The antiAMMA backlash has a larger message

It should take back Dileep only after the charges against him have been probed

Nearly a year after his arrest for allegedly hatching a conspiracy for the abduction of an actress and subsequent bail following an 85-day prison stint, Malayalam cinema’s superstar Dileep was almost rehabilitated last week by the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), an all powerful industry body. Dileep had, however, turned down the reinstatement, claiming he would return after “proving his innocence”. The decision to reinstate him was done in a surreptitious manner: The case was not listed on the agenda of AMMA’s annual meeting and wasn’t even discussed beforehand. Dileep is no ordinary actor. After Mammootty and Mohanlal, he is considered to be the third-most influential star in Mollywood. This sorry state of affairs is not expected from Mollywood, which has always punched above its weight on the national and international platforms for delivering progressive content.

The backlash against AMMA’s move — four well-known actresses quit the association — is a welcome move and sends out a larger message. It shows that the Indian movie industry essentially revolves around a few ‘star men’ and many have got away with improper behaviour in the past. The revolt by some of the leading actresses of Mollywood is an indication that this time at least things will be different. Dozens of women filmmakers across India have also expressed shock and a statement signed by 120 women urged the association to show “sensitivity and responsibility”, and operate democratically.

AMMA, whose diktats in the past has rendered actors and technicians jobless, should ensure that justice is done in this case too. It should re-examine its decision to take back Dileep, and take that step only after the charges against the actor have been fully investigated. The organisation must realise that it represents the interests of all members and not just that of a few powerful men.