In a significant move signaling a stand against longstanding issues within the film industry,renowned Malayalam actresses Revathy and Padmapriya have withdrawn from their roles in the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA). two actors emphasized that their decision,announced in a joint online statement,stems from deeper systemic concerns rather than being a response to any singular incident .
As founding members of the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC),both actresses voiced their ongoing dissatisfaction with the industry’s failure to provide safe environments, dignity,accountability, and equitable treatment for all its members. They noted that their calls for such basic rights have largely been ignored over past ten years, leading to feelings of isolation . “Despite the challenges, we persisted because hope can outlast disappointment,” they remarked.
The actresses further expressed their discontent with the recent resignations following the release of the Hema Committee report, which addressed the struggles faced by women in the sector . They criticized these resignations as a means of avoiding responsibility,suggesting that attentiveness to these issues tends to diminish over time, allowing same power structures to reassert themselves. “Power finds new ways to shield itself,” they pointed out,underscoring that while leadership may shift, the fundamental inequalities remain unchanged.
Additionally, Revathy and Padmapriya articulated their disappointment that AMMA, intended as a unified representation for actors,has increasingly yielded to patriarchal influences and political maneuvering, contradicting its original mission. “Departing from this association is a matter of preserving our self-respect,” they declared.
Despite their departure, the actresses express optimism regarding the future trajectory of the Malayalam film sector . They envision a landscape where women are no longer subjected to the same challenges faced by earlier generations. “Our belief in this possibility is not contingent upon any membership,” they concluded,reiterating their dedication to advocating for equality within the cinema community .
