Latest news with #AMMA
Hans India
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Hectic parleys begins as new AMMA office bearers to be elected on Aug 15
Kochi; Ever since the explosive Hema Committee report surfaced last year, the affairs in the Malayalam film actors body -- Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) has been fluid. Things went for a toss after the incumbent Secretary of AMMA -- popular actor Siddique resigned after a former actress pointed fingers at him of misbehaviour. Soon thereafter names of other actors also surfaced accusing them of similar behaviour. Seeing all this the AMMA President Mohanlal made it clear that he was not keen to continue, forcing the entire 17-member executive to resign. Following this, the committee under Mohanlal was asked to continue in the capacity of ad hoc committee until fresh elections are held. At the recently held annual general body, the decision was made that on August 15 a new executive should be appointed through a democratic process. Now with the last date of nomination coming up on July 24 and on July 31 it will be known if there is going to be voting. With around 500 members in AMMA, it's going to be a race against time as hectic parleys have started on the name of candidates who will be going to contest. With Mammootty now undergoing treatment and Mohanlal has already announced that he is done with anymore posts, the race has begun. By now factions have also emerged with one section led by State Transport Minister K.B. Ganesh Kumar, who is already controlling the body of Television and Serial actors, he is keen to be a kingmaker in the film actors association too. Another faction who are keen to make it to the helm includes actor Baburaj who has started to make the vital moves. While there is another group which wants college professor-turned-actor Jagdeesh to take the lead. Yet another section is trying to see if a compromise can be reached to avoid an election, but their plans have reached a dead end when veteran actor Vijayaraghavan backed out, so did popular actor Kunchacko Bobban. Incidentally, the outgoing committee which was elected in 2024 had its term till 2027, but circumstances saw that it had a premature end when Mohanlal expressed his inability to continue. Many AMMA members now lament that with the passing away of comedian Innocent, who was the President for 15 years till 2018, things have not been the same as he had the knack of running AMMA through his deft handling without hurting the ego of any through his jokes.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
AMMA elections 2025: Mohanlal steps down, Kunchacko Boban and Vijayaraghavan emerge as top contenders
The AMMA (Association of Malayalam Movie Artists) is heading into a major leadership change as superstar Mohanlal has decided not to run again for president. Several big names like Kunchacko Boban and Vijayaraghavan are in the spotlight as potential successors. About Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) The Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), which is the official body representing actors in the Malayalam film industry, is set to witness a major change in leadership, the current president, superstar Mohanlal, has decided not to contest for the post again and his decision has opened up the field for new contenders, sparking excitement and speculation within the film industry. The AMMA elections are scheduled to be held on 15th August 2025, and preparations for the event have already begun. Nominations for the elections opened on 17th July. In total, 17 positions will be contested in this election, which includes six key office-bearer roles and eleven seats for the executive committee. As the nomination window opened, there was a high level of interest among members. On the very first day, at least five members collected nomination forms, and reports suggest that over 30 members are expected to compete for different posts in the organization. