Producer Sandra Thomas has raised alarm over rampant drug use on Kerala film sets, claiming special budgets and rooms are allocated for it. Her comments follow recent interrogations of actors like Shine Tom Chacko in ongoing drug-related investigations
Sandra Thiomas
The problem of drug consumption in the Kerala film industry has become a topic of discussion lately, with multiple raids by state officials and names like Shine Tom Chacko and Khalid Rahman being questioned by concerned authorities. Now, producer and actor Sandra Thomas has spoken out about the normalization of drug use on film sets in the state.
'Special budget for drugs': Sandra Thomas
Sandra claimed that special rooms are being allotted for the purpose of illegal drug consumption. In an interview with Onmanorama, she reportedly said, “A special budget is being allotted exclusively for this (drugs). Even separate rooms are allotted for this purpose.” She also said that the industry associations have failed to recognize the issue or take appropriate action.
Sandra first raised concerns about the same issue nearly two years ago, in 2023. She said that despite being vocal about it, the situation in the industry has only worsened.
She further added that many insiders are aware of the growing problem but refuse to act. “Producers are unwilling to raise a complaint because they fear it will stall their projects,” she explained, adding that being associated with drug-related controversies can ruin an actor's reputation and lead to delays in shooting.
Sandra implied that drug use is rampant, with easy availability, and is not limited to a specific group. “Drugs are now openly available on sets and used by people of all genders and statuses,” she said.
Recent drug raid in Kerala
This comes a month after actor Shine Tom Chacko, director Khalid Rahman, and rapper Vedan were taken into custody for drug consumption.
Recently, Shine Tom Chacko was interrogated for about four hours in connection with a drug case that surfaced following a complaint by actress Vincy Aloshious, who alleged that a co-star misbehaved with her on a film set.
Vincy accused Shine of misconduct during the shoot of the film Soothravakyam last year. Although she initially withheld his name, she later identified Chacko and alleged that he spat a white powdery substance at her.
Aloshious had filed a complaint with the Kerala Film Chamber on the condition that the accused’s name remain confidential. However, Chamber General Secretary Saji Nandiyattu later revealed Chacko’s identity to the media and promised that action would be taken. Following the disclosure, Aloshious expressed disappointment over the breach of trust and announced that she would no longer cooperate with the inquiry.
Earlier this month, Chacko’s name also surfaced during the interrogation of an arrested female drug peddler, who claimed to have supplied narcotics to both Chacko and actor Sreenath Bhasi. The woman and her associates are currently in judicial custody. Following her arrest, the Excise Department announced that notices would be issued to both actors.
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