Filmmaker Aashiq Abu has always marched to a different tune and with a bold actor wife like Rima Kallingal by his side, they have been a progressive couple who support and stand by each other’s decisions. So when Rima decided to resign from the film body AMMA, the proud husband is right there backing her decision and extending all support. He states, “I see this as a progressive and historical move that should have happened long back. The decision of these members is the sign of a new and progressive generation that does not bow down blindly but questions and if need be, opposes conventions. If this new generation with strong thoughts and views feel there is an issue that goes against their sensibilities in any organisation of which they are a part, then they have the complete freedom to detach themselves from that organisation. Here, it is not only a protest from the side of the members to distance themselves from an organisation but also a show of solidarity towards a colleague who worked alongside them and went through a harrowing experience. They are all standing with her and by her. I personally think this is a bold move that should be marked in golden letters in the annals of history.”
While all the AMMA members may not have agreed with the decision to reinstate Dileep into its folds, the fact remains that a deep fear of their career going south if they raise their voices has effectively zipped all their mouths. It is here that the bold move by the four actors gains importance and demands respect. Yes, a backlash is to be expected and Aashiq agrees, “That situation is already there and they have already been singled out. They were members of the AMMA only as a formality. They had raised certain points in the past that nobody gave an ear to. So this resignation comes as a reply to that,” he says.
Aashiq also mentions a recent stage show organised by a leading channel and the AMMA, wherein the who’s who of Mollywood were present, including the superstars. He reminds, “There was a segment that had sarcastically mocked the WCC, which sadly even had a national award winner like Surabhi Lakshmi as well as the two legends being a part of the skit. It only shows the AMMA members’ reactions to the WCC movement and a clear indication of their thoughts. So rather than being insulted over and over again, a decision by some of the WCC members to not be a part of such an organisation can only be termed as correct. Also, is there not a big irony in the fact that a survivor, who was attacked, and the accused, whose trial is still happening in court, would be part of the same organisation?” he asks.
Where’s Prithvi, asks Vinayan
Director Vinayan, known for his fearless stance, lashed out against the AMMA members.
“This organisation was so prejudiced against the survivor. The resignation of the actors from the organisation was the best democratic decision they made. I personally wanted them to raise these issues at the general body, but they couldn’t. They have voiced it openly and we needn’t see that with contempt. Maybe the organisation can justify the inclusion of Dileep as part of their by-law or discretion. But have they ever spared a thought about the survivor? It was really valiant of her to come forward and fight. But had the organisation even bothered to support her? At least, appreciate her for coming out of the trauma,” says the director, who has been in the bad books of the organisation for a long time and was blacklisted by the ‘mafia’ for almost a decade.
Vinayan sees the ban on him and actor Thilakan as a destruction of the golden period of both their careers. A fighter, he refused to cow down and took forward the case for almost 10 years until justice was served. “I don’t think these actors who resigned can be ousted from the industry like they did to me and Thilakan,” he says.
Dileep’s re-induction, he feels, was staged. “The previous general body meeting saw two MLAs being harsh on the media when questioned about Dileep. It’s clear that they staged the actor’s inclusion by appointing a woman actor to raise the question. The committee voluntarily passed the decision and insulted the survivor. The organisation has made a mockery of itself. They have turned into a mafia organisation,” says Vinayan, whose ban was lifted by the AMMA last year.
The director also trains his guns at Prithviraj, saying, “Prithviraj was the one who openly supported the survivor during the crisis. But where is he now? He hasn’t even released a statement on this. Everyone, especially the youngsters, should be brave enough to stick to their stance. How can they be cultural leaders if they don’t have the guts to take a stance during the time of injustice?”
Stressing on his opinion on the matter, Vinayan concludes with a statement. “I personally believe that AMMA president Mohanlal should apologise to the survivor.”
‘I am ashamed to be part of AMMA’
A male actor, who is a member of the AMMA and is active in the Malayalam film industry for over two decades, reveals that he is ashamed of being part of the organisation run by a mafia.
“I have decided to be a spineless coward and stand with AMMA, only because I know no other job than acting. If I am out of this industry, I am finished. I have no other choice. This is my fate,” says the actor, who has shared screen space with both the Big Ms in his over 20-year-long acting career.
“Personally, I am very much with the actresses who chose to quit the AMMA, run by the superstars of the industry. It’s the same as in the films. The superstars themselves are the heroes of this organisation; the supporting actors, comedians and those in blink-and-miss-roles are all just powerless entities who won’t survive in the story without the heroes’ backing.”
He had been part of the AMMA meeting. “It was a hilarious meeting. It was a session for the members to ask questions. Urmila Unni came up to the dais and asked if the AMMA could take Dileep back into the fold, and she left. In support of her, Idavela Babu said we could do that. Among the crowd, just four or five clapped. Those claps were considered the ‘majority’ decision and they just announced that ‘we are taking him back’. I was seriously considering standing up and asking for a vote. But I couldn't and I despise myself for even existing,” the actor says.
