Actor Shwetha Menon has stepped down as president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), bringing an abrupt end to the women-led committee that took charge less than a year ago. In a dramatic move, all 17 members of her executive committee also resigned, with Menon even giving up her primary membership in the organisation.
Speaking to reporters after a tense annual general body meeting in Kochi, the actor made it clear that she would not remain a figurehead. “I won’t be anyone’s play doll,” she said, adding that she felt relieved after stepping away from the post.
Blames Previous Committee For Financial Mess
Shwetha Menon squarely blamed the previous AMMA committee, headed by superstar Mohanlal, for the financial irregularities that sparked the latest controversy.
According to her, the accounts inherited by her team were riddled with issues, with several transactions allegedly being handled in cash rather than through proper documentation. She claimed these practices had continued for months before her committee took charge.
Menon insisted that her team had brought the discrepancies to light and recorded every transaction made after assuming office. However, she admitted that producing complete accounts became difficult because the association had effectively been functioning without a working treasurer.
“We pointed out every error we found. The books from September 1 onwards were properly maintained,” she maintained.
Heated AGM Ends In Resignations
The resignations came after heated exchanges during AMMA’s annual general body meeting. Members reportedly questioned the receipts and payments figures presented by general secretary Kuku Parameswaran, while a section moved a no-confidence motion against the leadership.
Despite the criticism, Menon maintained that her committee was being unfairly blamed for problems it had inherited.
‘Apart From Some Of Them, I Feel Sorry For My Team’
While expressing relief over her exit, Menon said she sympathised with most members of her committee “apart from some of them.”
Actress Anjali Nair, who was part of the executive committee, defended Menon and claimed she had been unfairly targeted.
“She is sincere and hardworking. Instead of questioning those who created problems, people attacked Shwetha. That’s why we decided to resign together,” Anjali told NDTV.
A Series Of Internal Conflicts
AMMA has been grappling with controversies for months.
Joint secretary Ansiba Hassan had earlier resigned after alleging harassment and claiming she had been targeted on communal lines by some members, including actors Tini Tom and Lakshmi Priya. She later approached the police after standing by her accusations despite receiving a show-cause notice from the association.
The organisation also faced an office management controversy after a dismissed manager filed a harassment complaint against general secretary Kuku Parameswaran and treasurer Unni Sivapal. Following the complaint, Sivapal was asked to go on leave.
Vice-president Lakshmipriya had also spoken publicly about poor transparency within the body, while actor Mala Parvathy claimed that important decisions were being taken without consulting the committee.
Mohanlal Stays Away, Baburaj Hits Out
Mohanlal, who headed the previous committee that resigned in 2024 following the Justice Hema Committee report, stayed away from the latest dispute.
However, actor Baburaj launched a sharp attack on the outgoing leadership, accusing it of mishandling both the accounts issue and Ansiba Hassan’s complaint. He questioned how women members could support a body that, according to him, had failed to deliver justice.
Actor and politician Ganesh Kumar reportedly stood by Shwetha Menon’s leadership during the meeting.
Government Refuses To Intervene
Kerala Cultural Affairs Minister P.C. Vishnunadh described the matter as an internal issue and said the government had no intention of interfering.
He said it was up to AMMA members to resolve their differences and move forward, adding that there was no reason for government intervention.
Interim Committee To Take Charge
Following the mass resignations, an interim committee headed by actor and MLA Ramesh Pisharody has been appointed to oversee the organisation until fresh elections are held.
The committee led by Shwetha Menon had taken charge in August 2025, becoming the first administration in AMMA’s history with women occupying the top two posts. Their exit just ten months later has once again plunged the association into uncertainty, reopening the question of leadership in one of Malayalam cinema’s most influential bodies.
