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By Latha Srinivasan: The entire controversy of drug abuse on the sets of Malayalam films erupted after actors Shane Nigam and Sreenath Bhasi were banned from the film industry on April 25 by Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) and Kerala Film Producers’ Association, following some serious allegations by producers.
Malayalam producer M Renjith had reportedly alleged that both Shane Nigam and Sreenath Bhasi came to the sets under the influence of drugs which caused issues for the film crew and the producer. Following the ban, both the accused actors have approached Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) for a resolution. But AMMA has apparently not made any decision on their cases.
READ I Malayalam actors Shane Nigam, Sreenath Bhasi banned by Kerala film industry. Here’s why
DRUG ABUSE IN MOLLYWOOD
After Shane Nigam and Sreenath Bhasi’s news went viral, numerous other actors and producers have spoken to the media about the rampant drug abuse on sets by actors and the need to clamp it down.
Producer Sandra Thomas told Cinema Express, “It’s true that drug usage is rampant in Malayalam cinema. It’s high time we controlled it because there are plenty of issues associated with it. People who take these drugs don’t sleep at night, so they’re always late for the shoot. We also don’t know when they’re sober. They’ll nod at all our instructions, but they won’t be listening. They keep forgetting the time and dates. At the end of the day, it’s the producer who suffers.”
Meanwhile, actor Tini Tom who is an executive member of AMMA, stated that he didn’t want his teenage son to come into the Malayalam film industry since there was widespread drug abuse. He added that he recently worked with a young actor whose teeth had all fallen off because of drug use. But directors MA Nishad and Dhyan Sreenivasan urged Tini Tom to name the actor in question and take it to the excise department. The Malayalam film industry seems to be divided over this issue in terms of naming actors who are allegedly on narcotic substances.
READ I Malayalam actor Tini Tom claims rampant drug abuse in Mollywood. Dhyan Sreenivasan refutes
On May 7, the Kochi city police commissioner, K Sethuraman, announced that shadow police would be deployed at all shooting locations after allegations of drug abuse and sale of narcotics substances on sets. He revealed that raids would also be carried out if they received news of use or sale of drugs at any location.
AMMA TO CONDUCT DRUG SCREENING TEST
Executive committee member of AMMA, actor Baburaj, told Movie World Media on May 8, that AMMA and the police have the complete list of drug users in the Malayalam film industry. He added, “Drug use is on the rise. Intoxication is now everywhere, not just in the film industry. Film organisations and police have a complete list of actors who use drugs. Those who are caught dealing drugs tell the police exactly who they are taking it for. AMMA has the list in our office.”
However, AMMA general secretary Edavela Babu, dismissed Baburaj’s claims about having a list but told Malayala Manorama, “It is an open secret that actors use drugs. We will cooperate with any action taken by the government. AMMA’s bylaw states that members should abstain from drug use at work and also not misbehave in public. While considering new membership applications, there will be screening tests for drug abuse.”
READ I Director MA Nishad urges Tini Tom to reveal name of Malayalam actor hooked on drugs
Malayalam producers have decided to not work with actors whom they believe are drug abusers. They have said they would not raise any objection if the police or excise department wanted to do inspections on set. Some producers are also upset that an organisation which publicly slammed drug use among actors suddenly changed its stand.
“Recently, the leader of the organisation himself publicly praised an actor who was arrested in a drug case. There were also incidents of mobbing and attacking people who spoke against drug use,” Edavela Babu added.
The Kerala Film Chamber president Suresh Kumar has also told media, “The association will not cooperate with drug abusers. Police as well as other industry associations have a list of the people who use narcotic substances.” He did not take any actors names with the media.
It has been reported that Kerala police have shortlisted 300 people who are actively in the drug trade some of whom are from Mollywood. Police commissioner K Sethuraman stated that action will be taken against those violating the law.
Sethuraman added, “No action will be taken in a way that adversely affects the film industry. Detailed investigations will be launched into the drug abuse prevalent in the industry and its routes. We also have support from members of the film fraternity.”
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