Thilakan\'s exit: Fresh battle likely in Malayalam filmdom

TPURAM: Veteran actor Thilakans fight against alleged `caucus ruling Malayalam filmdom has cost him the membership in the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes, paving way for a fresh round of acrimonious war off screen.

The decision to expel the actor from AMMA was taken at an executive committee meeting of the organisation held at Kochi Monday which was attended by Thilakan.

In an attempt to resolve the issue, AMMA had asked the actor to tender an apology to the organisation for his open comments against domination of a `mafia group led by superstars in Malayalam cinema.

Thilakan, one of the most talented actors on Malayalam screen, however, was not ready to relent saying he had not done any wrong which warranted an apology. The committee members had come to the meeting with a decision to expel me and did not hear my complaints, Thilakan said.

I have been acting in films for the last 34 years, but never faced such a situation. I want justice and for that I am not prepared to surrender before anyone. They were prejudiced and did not want to hear my version, he said.

The actor said he was considering legal options to protect the `right to do his job.