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Time of India
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'I have played the driver role in ‘Manjummel Boys',' says Khalid Rahman during interrogation
(Picture Courtesy: Facebook) Filmmakers Khalid Rahman and Ashraf Hamsa were arrested by Excise personnel in a pre-dawn raid on Sunday, April 27, 2025, from the apartment of a director-cinematographer in Kochi. The duo was allegedly found in possession of suspected hybrid cannabis, a discovery that has shocked the Malayalam film industry , which is already reeling from a series of drug-related allegations involving prominent personalities. "I have played the driver role in Manjummel Boys' According to 24 News, Khalid Rahman, during his questioning, attempted to mislead the officials by downplaying his involvement, stating, "I have played the driver role in Manjummel Boys , sir," in an attempt to divert attention from the gravity of the charges against him. This statement came while he was being interrogated by the Excise team, which has been actively investigating drug-related activities in the industry. Both suspended by the Directors' Union Following the arrests, both Khalid Rahman and Ashraf Hamsa were suspended by the Directors' Union, acting on the recommendations of FEFKA (Film Employees Federation of Kerala). The suspension bars the filmmakers from taking on any film projects during the period of their suspension. This swift response by FEFKA highlights the growing concerns over drug use within the Malayalam film industry. In a media interaction, FEFKA president, Malayalam director Sibi Malayil emphasized that no one, irrespective of their position, would be exempt from facing consequences in drug-related cases. Amid ' Alappuzha Gymkhana ' success Meanwhile, Khalid Rahman's entertainer movie 'Alappuzha Gymkhana', starring Naslen in the lead role is still running successfully in theatres. Khalid Rahman's previous hit film was the Tovino Thomas starrer 'Thallumaala'. The movie had received good reviews from both the critics and audiences for it's distinct style of story telling, mesmerizing songs and stunning performances.
Gulf News
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf News
Malayalam film directors Khalid Rahman and Ashraf Hamza suspended amid drug scandal
Dubai: In a significant development that has sent shockwaves through the Malayalam film industry, directors Khalid Rahman and Ashraf Hamza have been suspended by the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) after being caught with hybrid drugs. The two directors have also been expelled from the Directors' Union. FEFKA president Sibi Malayil has made it clear that strict action will be taken against anyone involved in drug abuse within the industry. As reported by Manorama News, Sibi Malayil confirmed the suspensions, stating that the action was a direct response to concerns over the growing issue of drug use in the Malayalam film industry. "With the rise in drug abuse inside the industry, we have decided to take strict action," Malayil said. He further explained that FEFKA had formed a seven-member committee earlier this year to monitor film sets and combat drug use. "In the past, a makeup artist was suspended for drug use, and now, the Directors' Union has been instructed to take action against the two directors involved," Malayil told Manorama News. Raid and arrests The arrests took place early Sunday morning after the excise team raided a flat in Kochi, which was registered in the name of cinematographer Sameer Thahir. The flat had been used for scriptwriting and film discussions. The excise department, which had received information about frequent drug use at the flat, seized 1.5 grams of hybrid ganja during the raid. This was not the first time the flat had been searched. Authorities now plan to summon Sameer Thahir for questioning, and the investigation is ongoing. Strong condemnation from FEFKA FEFKA general secretary B Unnikrishnan strongly condemned the incident, emphasizing that such actions would not be tolerated. "Strict measures will be taken against anyone found using drugs on set," he was quoted as saying to Mathrubhumi News. Film Chamber general secretary Saji Nanthiyattu expressed his shock over the directors' involvement in the case and suggested that raids be extended to film sets, as technicians are often among the primary users of drugs. Investigation into the supplier Meanwhile, the Excise Enforcement and Anti-Narcotic Special Squad has launched an investigation to track the supplier of the drugs . The investigation has revealed that a young man, believed to be an intermediary, supplied the drugs to Shalif Muhammad, who was also arrested in connection with the incident. The excise team is working with the cyber-cell to identify the source of the drugs. Officials suspect that a gang may be operating to supply hybrid ganja to selected individuals within the film industry, given the high cost of the drugs. Future investigation Khalid Rahman, Ashraf Hamza, and Shalif Muhammad were granted station bail after their blood samples were collected. Deputy Excise Commissioner confirmed that they will be questioned again to determine whether they are regular users and where they sourced the drugs from. "We are awaiting the results of their samples," the police added. Background of the directors Khalid Rahman is a well-known director in the Malayalam film industry, celebrated for his work in films such as Anuraga Karikkin Vellam, Unda, Thallumaala, and the recently released Alappuzha Gymkhana. His films often explore contemporary themes with a fresh narrative style, earning him recognition as one of the new-age storytellers in Malayalam cinema. Ashraf Hamza is another prominent director, known for his critically acclaimed films Thamaasha and Bheemante Vazhi. Like Rahman, Hamza is regarded as one of the modern filmmakers who is redefining Malayalam cinema with innovative storytelling and unique character portrayals. Both directors are part of a wave of filmmakers bringing new perspectives and fresh narratives to the industry. Overview of the incident Arrest of Prominent Directors: Malayalam film directors Khalid Rahman (known for Thallumaala, Alappuzha Gymkhana) and Ashraf Hamza (known for Thamaasha, Bheemante Vazhi) were arrested for possession of hybrid drugs. Here's the key highlights of the Malayalam film directors' arrest for drug possession: April 1, 2025: Excise officials arrest Thasleema Sulthana and K Feroze for allegedly selling hybrid drugs. Sulthana's husband, Sultan Akbar Ali, is later arrested. Around April 1 (Ongoing Investigation): The probe team suspects Thasleema Sulthana supplied drugs to actors Shine Tom Chacko and Sreenath Bhasi. April 21 : Actor Shine Tom Chacko is arrested for alleged drug use in connection with a narcotics raid at a Kochi hotel. He is released on station bail the same day after interrogation. April 25: Actor Sreenath Bhasi approaches the Kerala High Court seeking anticipatory bail in the drugs case but withdraws his petition on the same day. Recent (Prior to April 27): The Excise Department issues notices to actors Shine Tom Chacko and Sreenath Bhasi, directing them to appear for questioning on April 28. Early Morning, Sunday, April 27 (approximately 2:00 am local time): Excise Department conducts a raid at a flat near the Gosree Bridge in Kochi. The flat reportedly belongs to cinematographer Sameer Thahir. April 27: Directors Khalid Rahman and Ashraf Hamza, along with Shalif Mohammed, are arrested during the Kochi flat raid for possession of 1.6 grams of hybrid ganja.
