Text Credits: Shibul Pavithran 

The leading members of Women In Cinema Collective (WCC) namely Revathy, Padma Priya, and Parvathy had a meeting with the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) to discuss the grievances of the female actors against the organisation’s decision to re- admit actor Dileep, who is accused of kidnapping an actress. The meeting took place at Kochi, on Tuesday evening.

Source:  thenewsminute.com

Here is quick recap of what led this meeting to happen, the formation of Women In Cinema Collective (WCC) and how this movement will help in building a better and safer society for women, not just in films but otherwise as well.

Trigger and the Formation  

On  February 17, 2017, a Malayalam actress was abducted and sexually assaulted in her car for more than two hours, during which time the men also reportedly visually recorded the incident. The men who filmed her, threatened to leak the videos if she complained to the cops.

Source: silverscreen.in

The threats didn’t frighten the brave actress, who went ahead and filed a police complaint. This one act of fearlessness is what inspired members of the WCC to come together as a collective that would support the Survivor in her fight to get justice and to speak up for equal opportunity, inclusivity and security for women in a male-dominated industry. On May 18, 2017, around 25 women—comprising actors, directors, scriptwriters, singers and editors—joined hands and gave birth to Women in Cinema Collective (WCC), a first of its kind in India.  They have been conducting conversations on gender-based pay gap in the industry, sexual harassment, sexism on screen and the safety of women who work on the sets of a film.

Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) vs Women in Cinema Collective (WCC)

During this period, in a twisted gesture, the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes extended their support to both the victim and Dileep, because they were both a part of AMMA. This reaction, which treated the male suspect and the female victim equally, was a classic example of sexism in the industry and further fumed the issue. And as per the investigation that had taken place, it suggested Dileep as a culprit behind the incident and was arrested. He was jailed for about three months and later was bailed out. During his arrest period his membership was suspended and the Actor’s association AMMA expelled him. And almost after an year on June 18, the same Actors Association reinstated his membership with great flamboyance.
This episode did not go well with the WCC and they protested against the decision with firm resistance. The Survivor resigned from AMMA in protest. The Survivor’s statement read: “I am resigning not just because the accused actor has been taken back into AMMA. Even before, this actor has scuttled many of my acting opportunities. When I complained against this, AMMA had taken no action. Now, when such an unfortunate incident happened in my life, the organisation again tried to protect the accused. I resign from the organisation having understood that there is no purpose in being part of it.”

In complete solidarity with the Survivor, three more members resigned from AMMA, all of them were WCC members. Some of the questions they publicly asked were: “Isn’t there an anomaly in taking back a rape accused to the association even before the investigation is over?” “Isn’t the decision to reinstate Dileep into the association of which the Survivor is still a part of, insulting her?” “Can women expect support from male-dominated associations?”
This gloomy episode exposes the omnipresent sexism present in the Malayalam film industry, which has been hell-bent over backwards to support the male actor while ignoring the victim.

WCC’s Battle is for basic rights!

Source: cinemaexpress.com

In spite of producing some of the country’s most rebellious and progressive literature and films, we still lack equal representation of women in Kerala. Finally, now the significant voices from Malayalam film industry are coming out and revealing about casting couch, male control, pay imbalance, power games being present at large.

As women challenge to take over larger roles in the making of a film, it’s only initiatives like WCC that can drive film industries across India to follow the basic laws and rules that make it possible for women to work: A workplace culture that doesn’t encourage harassment, a safe commute after work, more representation, processes to report sexual harassment and a space where women’s voices are heard and grievances are taken seriously. WCC is a brave and absolutely fabulous initiative which is perfect weapon against the Misogynistic Malayalee Man (or the mindest).

Historically Kerala has been the hotbed for many revolutions, in cinema and out of it. This revolution, based on the spirit of one woman’s courage to against the brutal misogyny, surely has the potential to inspire women in all walks of life, all across the country.  And probably in near future other industries too can take inspiration from WCC and follow the suit. People  intentionally or unintentionally take inspiration from celebrities and film industry, and if the cinema world succeeds in treating women with respect and equality, than half the job is already done.

The post Why WCC’s Struggle Is Important To Every Women in Society appeared first on FWD Life | The Premium Lifestyle Magazine |.

The Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) has reacted to a report made by Mathrubhumi newspaper, one of Kerala’s leading dailies, stating that the President of  AMMA, actor Mohanlal has threatened to resign from his post as the President of the association regarding a difference of opinion among its members. The AMMA association later posted in their facebook page that the reports are not true about the actor quitting his post and it was just a gimmick portrayed by Mathrubhumi showing signs of frustration towards the association and the legendary actor. The post made by AMMA states that various film organizations within the film industry stopped giving advertisements to Mathrubhumi, for which they are taking revenge by maligning AMMA association and its dignified members.

The post also claims that the newspaper has been trying to insult newly released movies and portraying the actors in a bad light. It also claims that the Mathrubhumi has been on a mission to ruin the image of actor Mohanlal and other significant members, by accusing them by false statements. The Facebook post made by AMMA ended with a note saying that there is no need to panic as the statements made by the daily is nothing to be taken seriously and the association will stay strong and together even when the tides are against them. Here is the post that was made by AMMA association in their facebook page.

