Manchu Vishnu finds fault with MAA’s behaviour

In an open letter, Manchu Vishnu has opined that the need of the hour is to set strict membership protocols and establish a grievance cell in the film industry.  His views come in the wake of Movie Artists’ Association recently banishing Sri Reddy, only to later reinstate her.

He feels that the way the MAA mishandled the issue, it has affected its image.  ”The association was formed to raise to the cause of welfare of the members of Telugu film industry and also extend societal services besides supporting Government in times of severe disasters and natural calamities. It is this guiding principle that led many artists join the association and its membership,” he says.

“The recent episode involving a non-member with MAA puzzles me,” he notes, differing with the MAA’s recent contention that none of its 900 members should ever act with Sri Reddy (note that the decision has since been reversed).  ”As members, including my father, brother, sister and myself, it is our prerogative to decide with whom we should act,” Vishnu argues in the letter.

“Because of your decision we have been embarrassed nationally,” the ‘Achari America Yatra’ actor says.  ”The association must set right the guidelines on who can have memberships,” he adds.

“With allegations and exploitations of women and men in the name of our film industry are making unpleasant news only now, the film chamber must set up a grievance cell beyond MAA.  MAA alone cannot be a single party to this. Restraint is needed in matters like this, not knee-jerk reactions,” he opines.