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Time of India
17 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Kerala film producers to enforce ‘No Drugs' affidavit for actors and crew; starting June 26
(Picture Courtesy: Facebook) The Kerala Film Producers' Association has reportedly announced a new policy mandating all actors, technicians, and crew members to submit a 'no drugs' affidavit along with their remuneration contract. This decision is part of a broader effort to promote clean and professional filming environments, and is scheduled for implementation on June 26, coinciding with the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. Mandatory for all crew and cast Reported by On Manorama, as per the new guideline, the affidavit will serve as a formal declaration that the individual will not consume or possess drugs during the film's production, both on set and at their accommodations. Any violation of this clause may make the individual liable for financial losses incurred by the producer. This will reinforce accountability across all departments of a film shoot. The Producers' Association aims to make this a universal requirement for all workers involved in filmmaking, including junior artists and supporting staff. A sample affidavit has already been shared with other major industry bodies, including FEFKA (Film Employees Federation of Kerala) and AMMA (Association of Malayalam Movie Artists). by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like North Carolina: These Walk In Tubs Are Cheap (See Prices) Walk In Tub Discounts Learn More Undo Industry response underway According to sources, FEFKA has responded positively to the initiative. AMMA, meanwhile, is expected to discuss the proposal during its upcoming general body meeting, with a response requested by June 24. The Producers' Association hopes to receive support from all stakeholders to ensure industry-wide adoption of this measure. Kannappa - Official Kannada Trailer The decision was formally made during the association's meeting held on June 4, following growing concerns about drug use in the film industry and its potential impact on productivity, discipline, and public perception. A step toward safer sets This move by the Kerala Film Producers' Association marks a significant step toward cleaning up shooting environments and setting a precedent for ethical conduct in the Malayalam film industry. Earlier, the FEFKA general secretary, B Unnikrishnan said in a press meet, "If drug use is noticed, the excise department will be informed. This is a crucial time for monitoring illegal activities on film sets. The threat of drugs exists in all sectors. The goal is self-purification."
Indian Express
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Producers set to weed out drug abuse in Malayalam film industry; violators must compensate for losses: report
Following multiple allegations, complaints and reports pointing to rampant drug abuse in the industry, Malayalam film producers have decided to take the first concrete step against it. Under the proposed plan, anyone associated with a film's production will have to pay the price, quite literally, if they are found indulging in such practices. According to a report, the Kerala Film Producers' Association (KFPA) is mulling making all artistes and technicians sign a 'no drugs' affidavit alongside their remuneration contracts. Interestingly, the affidavit goes beyond being a mere self-declaration. According to OnManorama, those who violate the terms will be held accountable and required to compensate the producer for any losses incurred due to their behaviour, as it poses a breach of contract. The rules will apply not only at shooting locations but also at accommodation facilities provided by the production team. Given that film productions involve numerous persons offering various services, the KFPA has reached out to the actors' federation, the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA), as well as the directors' and technicians' union, the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA), sharing a sample of the proposed affidavit. Reportedly, FEFKA has responded positively, while AMMA is set to discuss the matter at its general body meeting scheduled for June 22 (Sunday) before making a final decision. The KFPA has requested AMMA to communicate its stance by June 24 and aims to implement the guideline on June 26, coinciding with the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. It may be mentioned here that a controversy had erupted recently after State Award-winning actor Vincy Aloshious filed a complaint with AMMA, accusing her Soothravakyam co-star Shine Tom Chacko of harassing her while under the influence of drugs. In the aftermath, producer-actor Sandra Thomas alleged that filmmakers are now allocating a portion of their budgets specifically for drugs. 'Now, a special budget is being allotted exclusively for this. Even separate rooms are allotted for this purpose. It has now reached a stage where both men and women and everyone, irrespective of their status, use it,' she said during an interview last month.
