Attack on Mohanlal is unfair: AMMA

The Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) yesterday came out in support of its chief, superstar Mohanlal, who has been slammed by a women’s organisation over the way a case involving an actress’ kidnap case was handled.

AMMA has come under fire after it readmitted popular actor Dileep who was suspended for his alleged role in the abduction and sexual assault of the actress.

“AMMA finds it unfair that Mohanlal is being targeted,” spokesman and actor Jagdish said in a statement.

“Dileep’s case is currently in court and unless the court gives its final ruling, no one can come to a conclusion if he is guilty or not. AMMA has not come to any conclusion if Dileep is innocent or guilty,” the statement said.

“The decision of the general body which was against the executive committee decision to oust Dileep was based on the legal opinion that AMMA got. So it’s not right to attack Mohanlal alone,” said Jagdish.

Dileep was in jail for 85 days and is now out on bail.

At a press conference on October 13, Women’s Collective in Cinema (WCC), led by actress Revathy, alleged that AMMA had not supported the victim whereas Dileep had got all the backing.

Others who took part in the conference included Rima Kallingal, Remya Nambisan and Geetu Mohandas, who had earlier quit AMMA to protest against the way the kidnapping issue was handled by the actors’ body.

AMMA secretary and veteran actor Siddiq said in Kochi yesterday that the allegations by WCC members were baseless.

“It’s unfortunate that Revathy has not taken part in a single general body meeting for the past 24 years. There is no question of taking back the three WCC members (Rima, Remya and Geetu) because it was they who resigned. If they wish to return, they should come to AMMA,” said Siddiq.