Latest news with #ShwethaMenon
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Ahead of crucial elections, AMMA imposes gag order
With just days to go for the election of new office bearers, the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) has directed its members to refrain from speaking to the media about internal matters until polling day on August 15. The gag order follows an escalating war of words between actors Ponnamma Babu and Mala Parvathy over the association's finances. Election officials have warned that strict action will be taken against members violating the directive. Sources say the move was prompted by senior actors, with both Mohanlal and Mammootty reportedly expressing disappointment over the public spat. Ponnamma had claimed that when former general secretary Idavela Babu stepped down, AMMA's account held only Rs 2 crore, which the current committee under Babu Raj grew to over Rs 7.5 crore. Parvathy countered that the figure was over Rs 5 crore at the time, even after settling dues for parking space near AMMA's headquarters, with additional funds arriving later. The dispute has been further inflamed by controversies surrounding Shwetha Menon , who is contesting for president. The Kerala High Court has stayed an obscenity case against her, which critics allege is part of an election-time smear campaign. Cuckoo Parameswaran, another candidate, has lodged a complaint with the State Police chief alleging her name is being dragged into the "memory card" controversy and that she is facing severe cyberattacks. She accused Babu Raj and his associates of orchestrating the campaign. Parvathy also alleged that Babu Raj's camp is working with YouTubers who produce content in his favour, while ignoring key issues such as pursuing the memory card case with the police or questioning the charges against Shwetha Menon. "If I stay silent, their version will prevail. This matter must go to law enforcement for a clear resolution. Shwetha and Cuckoo are not guilty -- they are victims of an election-time mudslinging campaign," she said. The August 15 polls will see Shwetha Menon face Devan for president. Other key posts are being contested by multiple candidates, except joint secretary, where Anziba Hasan has been elected unopposed.
India.com
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- India.com
Rahman Slams ‘Dirty Games' Against Shwetha Menon, Backs Her AMMA Presidency Bid
Chennai: Malayalam actor Rahman, who has made a name for himself in both the Malayalam and Tamil film industries, has now come out strongly in support of actress Shwetha Menon, saying that he was shocked by the baseless accusations being made against her. Taking to his Instagram page to pen a lengthy post expressing support to Shwetha Menon, who is contesting the polls for the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA), Rahman wrote, "Dear Shwetha, I was deeply shocked when I read about the baseless accusations against you. My heart is filled with anger at the injustice of it all. I have known you for almost three decades, and in all that time you have been a true friend — one of the kindest and most genuine people I have met in our industry. Though we worked together in only one film, the shows we did and the time we spent together were enough for me to understand your character and to treasure our friendship." Rahman, who is also the co-brother of music director A R Rahman, then went on to say,"During those shows, I saw firsthand how much you cared for others — whether it was fellow actors, especially newcomers, the crew, organisers, or your fans. I still remember you quietly buying medicines for crew members who were unwell, without expecting any thanks or recognition. You treated everyone with respect, regardless of their position. Those moments spoke volumes about the person you are." The actor then went on to comment on the current situation in which the actress finds herself in. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rahman (@rahman_actor) He wrote,"This current situation is nothing but utter nonsense. Meher and I are shocked and disgusted by the people behind this malicious act. It is clear to me that this is a deliberate attempt to tarnish your name and stop you from being elected as the President of the Malayalam Artists' Association. Such dirty games are common in politics, but I never expected to see them in our film industry." Seeking her forgiveness for not reaching out to her sooner, Rahman said he was unable to reach out, first because of food poisoning and then as he was mourning the loss of his dear friend, Shanavas. "My words are meant for you, but I also want the public to know where I stand. I'm aware that some media outlets may twist my words, but I honestly don't care," the actor wrote. Urging the actress not to lose heart, actor Rahman said, "Shwetha, please don't let this break your spirit. I know how hard you have worked to get where you are today — without anyone's help, through sheer determination and strength. You are stronger than this storm, and those who have tried to harm you will one day face the consequences of their actions. I have no doubt that you will make an excellent President of the Malayalam Artists' Association, and I stand with you in full support."
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Actor Irshad Ali stands with Shwetha Menon; shares a sarcastic post - 'Should I go into hiding?'
