AMMA accepts Parvathy's resignation, while it's political apathy continues to amass critics

The executive meeting of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) members on Friday had its share of twists and turns, with members taking different stands in regards to Bineesh Kodiyeri. The latter had currently gained infamy for his alleged part in the Bengaluru drug case with Enforcement Directorate investigating the money laundering route and Narcotics Control Bureau dealing with his alleged part in the drugs case. With the investigation going strong, his part in the Malayalam film industry has been mired in controversy.

Bineesh might not be a big name in the industry — he is a ‘big name’ in the industry — but he has had his part in the various workings of Mollywood. Bineesh has been associated with many producers, and in fact, the ED had called into question this particular aspect of his relationships. Meanwhile, many members of the Mollywood fraternity had also demanded to know of his status with the association, while urging for his resignation.

According to The NewsMinute, AMMA members Siddique and Jagadeesh, among others, have demanded expelling Bineesh, but actors-turned-politicians Mukesh and Ganesh Kumar had opposed it. Bineesh, who is the son of former CPI (M) state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, had been a member of AMMA since 2009 and he had played a part in the cricket team Kerala Strikers in the Celebrity Cricket League. The organisation will write to Bineesh demanding an explanation of his situation.

Mukesh and Jagadeesh’s opposition to expelling Bineesh might have certain political implications as well. Both actors are a part of the Left Democratic Front, and Ganesh Kumar had defeated Jagadeesh, who had contested for the Indian National Congress, in Pathanapuram. While at the meeting, they had claimed that the allegations against Bineesh had nothing to do with the film industry, unlike Dileep who has been accused of conspiring in the assault of a fellow artiste. Moreover, Ganesh’s office aide M Pradeep Kottathala has been booked by the police for intimidating Vipin Lal, an approver in the actress assault case. While opposing Pradeep’s bail plea on Friday, the police had claimed that a meeting was formed to change the witness statements in Dileep’s favour.

In this regards, there are certain problematic reasoning associated with this logic. For example, in a recent media interview, AMMA General Secretary Edavela Babu said that the organisation “can’t bring back the dead” while speaking about actress Bhavana’s part in the association’s upcoming movie. Following his comment, actress Parvathy Thiruvothu had tendered her resignation in protest. Moreover, actors Revathy and Padmapriya had also questioned the stand of the administration. Even after such a furore from some of its members, the body has taken no action against their General Secretary. AMMA also took its sweet time initiating action against Dileep after the actress assault case. Following the latest meeting, the body had decided to accept Parvathy’s resignation while following inaction in Edavela Babu’s case.