Khalid Rahman and Ashraf Hamza drug scandal: Is Malayalam cinema's golden phase under threat?
Dubai: The Malayalam film industry has been riding a glorious, golden phase — with films boldly tackling hard-hitting subjects, winning national acclaim, and resonating with audiences far beyond Kerala.
Movies addressing alcoholism, patriarchy, casteism, gender identity, and social injustice have cemented Malayalam cinema's reputation as one of India's most fearless and creatively daring industries. But today, a dark cloud of uncertainty and suspicion looms large.
In a shocking turn of events, acclaimed filmmakers Khalid Rahman and Ashraf Hamza — associated with celebrated films such as Alappuzha Gymkyan and Unda — have reportedly been caught consuming a negligible amount of cannabis at a flat in Kochi.
Their names now join a growing list that includes fresh crop of actors such as Shine Tom Chacko and Sreenath Bhasi, previously accused of using psychedelic drugs.
Once upon a time, the likes of Prem Nazir, Madhu, Mammootty, and Mohanlal set the gold standard for professionalism. While whispers of diva behavior or eccentricities existed, scandals involving intoxication or substance abuse were virtually unheard of.
The industry projected discipline and dignity, both on and off screen. Today, even as the current drug controversy unfolds, disturbing rumours are circulating — suggesting that some high-end actors from the younger generation allegedly rely on cannabis or other substances to perform on sets or to handle the pressures of stardom.
So far, no major names have been officially implicated, and few are willing to openly address this growing suspicion. But the silence is deafening.
Malayalam cinema has historically shown the courage to confront uncomfortable truths. Mohanlal's movie Spirit tackled Kerala's rampant alcoholism problem without judgment, while Mammootty's Kaathal - The Core sensitively explored gender identity within a conservative society. Yet, despite growing reports of drug abuse across Kerala, the issue of addiction remains glaringly absent from Malayalam storytelling.
Why the reluctance to explore a reality that is no longer at the fringes but steadily moving to the center?
As Malayalam cinema basks in global recognition, it must also confront the shadows gathering within. The industry's hard-earned credibility is now at risk. Will it continue to look away — or find the courage to address its uncomfortable new reality before it's too late?
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
2 days ago
- Khaleej Times
Neha Dhupia backs Deepika Padukone on work guidelines in the film industry
Bollywood actor Neha Dhupia came out in support of Deepika Padukone after the latter reportedly exited Sandeep Vanga's upcoming film, Spirit, owing to demands for work conditions, including an eight-hour workday. Ever since Padukone's move, several celebrities weighed in on the need for a structured shift in the industry. Dhupia, the star of Chup Chup Ke, among other hits, demanded fixed working hours for actors who have embraced motherhood. Dhupia opened up about work-life balance and how new mothers are often "sidelined or shamed". "For work-life balance to go beyond conversations, new moms need practical support and consideration," she wrote on her Instagram story. "As a working mom, I support @deepikapadukone 's reasonable request for fair and considerate working hours," Dhupia wrote. Actor Ajay Devgn, too, recently backed the need for eight-hour shifts for mothers. At the trailer launch of his actor-wife Kajol's Maa last month, Devgn spoke in support of the demand. "... Most honest filmmakers will not have problems with it," Devgn, without taking names, said. "Apart from this, being a mother and working for eight hours, most people have started working eight- to nine-hour shifts. It's person to person, and I feel most of the industry understands this." Following Padukone's exit from Spirit, Triptii Dimri, who was also seen in Animal, has joined the cast of Spirit.
Khaleej Times
29-05-2025
- Khaleej Times
Tamannaah Bhatia blames Instagram algorithm for liking pages "on its own"
Bollywood actor Tamannaah Bhatia took to Instagram to explain how the social media platform apparently "likes" pages "on its own". "Can Instagram pls figure out how it likes pages on its own, cause random people are making it news and I have work to do," the actor said while posting a story with a selfie of herself. Reportedly, Tamannaah liked an Instagram reel that features Deepika Padukone and which highlighted issues such as the gender pay gap, unprofessional work environments, and misogyny. The Odela 2 actor's post comes amid the ongoing controversy surrounding actor Deepika Padukone and filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga over the movie Spirit, from which Padukone had backed off and sparked a controversy. Previously, Indian cricketing great Virat Kohli found himself at the centre of online chatter after several users noticed that his verified Instagram account had liked a post from a fan page dedicated to actor Avneet Kaur. The star cricketer later took to the social media platform to clear the air. Kohli, without naming anyone, said the "like" seemed to be a mistake caused by the "app's algorithm". "...There was absolutely no intent behind it (the interaction). I request that no unnecessary assumptions be made. Thank you for your understanding," read his Instagram story.
Khaleej Times
28-05-2025
- Khaleej Times
Deepika Padukone dazzles in red at high jewellery event in Stockholm amid 'Spirit' controversy
Bollywood actor Deepika Padukone made a striking appearance at the Cartier High Jewellery event in Stockholm, Sweden. Looking elegant, Padukone stole the spotlight as she attended the event in a stunning red outfit, complemented by Cartier's exquisite high jewellery collection. She styled her hair slick and open, adorned with statement jewellery from the brand's exclusive collection. Her appearance at the gala was shared with other global personalities, including Hollywood star Zoe Saldana. Padukone shared a glimpse of her look on Instagram, captioning the post with, "Hej from Stockholm!" View this post on Instagram A post shared by द�रि�ा राद���ण (@deepikapadukone) Her appearance at the event comes amid ongoing speculation surrounding her involvement in the film Spirit. Filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga recently stirred controversy with a cryptic post on social media that many believe was aimed at Padukone. In his post, Vanga expressed frustration about a "broken unsaid NDA" and alleged a betrayal of trust, writing, "When I narrate a story to an actor, I place 100 per cent faith. There is an unsaid NDA between us. But by doing this, you've 'DISCLOSED' the person that you are..." The director's words were widely interpreted as a reference to the actress, who had reportedly stepped away from the project. He further added, "Putting down a younger actor and ousting my story? Is this what your feminism stands for? As a filmmaker, I put years of hard work behind my craft & for me, filmmaking is everything. You didn't get it. You won't get it. You will never get it." Shortly after the rumours of Padukone's exit began circulating, the filmmakers confirmed that Dimri would step into the role. Dimri, who previously starred in Vanga's Animal, expressed her gratitude on social media and said, "Still sinking in... So grateful to be trusted with this journey. Thank you @ to be a part of your vision."
