KOCHI: Recent allegations of drug abuse and misconduct on film shooting locations, highlighted by actor Vincy Aloshious’s complaint against her co-star Shine Tom Chacko and a separate narcotic case involving him, have reignited discussions on these issues.
The Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), the internal complaints committee and the monitoring committee of the film chamber on Monday will hold meetings to discuss and investigate Vincy’s complaint.
“We have been requesting the state government, police and excise to deploy shadow police at shooting locations to prevent drug abuse. Multiple pleas in this regard have fallen on deaf ears. The film bodies, meanwhile, have limitations,” said Saji Nathyatt, the general secretary of the Kerala Film Chamber.
Saji added that such issues affect not only the particular movie but also the entire industry.
“Involvement of artists and crew members in such cases leads to indiscipline on shooting sets, delayed production and post-production works, and an increase in overall expense. It affects the work environment of the set as well. Hence, for smooth functioning, we need to refrain from such activities,” he emphasised, urging people in the industry to come forward and file complaints to ensure better monitoring and action.
G P Ramachandran, a film critic based in Kerala, pointed out that artists have greater influence on the public, and such incidents set negative examples.
“No one is 100% perfect. However, actors should be more cautious, disciplined and socially responsible, as a large number of people, especially youngsters, look up to them,” he said.
However, he said that while these developments create a negative impression about the industry, with better content, quality films and performances, the goodwill can be maintained, as cinema is primarily considered an artistic product.