Latest news with #KeralaFilmBody
Hindustan Times
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Producer-actor Sandra Thomas claims budgets are being set aside on Mollywood sets for drugs: ‘Everyone is aware of it'
Producer-actor Sandra Thomas made some shocking revelations about the Malayalam film industry in a recent interview. Talking to OnManorama, she claimed that the drug crisis is so bad in Mollywood, producers are even setting aside budgets for it, apart from arranging rooms. Here's what she said. (Also Read: Kerala Film Body gives Shine Tom Chacko final chance to correct his behaviour after Vincy Aloshious' allegations) Sandra told the publication that the associations should have taken a 'proper stand' against drug use five to ten years ago. She said, 'Everyone was aware of what was happening on sets. But no one took corrective steps, as they needed these people for future projects. Now, a special budget is being allocated exclusively for this. Even separate rooms are allotted for this purpose. However, the associations say the entire industry cannot be blamed just because of one or two people.' Sandra also called out producer Listin Stephen and said, 'Aren't people like Listin aware of this problem? Don't they know that drugs are lavishly available and are being used on sets? They have refused to take a step against it. It has now reached the stage where both men and women, and everyone, irrespective of their status, use it. Producers are unwilling to raise a complaint because of the fear that it will stall their projects. If someone is caught on the sets, the shooting gets stalled. It also ruins the goodwill of the actor.' Through his NGO Viswasanthi Foundation, Mohanlal spoke out against drug abuse on his birthday. He released a video on X (formerly Twitter) and wrote, 'Viswasanthi Foundation is organising a one-year-long Anti-Drug Campaign titled 'Be A Hero'. Dreaming and achieving a successful life is the biggest high one can get, and we are committed to this journey with our youth. Be a Hero in our fight against drugs. Let's take a pledge that we won't use it, neither our loved ones. Say no to drugs..!! '
Hindustan Times
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Dileep remarks on lack of ‘freedom' to speak his mind for 8 years: ‘One day God will give me the opportunity'
Actor Dileep, whose film Prince and Family was released in theatres last week, indirectly spoke about the 2017 abduction and sexual assault case of a prominent female actor at the success meet. An OnManorama report states that the actor remarked on the lack of 'freedom' to speak his mind for eight years now, after being named in the case. (Also Read: Kerala Film Body gives Shine Tom Chacko final chance to correct his behaviour after Vincy Aloshious' allegations) Dileep thanked director-writer Sachy for giving him a hit with Ramleela in 2017 during trying times. He compared the success of Prince and Family to Ramleela and talked of how the filmmaker helped keep his career afloat amid controversies. He reportedly said at the event, 'For the past eight years, I have only spoken about my films. I don't have the freedom to speak about anything else. But one day, God will give me the opportunity to speak. I will wait for that day and remain quiet till then.' He also reportedly urged people to show support for the film, as many have tried to 'pull him down' in the last few years. In 2017, a prominent Malayalam female actor was kidnapped and sexually assaulted by a gang of men in a moving car as she was returning home from a shoot. A few months later, the investigating team arrested Dileep after the main accused claimed the assault was ordered by the actor. He secured bail after spending 83 days in jail. The case partly contributed to the Women in Cinema Collective and the formation of the Hema Committee, and the subsequent report that exposed abuse in Mollywood. In April this year, the Kerala High Court turned down a petition by Dileep for a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the case as it found no merit.
Time of India
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Khalid Rahman and Ashraf Hamza, Malayalam film directors, arrested in late-night raid for possessing hybrid ganja
In a late-night raid, Malayalam film directors Khalid Rahman and Ashraf Hamza , along with a third individual, Shalif Mohammed, were arrested by the Excise Department in Kochi on Sunday. The trio was apprehended for possessing hybrid ganja, an illegal substance. The operation took place around 2 a.m. at a flat near the Gosree Bridge, reportedly owned by cinematographer Sameer Thahir . Authorities recovered 1.6 grams of hybrid ganja from the premises, an e-times report stated. #Pahalgam Terrorist Attack India stares at a 'water bomb' threat as it freezes Indus Treaty India readies short, mid & long-term Indus River plans Shehbaz Sharif calls India's stand "worn-out narrative" Following the arrest, the three individuals were granted station bail. According to sources from the Excise Department, the raid was based on confidential information, highlighting the growing concerns about drug use within the Malayalam film industry. Concerns Over Drug Use in the Industry The raid comes amid rising concerns about drug use within the Malayalam film industry. The Excise Department's actions reflect an increasing effort to combat illegal drug activities. The industry has seen other controversies in recent weeks, including the ongoing case involving actor Shine Tom Chacko, further raising awareness about substance abuse among film personalities. Khalid Rahman's Recent Movies On the work front, Khalid Rahman's latest project, Alappuzha Gymkhana , which starred actor Naslen, has turned out to be a superhit with glowing reviews. Despite the legal troubles, Rahman remains a prominent figure in Malayalam cinema, with his work continuing to be appreciated by audiences. Update on Shine Tom Chacko Case In another development, the Malayalam film industry recently faced controversy involving actor Shine Tom Chacko. Actress Vincy Aloshious filed a formal complaint accusing Shine of drug use and inappropriate behavior on a film set. The issue was addressed in a committee meeting held in Kochi, where Shine Tom Chacko issued an apology to Vincy and the committee members, asserting that his behavior was not intentional. Live Events Following the meeting, the Kerala Film Body issued Shine a final warning. Vincy had previously made strong statements against drug use in the industry, pledging not to work with actors involved in drugs. Her comments sparked a broader conversation, leading her to release a clarifying video on Instagram about a distressing incident involving an inebriated co-actor.
Hindustan Times
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Kerala Film Body gives Shine Tom Chacko final chance to correct his behaviour after Vincy Aloshious' allegations
Earlier this week, Malayalam actor Vincy Aloshious filed a complaint against actor Shine Tom Chacko for using drugs and misbehaving with her on set. The actor apologised at an internal committee meeting held in Kochi on Monday, and now the Kerala Film Body has decided to issue him a final warning. (Also Read: Team 'Soothravakyam' supports ICC inquiry into actor Vincy Aloshious'' allegations) Speaking to the media on Tuesday, B. Unnikrishnan, General Secretary of the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA), confirmed that Chacko had used drugs at his workplace and revealed that the film body has given a final warning to the actor to correct his mistakes. 'We have now informed his family members to seek professional assistance for him to overcome the problem of drug use. We will not co-operate with him if he violates the assurance not to create any more problems,' he said He further added, 'People who get addicted to such behaviours or practices should be given an opportunity to correct themselves, as that is the humane thing to do. But this humane approach should not be seen as a weakness.' Earlier, according to a report in Mathrubhumi, Shine apologised to Vincy during the internal committee meeting and assured everyone present that he would behave professionally in the future. He also told the committee that he had not acted intentionally. At an event connected to a 'No to Drugs' campaign, Vincy stated that she would no longer act with people who use drugs on film sets. Her statement caused a stir online. To clarify her position, she shared a video on Instagram explaining that she and a female colleague had faced inappropriate behaviour from a co-actor who was under the influence on set. Without naming her co-star at first, Vincy said that when she had an issue with her costume on set, the actor said, 'I'll fix it for you,' in front of everyone, creating an uncomfortable situation. 'He was also spitting a white powder from his mouth when the rehearsal for a scene was on. It was evident that he was using drugs on the set,' she added in the video. Later, Vincy filed a formal complaint with the Film Chamber and the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists, naming Shine Tom Chacko as the co-star who misbehaved with her during the shoot of the yet-to-be-released film Soothravakyam.
