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Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Sandra Thomas wears burqa in protest against sex offenders in positions of power at Kerala Film Producers Association
Actor-producer Sandra Thomas shocked everyone when she turned up in a burqa to file her nomination at the Kerala Film Producers Association (KFPA) for the upcoming elections. After filing her nomination, she told the press why she wore it in protest against sexual offenders sitting in positions of power. Sandra Thomas told the press that her wearing a burqa was a form of protest against the abusers in Producers Association. Sandra Thomas wears burqa to protest against sex offenders In videos Sandra re-shared on her Instagram, she can be seen dressed in a black burqa, with only her face left visible, as she filed a nomination at the KFPA. Manorama Online reported that she said, 'In light of my previous experience, I feel a veil is appropriate attire to wear in the presence of the current office bearers. This is also my protest against the four accused, who have been accused of a serious crime, still being administrators here. Moreover, they are also contesting in the upcoming elections as president and secretary.' Sandra also reportedly told the press that the KFPA is 'not a safe place for women', adding, 'This is an organisation that has been monopolised by ten to fifteen people for decades now. Changes must be made. No matter what place it is, it will stagnate if only a few people control it. The Producers Association is below all organisations in Malayalam cinema today because the current rulers have brought it to that state. The industry will only change when changes are made here.' About Sandra Thomas This is not the first time that Sandra has spoken up against sexual abuse and exploitation in the Malayalam film industry. She recently also claimed that producers set aside budgets in Mollywood to procure drugs for stars. In November 2024, Sandra was expelled from the producers' body on charges of breaching organisational discipline and norms. She had questioned the silence of film organisations, including KFPA, on the startling revelations made in the Hema Committee Report. In December 2024, the Ernakulam Sub Court stayed the order to expel her. Sandra has now filed a nomination to run for the Presidency of KFPA.
Gulf News
14-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf News
Mollywood crisis deepens: Top producers split over June 1 strike
Thiruvananthapuram: The ongoing power struggle in the Malayalam film industry has taken a turn for the worse, with divisions widening between two of its most influential producers. What initially seemed like a difference of opinion has now snowballed into a full-blown conflict, as more stakeholders take sides in the intensifying feud. At the heart of the controversy are veteran producer G. Suresh Kumar and Antony Perumbavur, a close aide of superstar Mohanlal. Perumbavur, who began his career as Mohanlal's driver in the 1980s, has since risen to become one of the industry's most dominant producers, primarily handling the superstar's films. The discord erupted on Thursday when Perumbavur publicly rebuked Suresh Kumar for his statements made at a press conference on February 6. During the conference, Kumar had announced that various film bodies had collectively decided to launch an indefinite strike from June 1, protesting against soaring remuneration demands and unfavorable industry policies. However, Perumbavur swiftly countered this claim on social media, asserting that no such decision had been taken. In response, Kumar stood firm, stating that the minutes of the meeting documented the decision. The rift quickly spilled over into the industry, drawing in prominent actors such as Prithviraj, Unni Mukundan, and Basil Joseph, who sided with Perumbavur. Their involvement further escalated tensions, transforming the dispute into a high-stakes battle between old-school producers and the new generation of industry stakeholders. On Friday, the Producers Association issued an official statement unequivocally backing Suresh Kumar, asserting that his announcement had accurately reflected the consensus reached during the meeting. The power dynamics in Mollywood have been shifting in recent years, with leading actors such as Mammootty, Mohanlal, Prithviraj, Jayasurya, Dulquer Salmaan, and Unni Mukundan launching their own production houses. This trend has placed traditional producers in a precarious position, as they struggle to maintain their relevance in an industry increasingly dominated by actor-driven production companies. Meanwhile, Kerala's Minister for Cinema and Culture, Saji Cherian remarked that the film industry must resolve its internal matters independently. 'Let them find a way out,' he told IANS. With the Producers Association throwing its weight behind Kumar, the next crucial development hinges on the response of exhibitors and other key industry stakeholders. Sign up for the Daily Briefing Get the latest news and updates straight to your inbox