(Picture Courtesy: Facebook) Malayalam actor Irshad Ali has voiced his support for Shwetha Menon , who is currently embroiled in a legal controversy over alleged obscene scenes in her past films and advertisements. Taking to Facebook, Irshad used sarcasm to highlight what he sees as the absurdity of the situation. Sharing the poster of the film 'Paadam Onnu: Oru Vilapam', where he starred opposite Meera Jasmine, he wrote, 'As far as I know, Meera Jasmine is currently in America. Even after deploying Sethurama Iyer, we still haven't been able to find out if any lawyer was contacted! Should I apply for anticipatory bail? Or should I go into hiding?' Irshad also added the hashtags like #StandWithShwethaMenon, #ProtectArtistsRights, #ArtisticFreedom, and #Censorship. Netizens react Irshad's post was soon flooded with hilarious comments. One comment read, "ഇങ്ങള് ഞങ്ങടെ നാട്ടുകാരനേ അല്ല (You are not from our village at all.)" Another comment read, "ഇങ്ങളും എടുത്തു വെച്ചോ ഒരു ജാമ്യാപേക്ഷ" (Keep a bail application read). Malayalam film industry unites to condemn FIR against Shwetha Menon over condom ad Many within the Malayalam film fraternity have raised their voices against the issue, standing strong with Shwetha Menon. Actress Seema G Nair shared a Facebook post that read, "Fourteen years ago, we acted together in the film Kayam. Spent several days together then. The bond of love that began that day… This wasn't a relationship built on regular phone calls or meetings. From the very first meeting till now, she has always treated me the same—with consistency and warmth. And now look at the disgusting, filthy way an FIR has been filed against her. It claims that the institutions she runs are making videos that mislead children. Such shocking allegations… Whether it's Kalimannu, Paleri Manikyam, Kayam, or even Kamasutra—all these were released legally, with certification from the Censor Board." High Court offers relief to Shwetha Menon The controversy stems from an FIR filed by Ernakulam Central Police following a CJM court directive. The complaint alleged that Shwetha had been involved in creating or transmitting obscene content for financial gain. As reported by Bar and Bench website, the Kerala High Court has stepped in and offered temporary relief. Justice V G Arun granted an interim stay on the proceedings after the actress filed a petition to quash the FIR.
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First Post
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- First Post
Kerala HC orders interim stay on proceedings in FIR against actor Shwetha Menon
The High Court found merit in Menon's argument, raised by her counsel, that procedural norms were not adhered to since the complaint was quickly passed on to the police without the mandatory report and inquiry read more The Kerala High Court has issued a stay on the proceedings related to an FIR filed against acclaimed Malayalam film actor Shwetha Menon. The interim order, passed by Justice V G Arun, came in response to Menon's plea seeking to quash the FIR, which accuses her of publishing or transmitting obscene scenes from her past films and advertisements. The High Court found merit in Menon's argument, raised by her counsel, that procedural norms were not adhered to since the complaint was quickly passed on to the police without the mandatory report and inquiry. Highlighting the issue, the court said, 'Considering the short duration within which the complaint was filed and forwarded to the police, it appears that no such procedure was followed. Registry shall call for a report from the court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Ernakulam regarding the procedure followed before forwarding the complaint to the police for investigation.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The court has consequently stayed further proceedings in the case, referenced as crime number 1075/2025 of the Ernakulam central police station, and issued notices to the state and the original complainant, the latter being responsible for the magistrate court's decision to lodge the FIR. The FIR alleges violation of Section 67, which pertains to publishing or transmitting obscene material in electronic form, under the Information Technology Act, as well as certain provisions of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act. Shwetha Menon, renowned for movies such as 'Salt N' Pepper', 'Rathinirvedam', and 'Kalimannu', is currently contending for the presidency of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA), with elections slated for August 15. Menon, in her plea to quash the FIR, termed the allegations as 'mala fide' and argued that the offenses listed against her are baseless. The complainant, Martin Menachery, alleged that Menon participated in films like 'Paleri Manikkyam', 'Rathinirvedham', 'Kalimannu' and a condom advertisement, aiming for financial gain from obscenity. Menon refuted these claims by pointing out that the films mentioned were legally censored and certified, remaining available to the public for years. Notably, her portrayal in 'Paleri Manikyam' earned her a Kerala State Award for Best Actress. She also affirmed that the advertisement in question was subject to the same censorial scrutiny. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Furthermore, the actor denounced accusations about running pornographic websites as 'absurd and per se defamatory,' asserting that such claims lacked any material backing and were raised irresponsibly. Menon also speculated that the complaint was strategically filed subsequent to her nomination for the AMMA presidency.
New Indian Express
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Women face fresh hurdles in bids for leadership in Kerala film bodies; allege targeted moves, misogyny
KOCHI: Even after the Hema Committee report, the Film Policy Conclave, and countless panel discussions on women's empowerment, women in the Malayalam film industry continue to face formidable roadblocks when attempting to lead. The latest controversies surrounding the elections to the Kerala Film Producers Association (KFPA) and the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) make it brutally clear — the industry's core remains resistant to female leadership. Several women candidates — including prominent names like Shwetha Menon, Sandra Thomas, Kukkoo Parameswaran, and Pushpavathy — continue to be at the receiving end of targeted allegations and procedural hurdles, just as they step up to contest for top positions. 'These developments show how male-dominant film bodies are,' said producer Sandra Thomas. 'The way these allegations and cases have been raised against women candidates in AMMA and KFPA is the same. These operations are controlled from the same place by the same people who are controlling the associations and the cinema industry.' On Monday, Sandra's nominations for both president and secretary of KFPA were rejected on the grounds that she had produced only two films under her current banner, Sandra Thomas Films, a technicality that many say is selectively applied. Meanwhile, actor Shwetha Menon, contesting for AMMA president post, is now facing a police case — a move her supporters describe as calculated. According to screenwriter and Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) member Deedi Damodaran, the intent to push women out is not new — but it is more visible than ever. 'Now, what has happened is these attempts have become more evident and visible to the public. We see how Sandra, Shwetha, Kukkoo, and Pushpavathy are struggling. Those men who try to stop women and dominate over them are exposed. They cannot hide their dominant nature.'
