Outspoken Actress Shwetha Menon Leads Charge for Change in Malayalam Cinema

On September 9, 2025, Shwetha Menon, the newly elected president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), took the stage at the India Today South Conclave in Coimbatore to discuss the pressing issues facing the Malayalam film industry. As the first-ever female president of AMMA, Menon has a significant responsibility amid the damning Hema Committee report that rocked the industry just last month.

Menon, known for her strong and opinionated personality, has not been a mouthpiece for anyone. She acknowledged the "huge responsibility" of her new role, but emphasized the need for the industry to "breathe in" and allow her to lead the change. Menon expressed gratitude for the support of industry veterans like Mohanlal and Mammootty, who have pledged to back the new AMMA committee.

The actress also addressed the legal case filed against her for allegedly doing "obscene films" ahead of the AMMA election, stating that "more the enemies, the more I excel." Menon, who won a state award for those films, was determined to forge ahead with her leadership role, supported by her family.

Menon highlighted the improvements in working conditions, such as the introduction of make-up vans, which were previously unavailable. She stressed the importance of open communication to address workplace issues effectively, emphasizing that "it's a matter of communication" and that she won't "push" people to voice their concerns if they are not comfortable.

As Menon looks ahead, she remains committed to content-driven cinema and is excited about the upcoming release of "Lokah," Malayalam cinema's first female superhero film. She believes that the industry needs the support of men to create more such groundbreaking projects.