Two film directors held during pre-dawn raid at Kochi apartment, on the charge of possessing suspected hybrid ganja
Personnel of the Excise Department arrested two film directors during a pre-dawn raid on Sunday (April 27, 2025), on the charge of possessing suspected hybrid ganja, from the apartment of a director cum cinematographer in Kochi.
While Khalid Rahman directed movies like Alappuzha Gymkhana, Thallumala and Unda, Ashraf Hamsa directed movies like Thamaasha and Bheemante Vazhi. The duo and one Shahid Mohammed were held from the apartment of Samir Thahir with 1.5 gm of suspected hybrid ganja.
They reportedly claimed that they converged at the apartment to discuss about a movie. 'The raid was done on the basis of a tip off. The duo were released on bail by 7 a.m., since the quantity of the drug was minimum. They escaped by a whisker a similar raid we had conducted in March at the apartment. A probe is on to identify the source of the hybrid ganja,' said a senior Excise officer.
Their arrest comes a few days after the controversy over an incident involving actor Shine Tom Chacko who reportedly fled from a hotel in Kaloor during a raid by the police. Subsequently, the Excise team probing a hybrid ganja seizure case served notices to him and also to actor Sreenath Bhasi, directing them to appear before them on April 28, 2025.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Time of India
Criticism refines the actor in us: Sandeep Pradeep
Actor Sandeep Pradeep has had an eventful year so far, playing prominent roles in Alappuzha Gymkhana and Padakkalam, both of which earned him critical acclaim. The Falimy actor, who is currently filming Kishkindakandam fame Dinjith Ayyathan's new project, speaks to us about his films, evolving fanbase, and future prospects. Excerpts: 'There was a strong sense of team work behind Padakkalam' Padakkalam was Manu's (director Manu Swaraj ) first film. He had previously worked on Minnal Murali, so he had experience in the fantasy genre. He's also a comic geek, and the way he presented the story — with excitement and confidence —really impressed me. The content itself was something fresh and unexplored. I was struck by how, as a newcomer, he chose to tackle such a challenging genre. Manu had a clear vision for his film. There was a strong sense of teamwork behind the project, and I believe it's that collaborative spirit that helped elevate the film. 'Off-screen chemistry helped our performances' Falimy was a breakthrough for me as an actor, and I got to share the screen with Jagadeesh ettan. Now, working with Suraj ettan (Suraj Venjaramoodu) and Sharfikka (Sharafudheen), I truly appreciate how welcoming they are toward newcomers. It's hard to perform well if your co-actors don't create a comfortable working environment. If I were to be acting 20 years from now, I hope to treat newcomers with the same warmth they've shown me. This film also demanded a strong off-screen chemistry and communication between us, which really helped our performances. 'Khalid was upfront about the hardwork required' Khalid Rahman approached me for Alappuzha Gymkhana about a month after Falimy was released. He told me upfront that the role would be physically demanding — I'd likely be beaten up a lot — and that I should only commit if I was ready for it. I was already a big fan of his work, so I immediately agreed. It wasn't just me; everyone involved gave their 100% to the project. 'Had to balance my weight and build a boxer's build' My character in Alappuzha Gymkhana competes in the 65kg boxing category. I was informed early on that there would be a weighing scene, so I needed to maintain exactly 65kg. I was already at that weight, but I didn't have the physique of a boxer. The real challenge was maintaining the weight while building a boxer's frame. Our coaches played a crucial role in helping us achieve that balance. 'A good film is one that satisfies me personally irrespective of its success' Even when I first started dreaming of a film career, my motto was to never settle for just what comes my way. We need to actively seek what we truly want — only then can we reach our goals. Of course, I want to do good films. Before I had a Wikipedia page, I used to joke with friends that when I do have one, it should list a lot of kidilam (awesome) films. If we accept every offer without discernment, a misstep could define our careers. For me, a good film is one that satisfies me personally — not necessarily a box office hit. The film should make me happy, no matter its result. 'I value honest criticism ' My closest friends and family are honest critics of my work. They know me well — my personality and behaviour — so, sometimes, they'll point out when my real-life traits seep into my characters. That's why I always try to shed those traits when acting. I believe criticism helps refine us, and I'm always open to it. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
