Celluloid gets hooked

Time of India

26-04-2025

While Malayalam cinema wins global acclaim, a darker script plays out behind the scenes—how rampant drug abuse even amongst big stars, denial and drug cartels are pulling the strings in Mollywood
'Narcotics is a dirty business.' Mohanlal's iconic line in multiple blockbuster movies now carries a bitter irony as the acclaimed Malayalam film industry finds itself in the grip of a growing drug crisis that threatens to undermine its artistic achievements.
Behind the camera flashes and critical acclaim, a troubling narrative unfolds on film sets once celebrated as creative sanctuaries. These spaces have reportedly become fertile ground for substance abuse, with powerful narcotics networks infiltrating the industry's core. Despite high-profile arrests and investigations, the industry appears reluctant to confront this reality head-on.
In October 2024, the Kerala high court instructed a special investigation team to investigate widespread alcohol and drug use on Malayalam film sets, following alarming findings in the Justice Hema Committee report. Yet the problem persists, with new cases continually emerging from production locations.
The arrest patterns tell a concerning story. Actors Shane Nigam and Sreenath Bhasi were temporarily banned from the industry in 2023 following serious drug use allegations from producers. Last year, Bhasi faced police questioning regarding a cocaine seizure linked to gangster Om Prakash, while in early 2025, an arrested peddler claimed to have supplied hybrid cannabis to both Bhasi and actor Shine Tom Chacko.
Chacko's subsequent arrest for alleged narcotics possession, coupled with award-winning actress Vincy Aloshious's complaint about his drug-influenced misbehaviour on set, highlights the industry's ineffective response. When Chacko appeared before the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (Fefka), he received an 'opportunity' to correct his behaviour rather than facing substantial disciplinary action—despite Fefka having formed a vigilance committee against drug abuse just a month earlier.
'The majority of people in the industry, including artists and technicians, are drug users,' claims eminent producer Sandra Thomas. 'The organizations are trying to underplay the real issue by focusing only on two or three persons.'
Thomas notes a troubling shift over the past six to seven years: 'While alcohol and marijuana were previously common, today synthetic drugs have become widespread.' She describes a disturbing scenario where assistants of prominent figures allegedly carry drugs for their employers, with groups gathering in on-set caravans to use substances together during production.
A concerning parallel ecosystem has emerged. Exclusive circles have formed within the industry, with members producing films solely with others in their group. Those outside these circles—whether producers, technicians, or artists—struggle to navigate film set dynamics. 'Despite numerous producers voicing concerns about this drug menace in industry meetings, organizations have yet to implement effective countermeasures,' says Sandra.
Several promising Malayalam actors who once stood at their career peaks have experienced dramatic downfalls due to drug involvement. Two years ago, actor Tiny Tom publicly stated that a major actor's teeth had decayed due to excessive drug use. Industry insiders report that two prominent actors are currently battling severe health issues stemming from substance abuse.\
The pressure cooker environment of stardom, combined with gruelling work schedules and easy drug access within social circles, has normalized substance use. Many senior industry professionals feel compelled to use drugs to fit in with certain groups of youngsters and advance their careers.
Female actors like Vincy Aloshious often hesitate to take legal action against drug abuse, fearing career repercussions. Industry organizations similarly resist supporting such moves, wary of potential backlash and reputational damage.
Beena Paul, a prominent editor and member of the Women in Cinema Collective, describes the challenge: 'The issue of drugs in the industry is far from simple, as it involves a complex nexus of money and underworld mafias.' She points out that effective solutions require political willpower and strong coordination between law enforcement and film organizations.
The Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) established on sets under the POSH Act theoretically offer a mechanism for addressing issues, but their effectiveness is questionable. 'On most film sets, ICC members are typically individuals from the existing crew, with no external members included,' Sandra explains. 'This makes it unsafe for complainants, as there's a real risk of leaks.'
She adds that junior technicians or artists serving on these committees often lack familiarity with the POSH Act and the authority to take meaningful action. Such structural weaknesses became evident when Vincy expressed distress after the name of the actor she filed a complaint against was leaked.
According to excise authorities, the industry has seen a shift toward more dangerous substances. The most commonly used drugs now include hybrid cannabis, MDMA, methamphetamine, and cocaine—a concerning evolution from traditional substances to more potent chemicals.
Saji Nanthyat of the Kerala Film Chamber of Commerce acknowledges the scale of the problem: 'People on movie sets are using synthetic drugs with no distinction between male and female users. The easy availability is a major factor.'
While Kochi city police have announced plans to deploy undercover officers at film shooting locations, enforcement faces practical limitations. 'The excise force has limitations in deploying officials on movie sets and conducting surprise inspections. We can conduct raids only with vital information on the sale or use of drugs,' says a senior excise officer.
Beyond the immediate industry impact lies a broader cultural concern. Actors and filmmakers are influential figures whose behaviours, both positive and negative, shape public attitudes. When celebrities succumb to drug abuse, it can inadvertently glamorize substance use or normalize it as a coping mechanism.
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Views expressed above are the author's own.