Actor Jagadeesh Withdraws from AMMA Presidential Race Amid Support for Female Candidate

Actor Jagadeesh has withdrawn his nomination for the president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA), amid support for a woman president. Swetha Menon is the lone woman candidate, while actor Devan plans to continue his candidacy. The election is scheduled for August 15.

Actor Jagadeesh has announced his withdrawal from the presidential race of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA), citing support for a woman president. This decision comes amidst a historic election where a record number of women are contesting for top positions in the organization [2].

Jagadeesh, who had initially sought the concurrence of prominent actors like Mohanlal, Mammootty, and Suresh Gopi before deciding to withdraw, has now stepped down. This move opens the path for Swetha Menon, the lone woman candidate, to potentially become the first woman president of AMMA since its inception in 1994 [1].

Actor Devan has expressed his intention to continue his candidacy for the president's post, indicating that he has no plans to withdraw despite the withdrawal of other candidates. The election, scheduled for August 15, is expected to witness a fierce battle for the top position [1].

The election is being held against the backdrop of a controversial 2017 sexual assault case against a Malayalam actress and the subsequent report by the Hema Committee, which was criticized for gender discrimination and mishandling of industrial complaints. The report led to the resignation of the AMMA executive committee headed by Mohanlal in 2024, further highlighting the need for gender equality in the organization [2].

The final list of candidates is expected to be announced by July 31, with the deadline for withdrawal of nominations set for around 3 p.m. The election on August 15 is seen as a significant milestone for the Malayalam film industry, marking a shift towards greater gender equality and diversity in leadership roles [2].

References:
[1] https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/amma-election-actor-jagadeesh-opts-out-of-race-for-post-of-president-in-malayalam-film-body/article69877069.ece
[2] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/amma-elections-2025-shwetha-menon-leads-the-race-final-candidates-for-the-historic-election-to-be-announced-on-july-31/articleshow/122997188.cms