6 hours ago
- Business Standard
OTT releases this week: Bhool Chuk Maaf, Jaat, Thudarum and more to stream
It's going to be a blockbuster week for OTT lovers! A fresh wave of movies and web series is hitting your favourite streaming platforms – spanning genres like romance, mystery, horror, action, and satire. Whether you're into time-travel comedies, suspense thrillers, or South Indian drama, there's something new to binge this weekend. From Rajkummar Rao's quirky time-loop tale to gritty thrillers like Jaat and emotionally layered dramas like Thudarum, this week is one of the most diverse and exciting for OTT viewers in India in recent months. The dominance of South Indian cinema continues with powerful stories and fresh narratives. Here's a quick look at some of the top OTT releases of the week, complete with release dates and where you can watch them. Top OTT releases of the week Alappuzha Gymkhana The rising popularity of South Indian cinema continues to attract viewers across India. Directed by Khalid Rahman, Alappuzha Gymkhana is a sports drama that has officially made its digital debut. Set in the scenic town of Alappuzha, the film explores local life, sports culture, and youthful ambition. After a successful theatrical run starting April 10, the film has now arrived on OTT. Release date: June 5, 2025 Where to watch: SonyLIV Bhool Chuk Maaf Following delays and legal hurdles, Bhool Chuk Maaf, a sci-fi romantic comedy, finally premieres on OTT. Rajkummar Rao plays Ranjan, a small-town lover who finds himself trapped in time after breaking a vow to Lord Shiva. Wamiqa Gabbi stars as Titli, his love interest. With supporting performances by Seema Pahwa, Sanjay Mishra, Raghubir Yadav, and Zakir Hussain, the film promises humour, heart, and time travel twists. Release date: June 6, 2025 Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video Get Away Get Away is a horror-satire starring Nick Frost. What begins as a relaxing family holiday turns into a nightmare when they discover a serial killer hiding on the island. Also featuring Aisling Bea, Sebastian Croft, and Maisie Ayres, this film blends dark humour with thrills. Release date: June 6, 2025 Where to watch: JioHotstar Chhal Kapat: The Deception Set during a wedding in Burhanpur, Madhya Pradesh, this mystery thriller unravels after a suspicious death sets off a tense police investigation. The ensemble cast includes Shriya Pilgaonkar, Kamya Ahlawat, Ragini Dwivedi, Tuhina Das, and more. Release date: June 6, 2025 Where to watch: Zee5 Jaat The action-packed thriller Jaat, starring Sunny Deol, is set in a secluded coastal village where the fearsome criminal Varadaraja Ranatunga rules with terror. However, the tide begins to turn when a mysterious traveller clashes with his men, revealing the plight of the oppressed villagers. Directed by Gopichand Malineni, the film features a powerful ensemble including Regina Cassandra, Randeep Hooda, and Vineet Kumar Singh in pivotal roles. Release Date: June 6, 2025 Where to Watch: Netflix Thudarum Fresh off a record-breaking theatrical run, Thudarum, starring the legendary Mohanlal, is now shifting gears for its grand OTT debut, and fans are buzzing with excitement. The film follows the emotional journey of Shanmugham, a humble taxi driver with an unbreakable bond with his beloved black Ambassador. But when the car suddenly vanishes under strange circumstances, what begins as a simple search quickly spirals into a gripping mystery full of twists, emotions, and surprises. Will Shanmugham's love for his car drive him to the truth? Get ready to find out as Thudarum hits streaming screens with full throttle! Release Date: June 6, 2025 Where to Watch: JioHotstar
Time of India
16 hours ago
- Time of India
Malayalam actor Shine Tom Chacko injured in road accident; father dies on spot in Tamil Nadu
NEW DELHI: Malayalam actor met with a car accident near Tamil Nadu on Friday morning. His father, C.P. Chacko, died on the spot, while the actor sustained injuries and is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Earlier, Shine Tom Chacko's name had surfaced in connection with a narcotics case under investigation by the Excise Department in Alappuzha. However, the chargesheet submitted to the Alappuzha Additional Sessions Court on Wednesday clarified that the actor had no involvement in the case. He was neither named among the 55 witnesses nor listed as an accused. The case pertains to the seizure of 3 kg of hybrid ganja worth Rs 2 crore from a private resort.
