Open drug abuse and wrap-up parties: The silent crisis in Malayalam cinema

Kochi: Despite drug abuse often being the main culprit behind most of the crimes in the Malayalam film industry, controlling it remains a challenge. Even as harassment complaints from female film workers surface and actions intensified against the offenders, drug rings continue to operate freely. The Hema Committee report also mentions the deep-rooted activities of the drug mafia in the film industry. It was found that crimes against women often occur after alcohol consumption or drug use, and some young actors are reported to regularly use drugs. 

Even though special teams are deployed to investigate harassment complaints against women, the government remains silent on investigations into drug-related cases. Although drug use is an open secret, inspections and investigations are typically limited to small groups.

Public drug use and pack-up parties

The Intelligence Department has reported that open drug use is taking place on the sets of some new films and that wrap-up parties are being held after the shooting ends. Although the police and excise teams have information about the groups that regularly supply drugs and the individuals who use them, they are reluctant to conduct inspections on the sets.

Drug rings have been entrenched in film sets for over a decade. The widespread use of chemical drugs came to light ten years ago when a group, including actors, was caught with cocaine. Since then, several crew members and actors have also been arrested, but these arrests occurred outside film sets. Promises of inspections and strict actions on sets have remained unfulfilled.

Earlier, actor Tini Tom had openly criticized the use of drugs in the film industry, which sparked a discussion. He stated that although his son was offered a role as the son of a leading actor, he refused to let him act in movies. Following this, film organizations announced that they would impose controls on film sets and locations and regulate the activities of backstage workers.

The police had planned to deploy officers on sets, monitor the activities of crew members, and conduct surprise inspections. Although this suggestion was welcomed by the film workers, no further action was taken. The initiative to deploy shadow police for surveillance on shooting sets and in caravans also fizzled out.