Entertainment

Baiju Santhosh Slams Rumours of Mohanlal Spat at AMMA Meeting

Malayalam actor Baiju clears the air on alleged conflict with Mohanlal, says his speech was misinterpreted during AMMA general body drama.

Thiruvananthapuram, June 25: In a swift move to quash swirling speculation, Malayalam actor Baiju Santhosh has categorically denied reports of a verbal spat with superstar Mohanlal during the recent AMMA general body meeting, calling the rumors “baseless and misleading.”

Baiju Breaks Silence Amid Viral Rumors

The online grapevine had exploded in the hours following the June 23 meeting, with unverified reports alleging a dramatic exchange between Baiju and Mohanlal. But Baiju, speaking to Onmanorama, set the record straight — stating he not only avoided any confrontation but actively supported Mohanlal’s leadership.

“I arrived late to the meeting, unaware that the executive committee had already tendered its resignation,” Baiju said. “By the time I spoke, my only intention was to request the members to retain Mohanlal sir and the existing team.”

He added with a hint of frustration, “Unfortunately, people have twisted that moment into something entirely false. I never raised my voice at him. I was simply voicing my opinion like many others did.”

The AMMA Meeting: Drama, Decision, and Disbelief

Held on Sunday, the AMMA general body meeting turned unexpectedly dramatic when Mohanlal, who has served as president since 2018, opted not to continue in his role. His decision — reportedly made in advance with the support of the outgoing committee — caught some members off-guard.

According to Onmanorama’s June 23 report, Baiju, upon entering the room, initiated a show of hands, rallying others to back Mohanlal. This gesture, while perhaps misread by some, appears to be the core moment that was sensationalized into a confrontation.

Interestingly enough, while several senior actors reportedly remained silent during the shift in leadership, Baiju’s brief remarks — now gone viral — are what drew disproportionate scrutiny.

Mohanlal Yet To Comment, But Silence Speaks

So far, Mohanlal has not issued any public statement addressing the controversy or Baiju’s clarification. Those close to the actor suggest he prefers to maintain a dignified silence and avoid amplifying baseless chatter.

“Lalettan has never liked drawing attention to AMMA politics,” a source from within the industry said. “He steps back when needed, and rarely responds to rumors unless absolutely necessary.”

That said, insiders believe Mohanlal appreciated the gestures of support at the meeting — including Baiju’s.

A Larger Crisis Within AMMA?

What this episode may have revealed, unintentionally, is a deeper fissure within AMMA (Association of Malayalam Movie Artists) itself. Over the past few years, the body has faced increasing public and internal pressure — from its handling of women’s issues to allegations of favoritism and opacity.

Mohanlal’s exit, voluntary or not, has reopened questions about AMMA’s credibility and relevance in the post-pandemic film ecosystem. For many younger members, there’s growing impatience with what’s seen as an “old boys’ club” reluctant to evolve.

“It’s not about who leads,” one junior artist told The Times of India, “but about whether AMMA is still a body that reflects today’s Malayalam cinema. The fact that we’re even talking about a non-existent spat instead of structural reform is telling.”

Social Media’s Role in Escalating Fiction

The episode also underscores the volatility of social media, where raw speculation is often treated as truth. WhatsApp forwards and anonymous tweets had, by Monday night, painted Baiju as an antagonist, without a shred of direct evidence.

Baiju, for his part, admitted he was taken aback by how fast — and how far — the narrative had spread. “I got calls from colleagues, fans, even my own family asking what really happened,” he said. “All I could do was laugh at how creative people can get.”

The Road Ahead: Will AMMA Reform or Reboot?

With the outgoing committee stepping down and no immediate consensus on new leadership, AMMA now faces a critical crossroads. Whether it leans into meaningful reform or defaults to familiar names will likely determine its relevance in years to come.

For now, Baiju Santhosh seems determined to stay focused on his work. “I’ve always stood by what I felt was right — and I’ll keep doing that, whatever people choose to believe,” he told Onmanorama.

As for Mohanlal, his quiet exit — and even quieter silence — might just speak louder than any meeting room outburst ever could.


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Author Profile
Sneha Kashyap
Reporting Fellow at 

Sneha Kashyap is a Reporting Fellow at Hindustan Herald, specializing in the vibrant world of entertainment and contemporary lifestyle trends. A student at GGSIPU, Delhi, Sneha brings a fresh perspective and a keen eye for cultural narratives to her daily reporting. She is dedicated to exploring the latest in film, music, fashion, and social phenomena, offering readers insightful and engaging content.

Source
Times of India

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