Decrypting Free Expression: AMMA-WCC Conflict and Comment Culture Rattling the Malayalam Film Industry
The chapter examines the gender-power dynamics in the Malayalam film industry through an analysis of a skit, a YouTube video and trolls related to a recent controversy involving the Association of Malayalam Movies Artistes (AMMA) and the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC). This analysis is supported by an exploration of the historical roots of sexism in the industry and a discussion about how it continues to perpetuate sexism in the industry. The study also investigates the emergence of WCC as a response to the actresss molestation case and the subsequent division within the industry. The research focuses on the Sthree Shaktheekaranam skit performed at AMMAs cultural show, a YouTube video, Oru Feminichi Kadha and a sample of trolls which targeted the WCC and women who refuse to comply with AMMAs patriarchal bias. The chapter analyses the content of these representations, highlighting the power play structuring them. The study sheds light on the contradictions and hypocrisy within the industry and its portrayal of progressive values while perpetuating regressive gender norms. 2024 selection and editorial matter, Francis Philip Barclay and Kaifia Ancer Laskar; individual chapters, the contributors.
Gender and Popular Visual Culture in India: Benevolent Sexism and Disguised Discrimination, pp. 179-188.
Aiyappan A., Department of English and Cultural Studies, Christ (Deemed to be University), Bangalore, India