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 4BHK+Family Lounge+Utility room at 4.49Cr (All Incl)* ATS Triumph, Gurgaon Book Now Undo Spotlight has shifted to two prominent actors With Mohanlal stepping aside, the spotlight has now shifted towards two prominent actors who are being seen as the top contenders for the position of AMMA president, the first one is Kunchacko Boban, who represents a younger generation of actors, and the other is veteran actor Vijayaraghavan, who enjoys the support of senior artists in the industry. Sources close to the association suggest that if Vijayaraghavan officially enters the race, he may even win unopposed due to the respect he commands among his peers. For the key post of general secretary, actor Baburaj has shown interest and is preparing to file his nomination. Additionally, there are rumours that actress Shwetha Menon might also enter the race for this post. She has held office in AMMA before and is seen as a strong woman candidate. However, her participation is yet to be confirmed, and many are waiting to see if she will officially join the contest. Members planning to contest in the upcoming election Several well-known and former executive members of AMMA are also planning to contest in the upcoming election. These include actors like Tovino Thomas, Tini Tom, Vinu Mohan, Kalabhavan Shajohn, Jayan Cherthala, and Suresh Krishna. Their involvement shows that both senior and young actors are actively engaging in shaping the future leadership of the organization. Nominations deadline and voting day Candidates who are interested in contesting the election can submit their nominations until 24th July. With the voting day scheduled for 15th August and the coming weeks will be crucial as more names are expected to be revealed, this election is expected to bring a new direction and energy to AMMA, and all eyes are on who will take over from Mohanlal as the next president.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Stop blaming Mohanlal' - Actor Raveendran backs superstar; urges fresh leadership in AMMA
(Picture Courtesy: Facebook) Veteran Malayalam actor Raveendran has strongly defended Mohanlal amidst rising criticism directed at the superstar. Talking to Mathrubhumi, Raveendran asserted that the actor is being unfairly blamed for issues within the Malayalam film industry. Raveendran called this ongoing scapegoating of Mohanlal 'the greatest injustice done to a person.' Mohanlal bears the burden for others' mistakes Raveendran did not hold back while addressing the constant scrutiny faced by Mohanlal. He stated that the star is often held responsible even when others are at fault. 'Even when someone else makes a mistake, it is Mohanlal who ends up being targeted,' he remarked, adding that people in power failed to stand by Mohanlal when he needed support. 'Wouldn't he feel hurt by that?' he asked, calling out the lack of solidarity during testing times. Raveendran also recalled how criticism has often been misdirected, saying it's painful to see a person of Mohanlal's stature treated unjustly, especially given his consistent efforts to support the industry. Call for youth-led AMMA with senior support Raveendran, who has picked up nomination papers for the AMMA elections at the request of peers, has not yet confirmed his candidacy. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Amazing Japanese all-in-one gel for blemish removal YUKINOUE雪之上 Learn More Undo However, he stressed the urgent need for generational change in the organisation.'It's time for actors like Prithviraj, Asif Ali, and Kunchacko Boban to step up and lead AMMA, with the solid backing of veteran artists,' he suggested. He also shared his experience with AMMA's financial aid system, expressing empathy for struggling artists. "I repaid the support I once relied on, but the struggles of that period still stay with me.' he said, advocating for fair representation for such members. Mohanlal cooks for his buddies Praise for Mohanlal and Mammootty , and a hope for revival Lauding both Mohanlal and Mammootty, Raveendran credited them for elevating Malayalam cinema to national prominence. However, he regretted that they are now being sidelined and burdened with misplaced criticism. He concluded with a heartfelt plea: 'AMMA has lost its original spirit. Let's bring it back to being 'Amma' — an organisation that commands respect like a mother.' On the work front, Mohanlal will be next seen in 'Hridayapoorvam'.
