27-04-2025
Malayalam film directors Khalid Rahman of 'Alappuzha Gymkhana' fame, Ashraf Hamza arrested in Kochi drug raid: Reports
Acclaimed Malayalam film directors Khalid Rahman and Ashraf Hamza were arrested in the early hours of April 27, 2025, in Kochi, along with their associate Shalif Mohammed, for possession of hybrid cannabis, according to reports.
Reports published by Mathrubhumi English reports that the Excise Department conducted the operation at around 2am, acting on a tip-off about suspected drug use.
The raid took place at a flat near the Gosree Bridge in Kochi, reportedly owned by noted cinematographer Sameer Thahir. During the search, officials recovered 1.6 grams of hybrid ganja, a refined form of cannabis that has seen growing usage among urban youth and the entertainment fraternity.
While the quantity seized was small — below the threshold required to charge them under commercial quantity offenses of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act — possession of any banned narcotic remains a punishable offense. The three individuals were taken into custody and later granted station bail.
Khalid Rahman is known for his films Anuraga Karikkin Vellam, Unda, Thallumaala, and the recently released Alappuzha Gymkhana. Ashraf Hamza made his mark with critically acclaimed movies like Thamaasha and Bheemante Vazhi. Both are considered among the new-age storytellers redefining Malayalam cinema's narrative style.
The arrests have sent shockwaves through the Malayalam film industry, which is still reeling from previous controversies involving substance abuse. Just a few days ago, actor Shine Tom Chacko was arrested under similar circumstances, raising concerns about a disturbing trend among artists and technicians in Kerala's flourishing entertainment sector.
Authorities emphasised that the arrests were not random but the result of focused surveillance based on specific intelligence inputs. Speaking to the media, an Excise Department official said, "Our team acted on confidential information. Though the amount recovered was small, our message is clear — no one is above the law."
Following their release on bail, neither Rahman nor Hamza issued any public statement. Industry insiders say the duo was working on upcoming projects and were reportedly staying together at the Kochi apartment to discuss scripts and collaborations.
The owners of the flat, including cinematographer Sameer Thahir, have not been charged with any wrongdoing as of now. Excise officials clarified that the case currently focuses only on those found in possession of the narcotic substance.
The Malayalam film industry has, in recent years, witnessed a string of high-profile incidents involving drug-related offenses. Several artists have faced scrutiny, prompting public discourse about the pressures of fame, the demands of a creative lifestyle, and the challenges of substance misuse. Organizations like the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) have previously pledged to support de-addiction efforts and counseling initiatives for their members.
However, incidents such as these underline the urgent need for stricter internal mechanisms and awareness programs. Veteran filmmakers and actors have also voiced concern over the "normalisation" of drug use within creative circles.
Meanwhile, Excise officials indicated that investigations are ongoing to determine the source of the hybrid cannabis and whether a broader network is involved.
