Controversial contract signed between AMMA and temple trust emerges

The now controversial sponsorship deal signed between the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) and Vennala Thykkattu Sri Mahadeva Temple Trust for AMMA’s family reunion came to light on Monday (May 25).

The deal signed between AMMA general secretary Cuckoo Parameswaran and trust chairman TG Nandakumar, a controversial middleman, for ₹75 lakh, was reportedly opposed by the then joint secretary Ansiba Hassan on the grounds that it was inappropriate to accept sponsorship from religious institutions. She has since resigned and hinted at the incident when she went public earlier this week and accused AMMA executive committee member, actor Tiny Tom and some of the members of subjecting her to alleged character assassination and making communal remarks aimed at her. However, Ms. Hassan did not reveal the name of the temple trust.

Speaking to the media on Monday, Mr. Nandakumar said that the trust had decided to sponsor the event on the request of AMMA. The event took place in February. He added that while the trust was aware of differences of opinion within AMMA on accepting sponsorship from the temple trust, it chose to overlook them as the matter was not of much importance to the trust. “We have been told that part of the sponsorship contribution will also be used to increase the pension of AMMA members. A large part of the sponsorship amount remains to be paid,” he said.

Ms. Parameswaran was unavailable for comment. According to the agreement, the initial payment of ₹30 lakh was to be transferred from the temple’s official account to AMMA’s official account once the agreement was signed. The remaining amount of ₹45 lakh was to be paid within three days of the event. It reportedly remains unpaid.

Mr. Nandakumar said that although the temple was not entirely satisfied with the publicity given to AMMA as the main sponsor, it decided to honor the agreement to avoid legal complications.

Published – 25 May 2026 23:30 IST