His resignation follows his recent criticism of the federation's delayed response to the Hema Committee report and its overall management.
Published Aug 30, 2024 | 5:23 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 30, 2024 | 5:23 PM
Aashiq Abu resigns from FEFKA. (Instagram)
Malayalam director Aashiq Abu has resigned from the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA), citing the organisation’s insincerity and hypocrisy regarding the Hema Committee Report.
In a statement dated 28 August, FEFKA called the report an important document for the Malayalam film industry and urged that the names of the accused be made public.
Aashiq Abu criticised FEFKA General Secretary B Unnikrishnan for his silence on the issue, despite his usual outspokenness on industry matters.
The filmmaker called for the 21 unions within FEFKA to discuss these concerns and demanded Unnikrishnan’s removal from the state film policy committee, questioning the ethics of someone who has allegedly denied others their right to work leading an employees’ union.
In his resignation letter, Aashiq Abu detailed the challenges he faced within FEFKA. He joined in 2009 and was later elected to the executive committee.
Despite his efforts, the federation failed to assist him with a financial dispute involving a producer.
When they eventually intervened, they demanded a 20 per cent commission from the settlement he received.
Aashiq Abu clashed with director Sibi Malayil over this and reluctantly issued a cheque for ₹10 lakh, which was later returned. He also learned that two scriptwriters had been forced to pay a similar commission.
In response, FEFKA acknowledged criticism of their previous silence on the issue, stating they are committed to recommending strong actions and policies that will bring significant change to the industry.
The organisation emphasised that the names of the accused should be made public and stated that they would not tolerate anyone found guilty of the alleged crimes.
Aashiq Abu, known for directing films Salt N’ Pepper (2011), 22 Female Kottayam (2012), Idukki Gold (2013), Mayaanadhi (2017), and Virus (2019), frequently collaborates with screenwriters Syam Pushkaran and Dileesh Nair.
Abu began his career as an assistant director to Kamal for about five years before making his directorial debut with Daddy Cool, starring Mammootty, in 2009. His most recent film was Neelavelicham (2023).
(Edited by S Subhakeerthana)
