The Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) released a statement of refusal to support the decision made by the Malayalam Producer’s Council regarding a industry wide production strike from June if not for swift change in entertainment taxation, reduction of actors’ remuneration and many other demands.
The recent decision voiced by Producer G Suresh Kumar about the Production Strike from June just turned another leaf as the AMMA led by actor Mohanlal had released a statement reading, “There will be no support from the AMMA organization for the film strike called by a section of Malayalam film producers.” The official press release from the members of AMMA which is debriefed after a special meeting of the AMMA members held on 24 February. The release also discussed the current entanglement in the Malayalam Cinema Industry which is under a financial duress. The release also stressed how the issue is stretched unnecessarily “due to the stubbornness of some” which will not just lead to financial crisis but the thousands of workers depending on the production too are not considered.
Malayalam Film Producers announce Shut Down from 1 June over Financial Loss and Actors’ RemunerationsAMMA will not support the cinema strike announced by the Producers' Association.
— AB George (@AbGeorge_) February 24, 2025
The irony is that many prominent Malayalam actors have their own production houses, so it remains to be seen how successful the strike will be if the Producers' Association does not receive support… pic.twitter.com/vYTuWddR5K
While the AMMA have announced their decision, Producer G Suresh Kumar stays put with his decision and even stated that “No star is an integral part of the decision” while discussing how if the Producers have decided on Strike that will be executed. While many pointed out that the names mentioned in the AMMA statement like – Mammootty, Mohanlal, Tovino Thomas and a few others have their own production houses and questioned how far this issue will grow without the support of such famous stars.
It is worthy to be mentioned that on 13 February, renowned producer Antony Perumbavoor and Producer Suresh Kumar exchanged heated words online with press meets and releases where the former questioned the latter’s authority and power to take such a decision while the latter fired back saying how actor Mohanlal was misled by someone and there is no bad blood between him and the actor. The growing issue must find a common ground for the industry to prosper and sooner the associations consort the soon the crack will be mended.
