Latest news with #InternationalDayAgainstDrugAbuseandIllicitTrafficking
Indian Express
2 hours 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.
The Hindu
3 hours ago
- The Hindu
Block panchayats to form ‘de-addiction anonymous' groups to fight drug menace
In an attempt that appears to be aimed at addressing the increasing cases of drug addiction even in the rural areas of Kerala, the Local Self-Government department has now directed block panchayats to form 'de-addiction anonymous' groups following the model of alcoholics anonymous groups. The formation of such groups is part of several measures being taken as part of the State government's ongoing anti-drug campaign. The Alcoholics Anonymous groups bring together alcoholics to share their issues and help each other achieve total abstinence from alcohol through a 12-step programme. Though there have been criticisms of its effectiveness, a considerable number of people are known to have achieved sobriety through the process. The government has directed block panchayats to form a sufficient number of 'de-addiction anonymous' groups by the end of December this year. Training programmes are also proposed for residents' association representatives to involve them in anti-drug campaigns. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will on June 2, on the occasion of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, will inaugurate the government's anti-drug campaign for the year. The government has chalked out short, mid and longer-term plans to fight the drug menace. As part of this, panchayats have been asked to activate its 'Jagratha committees' to organise focussed anti-drug programmes for each area. The local bodies have also been asked to keep an eye on the attendance levels of students in the schools in their respective areas, considering the prolonged absenteeism associated with drug use in students. By October 31, all local bodies have to form community vigilance groups to monitor drug trade within their region and report to the authorities. Clandestine sale of drugs through shops near schools and colleges also will be monitored as part of this. Members of the Kudumbashree, Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) Mission and Kerala Institute of Local Administration (KILA) will be part of the activities.
Time of India
5 hours 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
6 hours 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.
Daily Tribune
13 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Tribune
Fight against drug
TDT | Manama Coinciding with the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the Community Affairs of the Public Security Presidency organised a visit to the Drug Recovery Association, as part of its ongoing efforts to raise community awareness of the scourge of drugs.
