The Justice Hema Commission report has mentioned a link between sexual harassment and consumption of alcohol or drugs. However, substance abuse has been overshadowed by the lewd acts mentioned in the report and the MeToo storm that followed.
Published Sep 03, 2024 | 9:00 AM ⚊ Updated Sep 03, 2024 | 9:00 AM
While public focus remains fixated on sexual exploitation, the darker, less-discussed crisis of drug abuse festers unchecked
The redacted version of the Justice K Hema Committee report has put in focus the sexual abuse in the Malayalam film industry. However, the report has also equally shed light on a pervasive and insidious issue: Drug and alcohol abuse on film sets.
Far from being just a backdrop, substance abuse emerges as a sinister catalyst, fuelling misconduct and exploitation under the excuse of “boosting” creativity.
The statements of survivors reveal an industry where psychotropic substances flow freely, blurring boundaries and compromising integrity. This toxic culture, often glamorised in films, quietly weaves through the fabric of cinema, ensnaring the young and vulnerable in a dangerous dance that corrupts the soul of artistry.
While the public focus remains fixated on sexual exploitation, the darker, less-discussed crisis of drug abuse festers unchecked, casting long shadows over an industry that shapes the dreams and imaginations of millions.
These substances, like silent puppeteers, manipulate and distort, transforming film sets into playgrounds of addiction where professional ethics crumble.
Beyond the silver screen’s glitz lies a sobering reality, a red line of substance abuse that is not just tolerated but often celebrated, marking the descent of an industry now caught between illusion and decay.
The less discussed part of the Hema Committee report is the issue of drug use among youngsters in the Malayalam film industry.
The report stated that ‘’The consumption of alcohol and drugs is quite rampant in cinema. One witness who is very high in the film hierarchy stated that most people come to sets after drinking. Use of drugs is also widespread.’’
‘’According to the witness, almost everybody uses drugs. Their justification, according to the witness, is that with the intoxicants, creativity goes up. When an actress was called for shooting she did not go for the shoot stating that she was ‘mood off’. Despite being called repeatedly for the shoot, she didn’t go for the shoot. For the producer, it is a huge loss and it is about ₹4 lakh per day. It was after much compulsion using her boyfriend that she finally went for the shoot.’’
The report further said that “An often repeated complaint heard was that consumption of alcohol and drugs in workspace in cinema is common. Many acts of sexual harassment have taken place after the consumption of alcoholic beverages or drugs. One witness stated that most of the actors come to the sets after consuming alcohol. Most of them use drugs too. The justification given is that the intoxicant enhances creativity, stated the witness.’’
“Directors and producers have experienced several difficulties like non-punctuality to shooting location by the new generation actors and actresses who consume alcohol/drugs, using very abusive language against producers,’’ the report said.
The Hema Committee made two recommendations in this regard:
(1) Non-consumption of alcoholic beverages should be insisted on by producers in the workplace and substance abuse should be banned totally from the workplaces in cinema, and
(2) That alcohol and drugs have been completely banned in workspaces should be displayed very prominently in workplaces including outside locations, studios, dubbing and editing rooms, transporting vehicles on duty, etc.
The controversy surrounding drug abuse in the Malayalam film industry came to the forefront following the ban on actors Shane Nigam and Sreenath Bhasi on 25 April 2023.
The Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) and the Kerala Film Producers’ Association imposed the ban after producers alleged that Nigam and Bhasi reported to the set under the influence of drugs, causing significant disruption.
In response, both actors sought the intervention of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) to address the issue.
On 7 May 2023, then-Kochi city police commissioner K Sethuraman announced that shadow police would be deployed at shooting locations to address concerns about drug abuse and the sale of narcotics. He also mentioned that raids would be conducted based on credible information about drug use or trafficking. The statement triggered a debate.
Actor Baburaj, a former executive committee member of AMMA, revealed that both AMMA and the police possess a comprehensive list of individuals involved in drug use within the industry.
“Drug use has become widespread, affecting not only the film industry but society at large. Both AMMA and the police are aware of the drug users, and those caught dealing drugs often provide names of their contacts,” he said.
Baburaj has been accused of sexually assaulting a junior artist.
Kerala Film Chamber President Suresh Kumar echoed similar sentiments, emphasising that the association would not support individuals engaged in drug abuse. He confirmed that the police and other industry organisations have compiled a list of people involved in drug-related activities, though he refrained from naming any specific actors.
According to reports, the Kerala police have identified around 300 individuals actively engaged in the drug trade, including some from the Malayalam film industry. Officer Sethuraman affirmed that legal action would be pursued against those violating the law.
Director Shaji Kailas spoke to South First about drug use in the Malayalam film industry.
“I haven’t worked much with young actors in the industry. I’ve associated with a few, like Arjun Ashokan and Dileesh Pothen, but not with the so-called ‘drug user’ teams. In my film sets, if I get any hint that a crew member is a drug user, I will address it,” he said.
Everyone in the Malayalam film industry is aware of the rampant drug use. When Rishiraj Singh was in charge of the Excise Department, he conducted a meeting with those in the film fraternity and said that without accurate information, raiding caravans would tarnish the reputation of the entire industry.
“Now, the industry has been shamed. We are all concerned about the future of the industry. Currently, the media is focused on sexual allegations, but this (drug) issue also needs attention. I hope the government will implement strong policies to reform the industry,” Kailas said.
Producer David Kachappilly, who has been a significant presence in the Malayalam film industry for over 40 years, spoke to South First.
“My recent film, Pappan, was led by Suresh Gopi and directed by Joshiy. He is very strict, and both of us do not tolerate such issues. In my film sets, the use of synthetic drugs has not been observed. In the earlier days, such things were not present, but now they have become quite common among the youngsters,” he said.
“We have active internal complaint cells in the sets. Anyone with a complaint can reach out to us. While the discussion around the Hema Committee report has focused largely on sexual assaults, it is equally important to address the issue of drug use,” he asserted.
Former Excise Commissioner Rishiraj Singh, IPS, felt that the local police must be more vigilant to limit such issues. “Intelligence, police, and excise departments must collaborate closely. DIGs, DGPs, and other senior officials should be held accountable for this,” he told South First.
Deputy Excise Commissioner in Thrissur Shanavas S said the department was closely monitoring film sets to check for any drug use. “Discussions are underway to enhance our surveillance of film sets based on the Hema Committee report. An official announcement is expected soon,” he said.
The Assistant Excise Commissioner (Ernakulam), Jimmy Joseph, told South First that no definitive report on drug use on film sets was received so far.
“In every case, we extend our investigation to the film industry to determine if there is any connection. However, we have not yet received a definitive report. Last year, there were allegations from the film industry itself. Currently, in Ernakulam, no such cases have been reported. However, we will take action based on the Hema Committee’s findings regarding drug use as soon as we receive an official announcement,” he said.
According to highly placed sources within the police department, those individuals suspected to be using drugs were being closely monitored.
(Edited by Majnu Babu).
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