When veteran late actor Thilakan criticized AMMA and hinted at the 15-member power group

Things have gone awry in the Malayalam film industry with the unveiling of the Hema Commission report. Although the report does not specify the names of the 15-member power group and other culprits, several actors are now in the spotlight. The silence from the AMMA organization has particularly drawn backlash.

Years ago, the late actor Thilakan, talking to Asianet News, expressed his deep respect for AMMA as an organization but voiced strong concerns about certain members of its executive board. He described how these members wielded their power oppressively, impacting the functioning of the organization.

Thilakan recounted incidents leading to his exclusion from the high-profile project ‘Christian Brothers’, despite having been given an advance payment. He revealed that the film's producer, Maha Subair, admitted that pressure from some FEFKA members forced him to remove Thilakan from the cast.

Further, Thilakan disclosed that a prominent figure in Malayalam cinema had issued a directive against hiring respected artists like Mala Aravindan, Captain Raju, and himself, citing it as a matter of his 'prestige.' Thilakan criticized this figure for dominating the industry and diminishing the respect and opportunities for seasoned artists.

Thilakan also alleged that he faced work denial from AMMA and MACTA members as a consequence of his outspoken criticism of their leadership. He emphasized the importance of movies as a form of art, stating, “For an artist, movies are more than just a livelihood; they are a form of art. A society that does not value art or produce quality art will never achieve true peace and fulfillment.”

Years later, when we look back at Thilakan’s words, it is sure that the legendary actor was mentioning the same 15 member power group unveiled by the Hema Committee report.

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