Aftermath of Justice Hema Committee Report: AMMA split on the cards; members seek new representation

20 members of AMMA have approached the FEFKA (Film Employees Federation of Kerala) demanding a separate trade union for actors.

AMMA currently has 498 members, including 253 men and 245 women. (Image: AMMA/Facebook)

Following the Justice Hema Committee report being made public, Malayalam cinema structures have been undergoing a massive turmoil with regards to its day-to-day functioning. With many sexual assault allegations being levelled against important members of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA), including Siddique, Edavela Babu and Maniyanpilla Raju, the executive committee, headed by Mohanlal, tendered their resignation. This development has put AMMA in major trouble, and with no signs of a reconciliation happening in the organisation, more fissures are developing as the days progress. On Thursday, Manorama News reported that at least 20 members of AMMA have approached the FEFKA (Film Employees Federation of Kerala) demanding a separate trade union for the actors.

ALSO READ | Ranjith: The Malayalam writer-director who peddled elitist, patriarchal and misogynistic ideas through his films, now accused of sexual harassment

It is reported that this request has been submitted to the FEFKA General secretary B Unnikrishnan to ensure a new union is formed to safeguard the interests of the Malayalam actors. According to the news report, 17 male actors and 3 female actors have put forth this request. In response to this request, Unnikrishnan told Manorama News, “Let the union be formed first. FEFKA will give the official validation for the group after thoroughly accessing its executive committee, and the structure.” He also clarified that the identity of AMMA will be maintained and its membership procedures will remain as it is.

Story continues below this ad

ALSO READ | ‘Inaction alarming’: Kerala HC slams state govt over Hema Committee report

It is to be noted that post the Justice Hema Committee report, the state government had formed a Special Investigation Team to look into fresh allegations of sexual abuse. So far, 22 cases have been registered by the SIT based on various complaints of abuse that happened over the last several years. However, the SIT didn’t investigate the incidents mentioned in the report. This has been taken into cognisance by the Kerala High Court, which has ordered the SIT to take those cases under perusal as well.

Click here to follow Screen Digital on YouTube and stay updated with the latest from the world of cinema.