Artistes across the Malayalam and Kannada film industries have condemned AMMA for reinstating Dileep, but Tamil Nadu’s Nadigar Sangam and its members have decided to keep their silence. This despite the fact that the rape survivor, along with a few artistes who have resigned in protest and those at the forefront of the agitation against AMMA, have been a part of several Tamil films.
The spokesperson for the Sangam refused to comment on AMMA’s decision and remained non-committal about its stand. When contacted, actors Vishal and Nasser, secretary and president of the Sangam, respectively, chose not to comment. The Sangam, which has been vocal on issues such as the formation of the Cauvery Water Management Board and anti-Sterlite protests in Thoothukudi, has not extended any support to the WCC (Women in Cinema Collective), which is spearheading the movement against AMMA and its patriarchal set-up.
While actor Prakash Raj, who works in the Tamil, Telugu and Kannada industries, has said that artistes from all over the country must take a unified stand on the issue, actors and aspiring politicians Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan have not commented on the matter either. Members of the Telugu film industry too have remained silent; this despite the industry being rocked by allegations of sexual misconduct recently.
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Meanwhile, the backlash against AMMA continues with over 100 artistes working in the Malayalam film industry condemning the decision and declaring solidarity with members of the WCC. Recently, members of the Kannada film industry too condemned the organisation for its inappropriate decision.
Last week, the new leadership of AMMA, led by Mohanlal, decided at its annual general body meeting to reinstate Dileep. This led to the resignation of Rima Kallingal, Geethu Mohandas, Ramya Nambessan and the rape survivor herself from AMMA. Malayalam stars such as Prithviraj and director-producer Aashiq Abu have also spoken against the decision.
Dileep Reinstated To AMMA: Here’s A Brief Timeline Of The Case