Shwetha Menon and AMMA Executive Committee Resign After No-Confidence Motion
Menon, who had taken the helm in 2025, confirmed that every committee member stepped down once the motion was tabled. In a statement quoted by Manorama Online, she said, “All the executive committee members have resigned. The treasurer was absconding… I can only say that I am relieved that I am no longer an AMMA member.” The resignation notice also highlighted the treasurer’s disappearance and the failure to produce accounts for the period preceding September 1, 2025. Menon added that the office manager had been terminated and later filed a police complaint—an issue the committee had not addressed.
The motion drew support from a faction of AMMA members who voiced frustration over the leadership’s handling of internal disputes and a lack of financial transparency. Actor Ganesh Kumar reportedly spoke in favor of the existing leadership, while veteran actor Mohanlal remained neutral during the session. These reactions underscored deep divisions within the guild and a growing rift between its ranks.
The turmoil is part of a broader pattern of controversy that began in 2025 when Menon won the presidency, becoming the organisation’s first female leader. Earlier that year, she faced an obscenity case related to a 2013 film role—a case that she described as shocking. India Today reported on the legal challenge, adding to the scrutiny of her tenure.
The resignation follows a series of incidents that have strained AMMA’s internal cohesion. In May 2026, a former front‑office manager filed a police complaint alleging a conspiracy by the general secretary, a claim that intensified the perception of a hostile work environment. The Times of India covered the incident, highlighting concerns about harassment and administrative misconduct.
With the executive committee now vacant, AMMA’s future leadership remains uncertain. The organisation’s official website lists the committee as empty, and no immediate replacement has been announced. Industry observers note that the next general body meeting, scheduled for 21 June, will likely address the formation of a new committee and the resolution of outstanding financial matters.
The fallout carries implications beyond the guild. As a key body representing Malayalam film actors, AMMA’s instability could affect contractual negotiations, dispute resolution, and collective bargaining for artists. The resignation also raises questions about governance practices in regional film associations across India.
In the wake of the mass resignation, several actors and industry stakeholders have called for a transparent review of AMMA’s administrative procedures. The Kerala Film Chamber, for instance, has expressed willingness to mediate and support a re‑structured committee that can restore confidence among members.
As of now, Shwetha Menon has stepped down from her membership in AMMA, and the organisation is awaiting the appointment of a new executive committee. The next phase will involve addressing the financial discrepancies highlighted by the treasurer’s disappearance and ensuring compliance with statutory reporting requirements. The Malayalam film community will be watching closely to see how AMMA navigates these challenges and whether it can re‑establish itself as a stable platform for its members.
The situation remains fluid, with no definitive timeline for the appointment of new leadership. The industry will likely monitor the upcoming general body meeting for decisions on restructuring, financial accountability, and the restoration of trust within the association.