Drug abuse in Mollywood fades from view as indecent acts draw attention of Hema Commission report

While public attention remains fixated on sexual exploitation, the dark, less discussed crisis of drug abuse rages on unnoticed, casting long shadows over an industry that shapes the dreams and imaginations of millions.

These agents manipulate and distort like silent puppeteers, transforming film sets into playgrounds of addiction where professional ethics crumble.

Behind the silver screen’s pomp and circumstance lies a sobering reality: a red line of drug abuse that is not only tolerated, but often celebrated. It marks the decline of an industry now caught between illusion and decay.

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Real life drama

The part of the Hema Commission report that is less discussed is the problem of drug use among youth in the Malayalam film industry.

The report stated that ”The consumption of alcohol and drugs is quite widespread in the cinema. A witness who is very high up in the film hierarchy stated that most people come to the set after drinking. Drug use is also widespread.”

”According to the witness, almost everyone is on drugs. Their justification, according to the witness, is that drugs enhance creativity. When an actress was called for the shoot, she did not go for the shoot because she was ‘in a bad mood’. Despite being called for the shoot repeatedly, she did not go for the shoot. For the producer, it is a huge loss and it amounts to around ₹4 lakh per day. It was after much coercion with the help of her boyfriend that she finally went for the shoot.”

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Alcohol, drug and sexual abuse

The report further said that “A common complaint was that the use of alcohol and drugs in the cinema workplace is common. Much sexual harassment has taken place after consuming alcoholic beverages or drugs. A witness stated that most actors come to the sets after consuming alcohol. Most of them also use drugs. The justification given is that the drug enhances creativity, the witness stated.”

“Directors and producers have faced several problems such as the new generation of actors and actresses not showing up on time at the shooting location due to alcohol/drug abuse and the use of highly offensive language towards producers,” the report said.

The Hema committee made two recommendations in this regard:

(1) Producers should insist that no alcoholic beverages are consumed in the workplace and substance abuse should be completely prohibited in the workplaces of cinemas.

(2) The fact that alcohol and drugs are completely prohibited in the workplace must be clearly displayed at workplaces, including outdoor locations, studios, dubbing and editing rooms, transport vehicles on duty, etc.

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Poisonous tentacles

The controversy surrounding drug abuse in the Malayalam film industry came to light after actors Shane Nigam and Sreenath Bhasi were banned on April 25, 2023.

The Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) and the Kerala Film Producers’ Association imposed the ban after producers alleged that Nigam and Bhasi appeared on the sets under the influence of drugs, causing significant disruption.

In response, both actors requested the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) to intervene to address the issue.

On May 7, 2023, the then Kochi police chief K Sethuraman announced that shadow police would be deployed at shooting locations to address concerns over drug abuse and sale of narcotics. He also said that raids would be conducted based on reliable information about drug use or trafficking. The statement sparked a debate.

Actor Baburaj, a former member of the AMMA executive committee, revealed that both AMMA and the police have an extensive list of persons involved in drug abuse within the industry.

“Drug use has become widespread, affecting not only the film industry but society as a whole. Both AMMA and the police are aware of drug users, and those caught trafficking often give names of their contacts,” he said.

Baburaj is accused of sexually abusing a young artist.

Kerala Film Chamber President Suresh Kumar echoed similar sentiments and stressed that the association would not support individuals involved in drug abuse. He confirmed that the police and other industry bodies have compiled a list of people involved in drug-related activities, though he did not name specific names.

According to reports, Kerala police have identified around 300 people actively involved in drug trafficking, including some from the Malayalam film industry. Officer Sethuraman confirmed that legal action would be taken against those found violating the law.

Related: Man Accuses Filmmaker Ranjith of Sexual Abuse

High on fame – and drugs

Director Shaji Kailas spoke to South First on drug use in the Malayalam film industry.

“I haven’t worked with many young actors in the industry. I have worked with a few like Arjun Ashokan and Dileesh Pothen, but not with the so-called ‘drug user’ teams. If I get even a hint on my film sets that a crew member is a drug user, I will bring it up,” he said.

Everyone in the Malayalam film industry is aware of the widespread drug use. When Rishiraj Singh was in charge of the Excise Department, he chaired a meeting with people in the film community and said that raiding caravans without accurate information would tarnish the reputation of the entire industry.

“Now the industry is embarrassed. We are all worried about the future of the industry. Currently, the media is focusing on sexual allegations, but this (drug) problem also deserves attention. I hope the government will take strong policies to reform the industry,” Kailas said.

Producer David Kachappilly, who has been a key player in the Malayalam film industry for over 40 years, spoke to South First.

“My recent film, Porridgewas directed by Suresh Gopi and directed by Joshiy. He is very strict and neither of us tolerates such things. On my film sets, the use of synthetic drugs has not been seen. Earlier, such things were not there, but now they have become very common among the youth,” he said.

“We have active internal complaints cells in the sets. Anyone with a complaint can contact us. Although the discussion around the Hema committee report has largely focused on sexual assaults, it is equally important to address the problem of drug use,” he claimed.

Related: Minister Suresh Gopi slams media over ‘sensationalizing’ Hema committee report

Police and excise on alert

Former Excise Commissioner Rishiraj Singh, IPS, felt that local police should be more vigilant to curb such problems. “Intelligence, police and excise departments should work in close coordination. DIGs, DGPs and other senior officials should be held accountable for this,” he said South First.

Deputy Commissioner of Access in Thrissur Shanavas S said the department was keeping a close eye on film sets to check for drug use. “Discussions are on to improve our surveillance of film sets based on the Hema committee report. An official announcement is expected soon,” he said.

Assistant Excise Commissioner (Ernakulam), Jimmy Joseph, said South First that no definitive report on drug use on film sets has been received to date.

“In any case, we are expanding our investigation to the film industry to determine if there is a link. However, we have not received a final report yet. Last year, there were allegations from the film industry itself. Currently, no such cases have been reported in Ernakulam. However, we will take action based on the findings of the Hema committee regarding drug use once we receive an official announcement,” he said.

According to high-ranking police sources, individuals suspected of drug use were being closely monitored.

(Edited by Majnu Babu).

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