Kerala film fraternity braces up for election

Thiruvananthapuram, June 14 (IANS) The Kerala film industry is all set for elections to the Association of Malayalam Movies Artists (AMMA) and the Malayalam Cine Technicians Association (MACTA), likely to be held June 25 in Kochi.

While AMMA has around 300 film stars on its rolls, MACTA has more than 800 members, from light boys to directors.

Actor Mohanlal and Edavela Babu were elected unopposed general secretary and joint secretary respectively of AMMA as there were no other nominations for these posts.

Tuesday was the last date for filing of nominations and June 16 is the last date for withdrawal.

Meanwhile, a panel for the MACTA led by veteran actor-cum-director Rajan P. Dev was disqualified from contesting on technical grounds. On Monday a court in Kochi stayed the polls but media reports say the stay will probably be lifted.

Ace directors Sibi Malayil and Kamal lead the present MACTA team. They are set to seek another term. But their hopes of being re-elected unanimously were dashed after veteran cameraman Ramachandra Babu and director K. Madhu put up another panel.

"These are things which should never happen in a film organisation. I am certainly upset. I feel this should stop and all should concentrate on issues which would lead to a better and vibrant Malayalam film industry," said director Renjith, who is busy with the post-production work of his latest Mammootty starrer "Prajapathi".

But Renjith is optimistic that the present impasse would be sorted out.

Meanwhile, AMMA has for the first time decided not to put up any panels and anyone desirous of contesting was free to file the nomination.

"It is only the 100 odd life-members who are eligible to stand for election while all members are eligible to cast their votes. This time we will not have any panels. Instead anyone desirous of standing for a post can file the nomination," said actor Santhosh.

Veteran actor Innocent, who has been president of the association for the past six years, told IANS: "I asked many senior stars to relieve me because I have been president for six years but no one agreed. So I will have to stand again."

He said many people had approached him to be part of his panel. "Many people are calling me up but I don't know whom to choose," said Innocent.