The post Mathrubhumi’s Allegations Are False. Mohanlal Won’t Be Resigning ! appeared first on FWD Life | The Premium Lifestyle Magazine |.

Text Credits: Kennie Thomas

Dulquer Salmaan, affectionately called ‘Kunjikka’ by fans around the state, is the heartthrob of Malayalam film industry. Following his father, Mammootty’s footsteps, Dulquer has found success in the industry very fast.

Always taking an extra cautious step to be away from controversies, Dulquer was always tight-lipped about commenting on sensitive issues. Recently, when AMMA reinstated the membership of accused actor Dileep, many social activists questioned the reason behind the no comments stand of young actors like Dulquer and Fahad Fasil. Dulquer had chosen to be silent even on the actress abduction case as well. Actress Parvathy had made bold comments regarding certain sequences of the movie Kasaba which promotes misogynistic sentiments among the viewers. This issue had been fuelled further by the fans of Mammootty, who threatened Parvathy and her family through social media.

Image From: Samayam Malayalam

Following the limelight, Dulquer has finally broken the silence and made it clear that his movies have never and will never promote sexist sentiments among the viewers. “I have the utmost respect for women. What I can do as an artist is that I will always put them first. My movies haven’t ever or will never put women in a bad state,” said Dulquer.”I personally know my father very well. I know how he has raised me and my sister. It is not wise to evaluate him by watching his movies. I know the love and respect which women get in my family, and the respect we give to women outside the family. Everything that affects my father will obviously hurt me. I know, he can never hurt anyone deliberately,” said Dulquer about his father Mammootty.

Dulquer is all ready for his first debut in Bollywood through the movie Karwaan, co-starring Irfaan Khan and Mithila Palakar. This much-awaited movie is directed by Akarsh Khurana and is expected to hit theatres by August 3.

The post Dulquer Salmaan Breaks Silence On Anti-Feminist Issue appeared first on FWD Life | The Premium Lifestyle Magazine |.

Text Credits: Shibul Pavithran   

Mohanlal, who recently took oath as the president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), has been facing the fury of  both film personalities and general public, for reinstating Dileep back into the organisation. Addressing to the media in Kochi Today (July 9), he said: “ I believe that AMMA the organisation needs to be changed. A bye-law that was written 25 years ago, that needs to be changed. Women have to be given more prominence in the industry and steps will be taken to help actors who are out of work.”.

Mohanlal apologised for keeping the media out of the general body proceedings that saw Dileep’s comeback into AMMA. “Dileep’s arrest came as a shocker, and AMMA was on the verge of a split,” said Mohanlal.

He stated that Dileep will remain outside the organisation till he his acquitted of all charges against him in the alleged sexual assault and kidnapping of a woman actor in which he is an accused. The complete actor told media persons that Dileep’s issue had been the major agenda for the discussion that was held at the AMMA meeting.

He questioned why those who slam the organisation as ‘patriarchal’ or unjust did not rise to the occasion and mark their protest or even raise any questions when the decision to reinstate actor Dileep had been passed. Mohanlal said that no member of the Women in Cinema Collective had attended the general body meeting, where the issue pertaining to Mr. Dileep’s ouster was included under the agenda for discussion. “However, we are ready to hold talks with WCC on any issue,” he said.

Mohanlal also said, “I also wish that Dileep comes out clear from this case”.

The post “Dileep Will Stay Out Of AMMA Untill Innocence Is Proved”, Says Mohanlal appeared first on FWD Life | The Premium Lifestyle Magazine |.

Text Credits: Sandra James

Taking back actor Dileep into Association of Malayalam Movie Actors (AMMA) has created lot of buzz and debate in the media for the past few days. The decision to take back the Sallaapam actor was made after Monhanlal was appointed as the new president of AMMA. Dileep was accused earlier for his involvement in the kidnap and sexual assault of a well known actress and therefore was expelled from the association.

This decision by AMMA has urged Malaylam actresses and members of the association, Rima Kallingal, Remya Nambeeshan, Geethu Mohandas and the assaulted actress  to resign from the association in solidarity with the victim. The above mentioned actresses are also part of Women In Cinema Collective (WCC), an organisation that works to support and protect women in cinema. Other members of WCC – Parvathy, Manju Warrier, and Padmapriya have refrained from quitting AMMA.

However, WCC has given out a statement regarding the news of taking back Dileep into AMMA

They shared the actress’s statement regarding her decision to quit. In her statement she said:

“I am not resigning because he was taken back into the association. Long ago, I had complained against him on the actor being instrumental in taking away the opportunities coming my way in the industry. Even when such a painful episode happened in my life, the organisation that even I am part of, tried to protect him. I don’t feel it makes sense to continue as part of it.”

