Revamp in Crisis-Hit Malayalam Film Body AMMA; Actors Asha Aravind and Sijoy Varghese Named Vice-Presidents

In a significant restructuring of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), actors Asha Aravind and Sijoy Varghese have been appointed as the new vice-presidents. This change comes in the wake of considerable turmoil within the organization following an unsettling general body meeting held in Kochi on June 21, 2026.

Background and Overview

The turmoil at AMMA began to unfold publicly earlier this year when a no-confidence motion was brought against Shweta Menon, the association’s first female president. The situation escalated after the general body meeting in June, where leadership was criticized for its inability to effectively manage the day-to-day operations and resolve internal disputes. Menon subsequently announced her resignation, though she later retracted her decision and challenged the formation of an ad-hoc panel led by actor and MLA Ramesh Pisharody.

Key Developments

During an executive committee meeting on September 30, 2026, Aravind and Varghese were chosen for the vacant vice-presidential posts, which became open after the resignations of actors Lakshmipriya and Jayan Cherthala earlier this year. Additionally, Neena Kurup has been appointed as the new treasurer, taking over from former treasurer Unni Shivpal, who was sidelined after allegations of workplace harassment surfaced involving an employee of the association.

Moreover, Sarayu Mohan has been elected as joint secretary, filling the role left by Ansiba Hassan, who resigned in February 2026 after making serious allegations against certain members, including actor Tini Tom, accusing them of character assassination and making communal remarks.

The committee also accepted the resignation of Jayan Cherthala from the vice-presidency, while the resignations of actors Joy Mathew and Kailash have yet to be processed. Sources indicate that these actors have been urged to reconsider their decisions.

Context of the Changes

The internal conflicts within AMMA have raised concerns about the leadership’s capacity to navigate complex issues, leading to calls for reform. The crisis was exacerbated when a faction of the organization moved against Menon, citing poor management and the failure to address conflicts. Following her brief resignation, Menon’s re-emergence as a central figure in AMMA was facilitated by a court ruling that temporarily halted the functioning of the aforementioned ad-hoc committee led by Pisharody, who subsequently stepped down from his convenorship.

Statements and Reactions

The turmoil within the association has drawn considerable attention from the public and various stakeholders in the Malayalam film industry. While no official statements have been issued post-restructuring, there is a palpable sense of anticipation regarding how the new leadership will address the lingering issues within AMMA.

What Happened Next

The new appointments mark a critical juncture for AMMA as it seeks to restore stability and public confidence following a turbulent period. Looking ahead, the newly elected officials will face the immediate challenge of mending internal rifts and addressing the concerns that have threatened the integrity of the organization. AMMA’s ability to navigate these challenges effectively will be essential in regaining the trust of its members and the larger film community.

Conclusion

The election of Asha Aravind and Sijoy Varghese as vice-presidents amid ongoing crises reflects a pivotal moment for AMMA. How this newly restructured leadership tackles the challenges ahead will significantly impact the future of the association and the Malayalam film industry as a whole.