Khushbu Sundar In a bold and critical stance, the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) has condemned the mass resignation of 17 executive committee members from the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), including its prominent president, Mohanlal. Describing the move as “an act of cowardice,” the WCC has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the way the situation has unfolded.
Award-winning actress and a prominent WCC member, Parvathy Thiruvothu, voiced her disapproval in a recent YouTube interview. She remarked, “It’s incredibly cowardly for them to step away from their positions, especially at a time when their accountability is needed the most.” Thiruvothu emphasized that the AMMA executive committee should have demonstrated leadership by engaging with the Kerala government and other key stakeholders to navigate the challenges faced by the organization.
The mass resignation, which has sparked a significant amount of debate and discussion within the Malayalam film industry and beyond, is seen by the WCC as an abdication of responsibility. Thiruvothu and other members of the collective believe that, rather than retreating from their roles, the AMMA leaders should have worked collaboratively to address the issues at hand and set a positive example for the industry.
Khushbu Sundar Criticizes AMMA’s Resignation
The AMMA executive committee’s departure has left a void in the organization, raising questions about the future direction of the association and its role in supporting and promoting Malayalam cinema. The WCC’s criticism underscores the ongoing tension between various factions within the industry, highlighting the need for constructive dialogue and effective leadership.
As the situation continues to develop, the WCC’s call for accountability and proactive engagement remains a central theme in the broader discussion about leadership and responsibility in the Malayalam film industry.
Parvathy Criticizes Mohanlal’s AMMA Resignation as ‘Cowardly’
In a recent interview, Parvathy Thiruvothu has expressed strong disapproval of the mass resignation by the office-bearers of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), including its president, Mohanlal. Speaking candidly on Mojo Story, Parvathy labeled the collective resignation as an act of “cowardice,” criticizing the decision to step away from their roles rather than addressing the pressing issues head-on.
Parvathy’s reaction came swiftly after the announcement of the resignation, which has stirred considerable discussion within the Malayalam film industry. Her immediate response was one of disbelief, reflecting her disappointment with what she perceived as an abdication of responsibility. “How cowardly of them to step away from a position where they are now accountable to speak to the media,” she remarked. Parvathy’s words underscore her view that the resignation was a way to evade the difficult conversations and media scrutiny that were inevitable given the circumstances.
The resignation of Mohanlal and the entire executive committee comes amid ongoing controversies and criticism directed at AMMA. Parvathy highlighted that this move, instead of offering a solution, leaves the organization without leadership at a crucial time. She pointed out that the committee’s departure reveals a broader “fear-induced atmosphere” within AMMA, suggesting that the organization operates with apprehension and avoids critical issues.
Khushbu Sundar On Father’s Abuse
Parvathy also criticized the committee’s past actions, specifically their handling of sensitive situations. She recalled that the same executive committee had previously welcomed back a prime accused in a high-profile sexual assault case, despite the case being under legal scrutiny. This, according to Parvathy, demonstrates a troubling precedent of dismissing serious allegations and prioritizing internal solidarity over addressing grievances effectively.
Rather than resigning, Parvathy believes that the AMMA leaders should have shown a commitment to resolving the issues by collaborating with the Kerala government and other relevant stakeholders. Her criticism reflects a broader frustration among members of the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC), who feel that the resignation represents a missed opportunity for genuine reform and accountability.
The WCC has long advocated for greater transparency and integrity within the Malayalam film industry, and Parvathy’s comments resonate with their ongoing efforts to push for meaningful change. Her response highlights the need for leadership that is willing to confront challenges directly and work towards solutions rather than retreating from responsibility.
As the industry absorbs the impact of these resignations, the call for new leadership and a more accountable approach remains at the forefront of the conversation. Parvathy’s remarks contribute to a critical dialogue about the future of AMMA and the broader implications for the Malayalam film community.
Khushbu Sundar Speaks Out on Abuse and
In the midst of the #MeToo movement sweeping through the Malayalam film industry, actor-turned-politician Khushbu Sundar has voiced her strong opinions on the issue and the recently released Justice K Hema Committee report. Sundar highlighted that the committee, formed in response to the 2017 actress assault case, is crucial for addressing abuse faced by female professionals in cinema.
On her official X account, Sundar expressed how deeply distressing the #MeToo moment in the industry is. She praised the women who have bravely stood up against harassment, and she urged others to remain steadfast and refuse to compromise. The Justice Hema Committee’s 235-page report, which became public last week, details numerous instances of harassment and exploitation within Malayalam cinema.
Khushbu Sundar conveyed her admiration for the women who have confronted their abusers and emerged victorious. She remarked, “Kudos to the women who have stood their ground and emerged victorious.” Additionally, she pointed out that abuse, demands for sexual favors, and expectations for women to compromise are widespread across various fields, with women bearing a disproportionate share of these challenges. While acknowledging that men also face similar issues, she stressed that women suffer significantly more.
Khushbu Sundar’s Warning To A Producer
Khushbu Sundar also discussed the crushing fear of shame, victim-blaming, and intrusive questions such as “Why did you do it?” or “What made you do it?” She emphasized that survivors need support and understanding, highlighting that not everyone has the privilege to speak out openly about their experiences.
Reflecting on her own past, Sundar addressed questions about why she did not speak out sooner about her father’s abuse. She admitted that she should have spoken earlier but clarified that her experience was not about career compromise. Instead, she was abused by someone who should have provided her with protection.
In a poignant revelation, Sundar, who previously served on the National Commission for Women (NCW), shared that she endured sexual abuse by her father at the age of eight. She began resisting him at fifteen, which ultimately led to him abandoning the family.
Sundar also recounted an incident from her early days in South Indian cinema during an interview. She described an encounter with a producer who attempted to exploit her due to her lack of industry connections. When he made an inappropriate advance, Sundar decisively stood her ground, confronting him directly and asserting her boundaries.
She emphasized the importance of women standing up for themselves and receiving support not only from other women but also from men. Sundar highlighted the unfortunate reality that, despite expecting support and protection, women often do not receive the backing they need from those around them.
Sundar’s candid comments and personal revelations contribute significantly to the ongoing dialogue about abuse and harassment in the entertainment industry. Her insights reinforce the need for continued vigilance and robust support for survivors, ensuring that their voices are heard and their experiences validated.
