Malayalam film industry members to sign 'no drug-use at work' clause from June 26?
Kochi: The Kerala Film Producers Association (KFPA) has proposed that an affidavit be signed by all members of any film crew, assuring that they will abstain from the use of drugs when they are engaged in a film production.
The proposal, which is expected to come into effect on June 26, International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, will include a financial penalty for violators in case of any related losses incurred by the producer.
The producer's association submitted the drafts of the proposed affidavit, cleared by it on June 4, to the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) as well as the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA), as it concerns all cast and crew members working on a given project.
According to reports, while FEFKA has approved the move, AMMA's final decision is expected after its general body meeting on June 22.
This was confirmed by a top Malayalam film actor who said, "At the moment, since I am busy at the shooting location, I am not aware of this new affidavit. Maybe it might have been announced. Anyway, now that this has surfaced in the media, this issue is certain to be taken up for discussion on Sunday at our meeting and definitely, that will be our decision too."
What the affidavit mandates
The affidavit, once approved, will reportedly become part of the remuneration contract of all cast and crew members. This is aimed at curbing the alleged rampant drug use in the industry, for which some prominent actors and directors have been in the news recently.
The no-drug zone would include shooting sets as well as places of accommodation, and would be applicable throughout the entire process of production.
To recall, actors like Shine Tom Chacko and Sreenath Bhasi were arrested in connection with the Alappuzha hybrid ganja case in April.
Shine made headlines once again later that month when actor Vincy Aloshious accused the former of misbehaving with her while on the sets of a film.