Kochi: Film producer Venu Kunnappilly has demanded the complete exclusion of drug addicts and sexual predators from cinema.

In a post on Facebook, Kunnappilly, who is known as the producer of movies like Mamangam and 2018, highlighted the negative impact such individuals have on film production and the industry's reputation.

Kunnappilly comments come in the wake of recent allegations faced by actor Shine Tom Chacko, though Kunnappilly did not name anyone directly.

"For years, we’ve been hearing the same set of names associated with drug use in the industry — maybe there are others too. But can’t film associations, producers who invest money, and directors come together and completely remove these well-known drug users from cinema?
I read today that a film meant to be completed in 35 days stretched to 120 days because of a young actor addicted to drugs! What can one do but sympathize with a producer who chooses to work again with someone who’s always in the news for substance abuse?" he said. 

Kunnappilly also alleged that "there are many drug addicts, sexual predators, and people who speak with inappropriate innuendos in Malayalam cinema."

"There are many drug addicts, sexual predators, and people who speak with inappropriate innuendos in Malayalam cinema. They can be seen both in front of and behind the camera. If filmmakers and directors jointly decide to keep such individuals out during the very early stages of film planning, we could avoid many of the recurring stories and controversies that resurface every season. Likewise, those who walk around with inflated egos, behaving as if they've come from another planet, should also be completely excluded from films," he wrote.

He also called for the exclusion of those who display arrogance and behave “as if they’ve landed from another planet.”

"When the public is fully aware and becomes the ultimate judge, why are talented directors and producers still afraid of these so-called ‘extraterrestrials’? The issues plaguing Malayalam cinema today can easily be resolved if filmmakers simply decide to keep such people away," he opined. 

Meanwhile, Kochi city police on Thursday said a notice will be issued to actor Shine Tom Chacko, who allegedly fled from a hotel here, upon noticing an anti-drug raid.

Officials said the actor will be questioned in order to ascertain the reason behind his escape.

Earlier in the day, a video surfaced reportedly showing the actor fleeing from his hotel room after spotting an anti-drug search by the police on Wednesday night.

The search was conducted by the District Anti-Narcotic Special Action Force (DANSAF) under the Kochi City Police.

According to police sources, the DANSAF team reached a hotel near Kaloor around 10.45 pm in search of an accused in a drug case. However, the suspect they were looking for could not be found.

While verifying the hotel register, officers came across the name of actor Chacko. When they proceeded to his room on the third floor, the actor allegedly fled the scene.

Police officers said that initial evidence, including CCTV footage, confirms that the person seen escaping in the video was Chacko.