Malayalam actor Dileep, accused in the controversial actress abduction and assault case, has formally resigned from the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA). It was confirmed by AMMA president Mohanlal at a press meet in Kochi on Friday.
Mohanlal said that the AMMA leadership had sought the resignation from the actor. Mohanlal added that he was upset he had become the target of the protest. Mohanlal also said that a committee has been formed within AMMA to address the grievances of woman members. He added that the actresses who resigned can return to the organisation, and that procedural norms would have to be followed.
In a press conference on October 13, the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) had heavily criticised the AMMA leadership. Revathy, Parvathy Thiruvoth, Padmapriya Janakiraman, Beena Paul and Anjali Menon spoke on behalf of the WCC.
Opening the press meet, director Anjali Menon said that despite it being a time when the entire nation is taking the voice of women seriously, it is not happening in Kerala. “We need support not just in words, but also in action,” she said. The WCC condemned AMMA's move to retain the membership of Dileep, accused in the actress abduction and assault case.
“The entire nation, across trade bodies and industries, is taking action and expelling the accused members in the MeToo storm. On the other hand, AMMA is supporting the accused and interfering in the case. In the meeting with AMMA, all their discussions were against the survivor. We are hurt, disrespected and very angry,” said Parvathy.
On October 7, the AMMA executive committee decided no action will be taken against Dileep. The decision came after actresses Parvathy, Revathy and Padmapriya, who are members of the Women in Cinema Collective, sent three letters urging AMMA to take a final decision on Dileep's membership. The WCC has been protesting against the actor's reinstatement with four members of WCC—the sexual assault survivor, Rima Kallingal, Remya Nambeesan and Geethu Mohandas—quitting AMMA in June.
