conclave is happening,' he said.
News18
an hour ago
- News18
Bigg Boss Malayalam Season 7: Full Contestant List Out, Mohanlal Returns As Host
Last Updated: Bigg Boss Malayalam Season 7 returns with Mohanlal as host and a bold new lineup including Binny Sebastian, Appani Sarath, Sarika, and more. The stage is set, the cameras are ready, and the buzz is louder than ever—Bigg Boss Malayalam is back with its seventh season, and once again, superstar Mohanlal returns as the charismatic host. As anticipation soars ahead of the big premiere, the confirmed list of contestants has been revealed, promising an electrifying mix of personalities, professions, and personal stories that are sure to ignite drama inside the house. One of the most high-profile names this season is Binny Sebastian, who made a mark with her role in Geetha Govindam. A doctor by profession and actress by passion, Binny is expected to bring a unique blend of brains and boldness to the reality show, already earning praise as a standout contestant to watch. Joining her is popular digital creator Sarika, known for her celebrity interviews on her YouTube show Hot Seat. With her confident screen presence and social media clout, Sarika's entry is sure to appeal to the online generation and spark lively debates in the house. Another noteworthy addition is real-life couple Adhila and Noora, who gained national attention for their courageous legal battle to stay together despite societal resistance. Their presence in the Bigg Boss house is not only historic but emotionally charged, with audiences eager to see their story unfold in a high-stakes environment. Adding some cinematic flair is Appani Sarath, the versatile actor known for his impactful performances in Malayalam cinema. With his calm demeanor and calculating mind, Sarath is expected to be a strategic player and could very well become a fan favorite. He's joined by Shanavas Shanu, the former reel-life villain who has since reinvented himself as one of the most beloved faces on Malayalam television. Shanu enters the house with a solid fan base and the aura of a seasoned performer. The contestant roster also includes television actress Anumol, whose popularity among daily soap viewers makes her an instantly recognizable face. From the fashion world, Nevin Cappresious, a name known in modeling circuits, brings a touch of style and flamboyance to the show. RJ Bincy, known for her magnetic voice and relatable personality, is another exciting entry. Her radio-honed communication skills might give her an edge in the game of wit and alliances. Completing this vibrant lineup is 19-year-old influencer Rena Fathima, the youngest contestant this season. A rising digital star, Rena is expected to shake things up with her youthful energy and social media-savvy gameplan. Bigg Boss Malayalam Season 7 premieres at 7 PM on Asianet and JioCinema (JioHotstar). With a stellar cast of celebrities and changemakers, and Mohanlal's commanding presence at the helm, this season promises emotional fireworks, strategic clashes, and unforgettable television. Let the mind games begin. First Published: August 03, 2025, 21:00 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