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Ungaludan Stalin, AMMA schemes may appear similar, but are different
The launch of the Ungaludan Stalin Scheme (USS) by the DMK regime has prompted the AIADMK to liken it to the Assured Maximum Service to Marginal People in All Villages (AMMA) scheme, which was implemented by the previous AIADMK government when Jayalalithaa was Chief Minister. At least on two occasions in the last couple of days, the general secretary of the principal Opposition party, Edappadi K. Palaniswami, who is on a State-wide tour, called the new scheme an instance of the DMK government resorting to 'pasting stickers' on what was carried out by his party while in power. On Tuesday, former Revenue Minister K.A. Sengottaiyan, too, made the same point in a social media post. According to the policy note of the Revenue Department for 2020-21, around 64.15 lakh petitions were received at 64,079 camps during 2012-2020, of which 64.09 lakh petitions were disposed of. The two schemes have a common objective - providing government services at the people's doorstep. Apart from redressing the grievances of the people, both the schemes pave the way for enrolment of new beneficiaries under various schemes. For example, about 10 years ago, the registration of farmers under the Prime Minister's Crop Insurance Scheme (Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana) and individuals under Aadhaar was given priority. Currently, the coverage of new beneficiaries under the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai (KMUT), a basic income scheme for women heads of families, is being given importance. Still, the two schemes differ in scope, according to a perusal of the government orders issued in March 2013 (on the AMMA scheme), and in June 2025 (on USS). The key difference between the two schemes is that while the former took care of only those in rural areas, the latter will cover people in urban areas, too. As per the G.O. issued by the Public (Mudhalvarin Mugavari) Department on June 19, a total of 10,000 camps would be held in the next four months (till November). In urban areas, 3,768 camps would be conducted and, in rural areas, 6,232. Among districts, Salem accounts for the highest number of camps at 432, followed by Chennai (400) and Tiruvallur (389). 'Improved version' Clarifying that the current government's latest initiative is an improved version of Makkaludan Mudhalvar, which was inaugurated in urban areas in November 2023 and extended to the remaining areas gradually, P. Amudha, Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue and Disaster Management), told The Hindu that the USS had been launched with a 'door-to-door campaign'. To a query on the continuance of Ungalai Thedi Ungal Ooril, another outreach programme of the government launched in January 2024, wherein Collectors would stay in a given taluk on a designated day for 24 hours to take up field visits, interact with the public, and get feedback on government schemes, Ms. Amudha said it would resume 'after the USS camps'. Wouldn't the system of providing services to the people online, without direct interface with officials, be better than the conventional way of holding camps, receiving petitions, and disposing of them? To this, the official said that 'due to illiteracy and lack of clarity' among sections of petitioners, 'supporting documents' were not attached while applying online. This had led to the rejection of a number of applications.
Time of India
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'Mr. & Mrs. Bachelor' OTT Release: Here's when and where to watch Indrajith Sukumaran and Anaswara Rajan's rom-com
The Malayalam romantic comedy 'Mr. & Mrs. Bachelor', starring Indrajith Sukumaran and Anaswara Rajan , is all set to entertain audiences on OTT platform. Directed by Deepu Karunakaran with a script by Arjun T. Sathyan, the film first hit cinemas on 23 May 2025. Now, fans who missed it on the big screen can catch it from the comfort of their homes. When and where to watch 'Mr. & Mrs. Bachelor' Starting 11 July, 'Mr. & Mrs. Bachelor' is streaming exclusively on Malayalam OTT platform ManoramaMAX. The official announcement was made by ManoramaMAX on their social media, with a cheerful note, 'Mr. and Mrs. Bachelor | Watch Now On ManoramaMAX' You can check out the official update here, Instagram Post A peek into the story 'Mr. & Mrs. Bachelor' follows the story of Stephy, a young bride-to-be who decides to run away from her own wedding. Along the way, she meets Siddhu, a carefree bachelor in his 40s. What follows is a light-hearted, adventurous ride exploring why Stephy took such a drastic step and how their journey changes them both. Catch the official trailer here: Who's in the cast? The film boasts a lively cast led by Indrajith Sukumaran and Anaswara Rajan. Joining them are Rosin Jolly, Biju Pappan, Rahul Madhav, John Jacob, Sohan Seenulal, and Dayyana Hameed in supporting roles. Behind the scenes, the movie is produced by Prakash Highline under the Highline Pictures banner. PS Jayahari composed the catchy music and background score, while Pradeep Nair and Sobin Soman handled cinematography and editing respectively. A controversy before release Interestingly, before the film's theatrical release, there was a bit of drama off-screen. Director Deepu Karunakaran accused lead actress Anaswara Rajan of skipping promotional events and raised concerns about her support for the film. Anaswara, however, clarified that she had attended all the required promotional activities. She even brought the matter to the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA). Thankfully, it was all settled after AMMA members intervened, allowing the film's promotions to continue smoothly.
