Dubai: Vice President of the Kerala Film Producers Association (KFPA), G. Suresh Kumar, has issued a strong statement calling for stringent action against drug use within the Malayalam film industry. Speaking to Mathrubhumi News, Kumar said that no leniency would be shown, regardless of whether the people involved are actors or directors. “Just giving warning is not enough. Drug users should be kept away,” he said.

His comments come in the wake of a drug-related incident involving two people from the film industry. Renowned filmmakers Khalid Rahman and Ashraf Hamza, along with their friend Shalif Mohammed, were caught by the excise department at around 2 am on Sunday. Authorities recovered 1.6 grams of hybrid cannabis from the trio. All three were later released on station bail.

Kumar also addressed concerns around film production budgets, criticising the trend of exorbitant spending. “A film should not be made at a cost of Rs 100 or Rs 200 crores. Malayalam cinema cannot afford to spend money like this,” he said.

He added that he will continue to disclose financial details of films, including losses, despite potential backlash. “There is no point in anyone getting angry over the release of figures,” he asserted.