In a decisive move that has silenced a flurry of speculation, the Kerala Film Artists Association (AMMA) has cleared its General Secretary, Kukku Parameswaran, of all allegations tied to the infamous memory‑card controversy. The investigation, which spanned several months, concluded that the memory card in question—containing recordings of women’s Me‑Too experiences from 2018—was never misused and was handed over to veteran actress KPAC Lalitha, not retained by Parameswaran.
Background and Context
The controversy erupted during AMMA’s 2025 internal elections, when a long‑hidden memory card surfaced in the association’s archives. The card, reportedly used in 2018 to document conversations about harassment in the Malayalam film industry, became a lightning rod for accusations of data mishandling and political manipulation. Critics argued that the delay between the card’s creation and its public disclosure could have allowed for tampering or exploitation of sensitive information.
AMMA, founded in 1974 to safeguard the rights of actors, has historically been a pillar of the industry’s professional community. The association’s reputation was on the line as the allegations threatened to undermine trust among its members and the public. The timing of the revelations—coinciding with a high‑profile election—only intensified the scrutiny.
Key Developments
On January 21, 2026, AMMA’s Executive Committee released a 35‑page report detailing the findings of an independent inquiry. The committee, chaired by senior member S. K. Nair, confirmed that:
- In 2018, several women members voluntarily shared their experiences of harassment, which were recorded on a memory card.
- The card was not retained by Kukku Parameswaran; it was handed over to KPAC Lalitha for safekeeping.
- No evidence of data leakage or misuse was found, given the seven‑year gap between recording and disclosure.
- All parties involved signed statements affirming the authenticity of the recordings and the chain of custody.
“The committee’s thorough review shows that the memory card was handled responsibly and that no member, including the General Secretary, engaged in any wrongdoing,” said AMMA President Swetha Menon in a press briefing. “We are committed to transparency and have made the full report available to all members.”
Joy Mathew, an executive officer, added, “If any member wishes to pursue legal action, we will not obstruct that process. Our role is to maintain the integrity of the association, not to shield individuals from accountability.”
Impact Analysis
For the Malayalam film community, the clearing of Parameswaran brings a measure of stability. Actors who had expressed concerns about the association’s governance can now refocus on their craft without the shadow of internal politics. The resolution also sets a precedent for how sensitive data should be handled within industry bodies.
Students and aspiring actors, many of whom look to AMMA for mentorship and networking, may find reassurance in the association’s transparent handling of the issue. The incident highlighted the importance of safeguarding personal testimonies and the potential ramifications of delayed disclosure.
Moreover, the controversy’s resolution may influence how other regional film associations manage confidential information. The emphasis on chain‑of‑custody protocols could become a best practice across the industry.
Expert Insights and Practical Tips
Legal scholars specializing in media law, such as Dr. Anjali Nair of the Kerala Law Institute, note that the AMMA case underscores the need for clear data‑protection policies within professional bodies. “Associations must establish written protocols for recording, storing, and disposing of sensitive material,” she says. “This protects both the individuals involved and the organization’s reputation.”
For actors and industry professionals, the following practical steps are recommended:
- Document everything in writing: Keep signed statements and receipts for any recordings or sensitive exchanges.
- Use secure storage: Store digital files on encrypted drives or cloud services with restricted access.
- Maintain a chain of custody: Log every transfer of a document or device, noting dates, parties involved, and purpose.
- Seek independent audits: Periodically engage third‑party auditors to review data handling practices.
- Educate members: Conduct workshops on data privacy and ethical handling of personal testimonies.
These measures not only safeguard against future controversies but also reinforce the integrity of the association’s mission to protect artists’ rights.
Looking Ahead
AMMA has announced that the 35‑page report will be presented at the upcoming General Body meeting scheduled for March 15, 2026. Members will have the opportunity to discuss the findings and propose amendments to the association’s data‑management policies.
In the wake of the controversy, AMMA is also planning a series of seminars on “Digital Ethics in the Film Industry,” aimed at educating actors, technicians, and producers about responsible data handling. The association’s leadership has pledged to review its internal election procedures to prevent similar incidents from arising.
While the immediate crisis has been averted, the broader conversation about privacy, consent, and the handling of sensitive information in creative industries is set to intensify. Industry stakeholders will likely monitor AMMA’s reforms closely, as they could serve as a benchmark for other regional and national bodies.
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