Stupid AMMA

Shameful, they call it AMMA -- a word that symbolizes love and unselfish service. By AMMA, I mean the "Association of Malayalam Movie Artists".  They embarrassed all the Malayalis by keeping themselves away from the ONAM celebration function organized by the Govt. of Kerala to honor the great actor Kamal Hassan [1].  AMMA says that Kamal is not a Malayali, and the Govt. of Kerala should choose a Malayali actor to honor rather than a Tamil actor.  This is a blunder -- a Himalayan blunder.  Fortunately, other associations in the Malayalam film industry did not subscribe to AMMA's views but actively participated in the program.

Kerala Chief Minister V.S. Achuthananthan honoring Kamal Hassan on 22 Aug, 2010, at Thiruvananthapuram. (Photo courtesy Mathrubhumi Malayalam daily)

In a larger perspective, the AMMA's argument caters to nothing less but the narrow-minded regionalism, which is otherwise unheard in Kerala.  This attitude is always destructive.  The Chief Minister V.S. Achuthananthan may be right to say that the Malayali actors are coveting only fame and recognition; they have no respect for the true art.  We know this from the recent experience.  The golden age of Malayalam cinema was in the 80's and 90's.  Those days are gone.  To save Malayalam cinema from the grave peril of forgetfulness, new talents are to rise.  Then, the old, sterile idiots will be wiped out forever.  For the sake of the art I wish this happens soon.

[1] Mathrubhumi news -- 23/08/2010