Sreekumaran Thampi criticizes Mammootty and Mohanlal, reflects on impact of stardom in Malayalam cinema

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Lyricist and director Sreekumaran Thampi has openly criticized Mammootty and Mohanlal, stating that he was one of the earliest victims of the stardom they created in Malayalam cinema. Thampi revealed that his career as a director and producer was confined due to the dominance of these superstars. He recounted how, in the movie 'Munnettam', he was compelled to cast Mammootty as the hero, relegating Ratheesh, the original lead, to a villainous role. Thampi also alleged that Mammootty was never truly humble and once prevented him from writing songs for a film.

He expressed that his songwriting opportunities dwindled after the rise of superstardom in the industry. He clarified that he did not personally award any accolades to Mohanlal, noting that the Sreekumaran Thampi Foundation’s awards are decided by a jury. He further claimed that stardom has damaged Malayalam cinema, stating that the terms "superstar" and "megastar" emerged during the active careers of Mohanlal and Mammootty.

He lamented that the power dynamics in Malayalam cinema have shifted dramatically. In the past, directors and producers selected actors but now the actors have the upper hand in these decisions. He also pointed out that since the advent of superstars, no heroine has surpassed the hero in popularity. He criticized the widening gap in remuneration between male and female actors, noting that while actors like Prem Nazir and Sheela had only a slight difference in pay, today's heroes command significantly higher fees. Thampi claimed that while stars like Mohanlal and Mammootty have become millionaires, producers often suffer financially.

Thampi also addressed the allegations of misconduct in the industry, noting that these accusations have primarily come from junior artists. He questioned why no prominent actresses have made similar charges, especially those who have worked alongside superstars and are members of the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC). He suggested that those desperate to enter the cinema might face such experiences, but added that Kerala has the lowest incidence of harassment in South India.

Criticism of AMMA and support for WCC

He criticized the executive committee of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) for their resignation, calling it an act of cowardice. He commended the WCC for their efforts and criticized the delay in releasing the Hema Committee report, which was formed with the involvement of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and former Culture Minister A K Balan. Thampi described the four-year delay as a significant mistake.

He also called for Mukesh, a member of AMMA, to resign as an individual, suggesting that the LDF has its own stance on the matter. Thampi accused some leaders within AMMA of committing injustices, citing the banning of actor Prithviraj as an example. He also mentioned that some members of AMMA were responsible for breaking away from the MACTA to form the FEFKA.