Finally, people are beginning to speak up against AMMA

The annual general body meeting of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) came under public scrutiny and a lot of fire for the way it refused to discuss the burning issue of the actress’ assault case and the allegations that are being raised against actor Dileep. Why did not even one member raise this issue at the meeting is the question on everyone’s lips.Are they so scared of losing out on acting opportunities?
Slowly, however, dissenting voices are being raised, significantly from a section of male actors. Director Aashiq Abu shared his anxieties and so did prominent film personalities like Joy Mathew and Prakash Bare.
In typical tongue-in-cheek style, Joy Mathew wrote, “Everyone wants to know what happened in the AMMA meeting. Here goes: AMMA is an association of people who have made acting their profession,” the allusion being that they were acting in real life too.
We asked Joy Mathew why he did not raise the issue at the meeting. He says, “I had written a letter to AMMA immediately after the incident, asking the organisation to take up the case and offer legal and monetary help. Only then will the victim feel that the organisation is with her. But I haven't received a reply till date. What is the use of raising it in such a scenario?”
A representative of AMMA admits that they indeed got the letter but says that was not the only one but there were as many as 10, unwittingly letting on that not everyone within the body is pleased with the goings on.
The AMMA officials also claim that they are doing everything possible for the actress, but do not feel the need to publicise their efforts. “Our only fault is that we did not make public the measures we have taken to help the assaulted actress. Our members have access to the governing bodies. So anyone can see that we are in the right direction. We had decided at the outset not to talk about either the actress or the actor under suspicion.”
But why didn’t Mammootty or Mohanlal speak about the issue? “It’s always Innocent who speaks, as the president,” says the source. “We had spoken to the assaulted actress and she can reach us anytime. There is no power play in AMMA, we always support the weaker members.”
Prakash Bare, who has taken a strong stance against AMMA, however, pooh-poohs these claims. “It was so obvious from their body language that they are trying to bury the case. They think they can buy the entire State. You have to come out of all this and fight. There will be people with you. This will trigger bigger debates on how women are treated in cinema. Heroines are discarded like old clothes in cinema. Now women are making films, they should stay strong. The government should stand by them. People pay `1 lakh to get AMMA membership. If someone is dissatisfied, they should have the courage to speak out. Luckily, times are changing, now AMMA is being questioned,” he says.
Meanwhile, although Joy Mathew does not approve of the way AMMA handled the issue, he points out that AMMA is basically a welfare organisation, and one shouldn’t expect anything more from it. “Does any organisation leader reveal major decisions to the members? They don’t. AMMA is not a political organisation or a workers’ union. One can question their decisions, or not do it. But silence doesn't mean compliance.”
However, many of the members keep their mouths shut to avoid inviting the wrath of the leadership. Says a member of AMMA on condition of anonymity, “The film fraternity is basically a timid lot. There is no job security here and cinema is a matter of livelihood for them. Their biggest fear is that they would get dropped from a movie because of something they say.”
This actor adds that at the end of the day, it’s the men who hold the reins in the industry. “The superstars are all men, and no one can survive without pleasing them. The WCC members openly said that they can’t do anything without the support of men. But if the women can act, speak and write, why do they need men to help them solve their problems?”
Yet another member puts in his perspective, “Both the victims of the crime and the perpetrators would go ahead with their lives but the ones who speak out will pay with their careers. So it’s best to keep our mouths shut.”