Time of India
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Drug ban in Malayalam movie industry: Kerala producers make new rule compulsory in film contracts, claims report
In a decisive move to curb drug use in the Malayalam film industry , the Kerala Film Producers Association (KFPA) has announced that all cast and crew members will soon be required to sign a mandatory 'no drugs' affidavit along with their remuneration contract, as per a OnManorama report. The implementation of this rule is scheduled for June 26, coinciding with the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. Affidavit to Cover Both Sets and Accommodations According to the report, the affidavit is intended to prevent drug consumption not only on shooting sets but also at accommodations arranged for filming purposes. Anyone signing the agreement will be held accountable if they violate its terms. In such cases, the individual will be expected to compensate the producer for any financial losses incurred due to their actions. The decision comes as part of a broader effort by the KFPA, headed by Anto Joseph, to address the growing concerns about drug abuse within the film industry. According to reports, the new rule will apply to everyone involved in the production process, from actors to technicians and other crew members. Consultation With Industry Bodies To ensure broader industry support, the producers' association has submitted a draft of the affidavit to the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) and the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA). FEFKA has reportedly agreed to the proposal, while AMMA is currently reviewing the plan and is expected to announce its decision following a general body meeting. The producers have requested AMMA to share its response by June 24. Background of Rising Drug-Related Incidents The move follows a series of drug-related controversies that have rocked the Malayalam film industry in recent months. In April, actor Shine Tom Chacko was arrested for alleged drug use, with reports claiming he fled a hotel during a police attempt to detain him. Actress Vincy Aloshious also alleged that he misbehaved with her on set while under the influence. The Association of Malayalam Movie Artists subsequently took disciplinary action against him. Other incidents include the arrests of directors Khalid Rahman and Ashraf Hamza for drug possession, and claims by producer Haseeb Malabar that actor Sreenath Bhasi had asked for cannabis during a film shoot. In May, actress-producer Sandra Thomas alleged that some producers were even allocating funds to procure drugs for actors during production. This isn't the first time the Malayalam film industry has faced backlash over substance abuse. In 2023, FEFKA and KFPA imposed a temporary ban on actors Shane Nigam and Sreenath Bhasi due to drug-related misconduct on sets. The ban was lifted after they offered public apologies. The affidavit initiative marks the most formal and industry-wide attempt to address the issue so far. If successfully implemented, the requirement may set a precedent for other regional film industries to adopt similar preventive measures.
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Malayalam producers to ask actors and crew to sign ‘no drugs' affidavit with remuneration contract during shoots
The Kerala Film Producers Association (KFPA) has decided to require Mollywood cast and crew to sign a 'no drugs' affidavit along with their remuneration contract. An OnManorama report claims that the KFPA is doing this to keep filming locations drug-free. (Also Read: Producer-actor Sandra Thomas claims budgets are being set aside on Mollywood sets for drugs: 'Everyone is aware of it') The KFPA proposes making it mandatory for actors and technicians to sign a 'no drugs' affidavit along with their remuneration contract. The plan is to implement this on 26 June, International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. These affidavits will prevent the signee from taking drugs not just at the filming location but also at their accommodations. The KPFA has written to FEFKA and AMMA to rope them in. FEFKA has already reportedly agreed to co-sign this initiative, while AMMA will discuss it at their general body meeting before taking a stand. They have been asked to share their opinion by 24 June. Should the idea be approved, actors, technicians and everyone involved in filming will be required to sign the affidavit. They will be held accountable for any violation of said agreement and for causing losses to the producer. This comes after Shine Tom Chacko was arrested in April for alleged drug use before being released on bail. Back then, when police tried to catch hold of him at a hotel, he fled. His co-actor Vincy Aloshious also accused him of misbehaviour on set after taking drugs. He was disciplined by AMMA for the incident. In the same month, directors Khalid Rahman and Ashraf Hamza were arrested for possession of drugs. Producer Haseeb Malabar accused Sreenath Bhasi of demanding 'stuff' like cannabis during a film shoot. In May, accusations have also surfaced of producers setting aside budgets to provide drugs to stars during shooting, by Sandra Thomas.
Time of India
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
FEFKA's B Unnikrishnan shares update on Unni Mukundan and Vipin Kumar dispute: ‘It's settled'
(Picture Courtesy: Facebook) The long-standing dispute between actor Unni Mukundan and his former manager Vipin Kumar appears to have been resolved. As reported by Asianet News, FEFKA General Secretary B. Unnikrishnan confirmed that the two parties were brought together for a discussion and that the matter was amicably settled. He stated that the organization had not received any formal complaint against Vipin, and reiterated that no actresses have filed complaints either. 'The matter is outside our scope now…' B. Unnikrishnan further clarified that the union would not intervene in the police complaint filed by Vipin against Unni Mukundan. He also dismissed Unni's previous remarks that Vipin was never his manager and that complaints were pending against him within the organization, stating those claims were inaccurate. 'The matter is outside our scope now, as it is with the police,' he added. Vipin Kumar had earlier alleged in his police complaint that Unni Mukundan physically assaulted him after he posted a social media message praising Tovino Thomas's film Narivetta. According to Vipin, the actor was reportedly frustrated over the lack of film opportunities post-'Marco', and reacted aggressively during a confrontation. 'I did fling his cooling glasses in the heat of the moment' In response, Unni Mukundan publicly refuted all accusations, labeling them as part of an orchestrated smear campaign. He strongly denied any physical assault, stating that the only thing he did during the altercation was throw Vipin's sunglasses. 'There was a verbal disagreement. I did fling his cooling glasses in the heat of the moment, and I won't deny that. But there was no physical violence,' Unni Mukundan said during a press meet. Unni Mukundan drops a throwback audition tape The actor also clarified that he has never made any negative remarks about fellow actor Tovino Thomas, whom he considers a close friend. Expressing disappointment over Vipin's actions, Unni said he was hurt by the betrayal from someone he once considered a friend. Unni Mukundan concluded by alleging that Vipin is not a FEFKA member and that some complaints had emerged against him in other contexts, but were not formally registered with the association. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
