AMMA's dictatorship

AMMA (Association of Malayalam Movie Artists) is spreading its tentacles too far and wide without comprehending the repercussions that may ensue henceforth in future. Instituted with an aim to unite the film fraternity under a single umbrella, it has however fallen to pieces. Rather than unifying the industry under a single banner to even out all differences and disparities, the Association has dismembered them right from day one. If the Association's stalemate with the Kerala Film Chamber of Commerce in 2002 was the starting point, then it has to be admitted painfully that, things have never been the same since then. Subsequently, scathing comments by veteran actors, Thilakan and Lalu Alex against the Association served to add fuel to the fire. Accusing the Association of its breach of contract with the Chamber, the fraternity witnessed the first ripples from within. Tensions have been brewing within and its outbursts always made it to the gossip columns of every tabloid.

If these were not enough, then Prithviraj's refusal to oblige AMMA, Dileep's feud with director Tulasidas and the latest controversy surrounding the ban imposed on Meera Jasmine and Naren following their refusal to work in the film Twenty:20 are just the tip of an iceberg. Holding the film fraternity together is a daunting uphill task, when superstars and stars can hardly let go off their ego. Following the clashes, factions have cropped up within the Association, with each one busy garnering supporters on each respective side. Actors and actresses who enact ideal roles onscreen indulge in backbiting, demeaning the very industry before the world.

In spite of all these AMMA has never failed its children in the face of any crisis. Unanimously supporting Padmapriya in an ugly episode, when she was slapped by filmmaker Saami during a film shooting, the benevolent mother intervened to ensure justice. Associations are vital bodies only if they foster harmony and mutual co-operation among members instead of indulging in clandestine activities, baseless issues or even encroaching into the privacy of its members. Baring its foul teeth to the wide world, it is high time that the Association mends its ways for good.