Kerala minister asks AMMA to look into grievances raised by Women in Cinema Collective

A Kerala minister on Sunday (14 October) urged the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) to look into the grievances raised by actresses.

The Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) has raised concerns over how AMMA, led by superstar Mohanlal, has handled the case involving the kidnapping of an actress.

The Kerala government will step in if a need arises, state minister for law, cinema and culture AK Balan said Thiruvananthapuram.

"Now that the WCC has raised issues, in all fairness, AMMA should look into it and sort out it," said Balan.

The WCC was formed last year by women drawn from various sectors of the film industry to fight for their cause, after they found that AMMA was not protecting their interests.

Senior actor Dileep is an accused in a kidnapping case that took place last year. The actor was in jail for 85 days and is now out on bail.

The WCC held a lengthy press conference on Satruday (13 October) that the WCC, led by actress Revathy, alleged that AMMA has not supported the victim, whereas Dileep has got all the backing.

Others who took part included Rima Kallingal, Remya Nambisan and Geetu Mohandas, who had earlier quit from AMMA to protest against the way the actress' kidnapping issue was handled by AMMA.

The WCC alleges that AMMA has not supported the victim, whereas Dileep has got all the backing.

Leading actress Revathy on Saturday said that many like her were shocked to hear Mohanlal address them as mere actresses.

"It really hurt us very much... he could have mentioned us by our name. We have now realized that AMMA's executive committee is taking us for a ride and is not serious about the victim getting justice in the kidnapping case," said Revathy, adding AMMA should be handled by responsible people.

Trouble stared soon after Mohanlal took over as AMMA President in June. He took back into the AMMA fold actor Dileep, prompting leading actresses, Rima Kallingal, Remya Nambisan and Geetu Mohandas quitting the AMMA in protest. Another 14 members announced their decision to quit, citing lack of fairness.

At the press meet, Revathy, Padmapriya, Parvathy and the three actresses who quit AMMA and a few others were also present.

The decision on Dileep's status has been left to the next general body meeting of AMMA.

"They (AMMA) use by-laws when they find it useful for their requirements and when it comes to our needs, they cling on by-laws," said Parvathy.

Following the WCC press meet on Saturday evening, their Facebook page has come under cyber attack.