WCC added to this post the statements by other members of the association who are quitting the association as well:

“AMMA has been a part of the industry since 1995, it hasn’t done anything to make the work space women-friendly in all these years. AMMA even tried to make fun of the initiatives that we undertake towards that aim through its skit,”

Remya responded regarding the matter, “I was shocked to learn from the media the move to take up the issue which was not even in the general body agenda and then follow it up with a decision to reinstate the actor. The body clearly did not think of its member who was a victim of the attack when the decision was being made.” She also added, “few actors have also decided to quit in solidarity with the victim and this may prompt the association to change their decision”.

The post Malayalam Actresses Quit AMMA After Dileep Is Taken Back appeared first on FWD Life | The Premium Lifestyle Magazine |.

Text Credits: Shibul Pavithran 

Actor Dileep, who was expelled from AMMA (Association of Malayalam Movie Actors) last year over his alleged involvement actress violation case, will be reappointed as a preliminary member in the association as discussed in the general body meeting of the AMMA on Sunday.

Apparently Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) stayed away from the meeting. It is was established the senior actors and majority of the participants took a stance in favour of Dileep at the meeting. They focused on the action taken by AMMA against Dileep which were reportedly against the procedures and AMMA’s rules. Significantly, the new generation heartthrobs Prithviraj, Tovino and Nivin Pauly were also kept away from the meeting.

According to actor Siddique, the decision to re-appoint Dileep’s membership was taken unanimously, and the discussion lasted only about two minutes. Siddique also said, “Dileep could have approached the court against the association’s action, it was good that he did not do so. If he had moved legally against his removal, the story would have been different. It is Urmila Unni who raised the question on what decision will be made about Dileep, and as we sat around as a crowd, the members opined that he shouldn’t be ousted unless proven guilty. Also, the official procedures to expel Dileep weren’t taken last year though Mammootty had given an official statement on behalf of AMMA. So, he continues to be a member.”

Later, the new general secretary Edavela Babu also spoke in favour of Dileep citing how actor Jagathy Sreekumar was suspended and not expelled from the association when he was charged with an case earlier.

The AMMA meeting also witnessed the current head of the organisation Innocent, who is the Chalakudy MP, making way for Mohanlal as the organisation’s new president.

Howerver, this decision has not gone well with all in the industry. Aashiq Abu expressed his strong disapproval against AMMA’s decision and talked about Thilakan who was expelled till death. He posted a photo of the legendary actor Thilakan along with a note, which can be translated as, “He was not an accused in any criminal case, yet he was expelled from the association by the kingpings of the industry. Will AMMA apologise to Thilakan for expelling him on charges of expressing his opinion?”

Both his movies – Ramaleela and Kammara Sambhavam – were applauded even before they released.  In the very same style he is back in AMMA in just a year’s time with his case still pending in courts. Perhaps some of them owe him for favours that he’s done for them in the times of crises. And perhaps some just can’t believe the man who had won their loyalty and made them laugh hysterically could be anything beyond the charming, overly-polite self he has presented himself as all these years, despite the facts of the case.

The post Dileep Is Back With A Boom And Will Be Reappointed In AMMA appeared first on FWD Life | The Premium Lifestyle Magazine |.

The complete actor, Mohanlal will take charge as the new President of AMMA later this month. The decision came out after veteran actor Mammootty decided to withdraw his candidature. The position was occupied by actor Innocent who is also a Member of Parliament. Innocent had been serving as the president of AMMA for eighteen years.

Source: deccanchronicle.com, ibtimes.co.in

The actions and decisions Innocent took with respect to Dileep when he was first accused of conspiring an attack against a female actor is thought to be one major reason for his resignation from the post. The formation of the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) that was founded following the attack on the female actor may also have had triggered the decision.

The general body of AMMA will meet on June 24 to elect the president, vice-presidents, secretary, general secretary, treasurer and other executive committee members. But on the last day of nominations on Friday, there was only one nomination for each of the main posts. Twelve candidates have filed nominations for the 11 posts of executive committee.

Mammootty, who was the General Secretary, had decided to withdraw his candidacy. Edavela Babu got elected as the new General Secretary while comedian and character artist Jagdish becomes the Treasurer.

The post Mohanlal To Become The President Of Malayalam Film Body AMMA appeared first on FWD Life | The Premium Lifestyle Magazine |.

Text: Devika V Menon   Photos: Various Sources

The 23rd annual general body meeting of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA)was held at Crowne Plaza in Kochi on Thursday, June 29. The meeting started at around 10:45 am, and ended at 4:00 pm, with most of the association members attending the event.

The press conference was held at 3:00 pm where announcements were made. An ambulance, ‘Theruvoram’ was launched by the general body members. This ambulance, with a tie-up with the Thrissur General Hospital will go around the city treating children who they find on the streets. Their aim is to clean them up, treat them, if they’re ill and hopefully try to reunite them with their families. In the announcement made, President of AMMA, Innocent said a total of Rs 17 lakh has been spent on the ambulance. Also, 12 homes have been provided for the homeless. 100 people with disabilities have gotten a 3-wheel cycle and 8 people will get a ‘kaineetam’ of Rs 5,000, which makes it a total of 118 people to have received the amount.

The post AMMA General Body Launches “Theruvoram’ Ambulance For The Needy appeared first on FWD Life | The Premium Lifestyle Magazine |.