Click here to follow Screen Digital on YouTube and stay updated with the latest from the world of cinema.
© IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd
Tags:
Even though it has been two weeks since the Kerala Film Producers’ Association (KFPA) declared that they would no longer cooperate with actors Shane Nigam and Sreenath Bhasi, due to complaints made by multiple producers to the film industry, and the subsequent allegations of widespread drug use among young people in the industry, most of the prominent figures in the field are yet to offer their opinions on the matter. However, the few who have commented to the media in recent days have provided conflicting statements, causing uncertainty about the actual situation within the industry. The police has said that in the light of claims, police presence would now be there at all film shooting locations in the port city.
Actor and executive committee member of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), Baburaj, was the first to make significant revelations about the ongoing controversy. Speaking to Movie World Media, Baburaj said that AMMA and the police have the complete list of drug users in the industry. “Drug use is on the rise. Intoxication is now everywhere, not just in the film industry. Film organisations and police have a complete list of actors who use drugs. Those who are caught dealing drugs tell the police exactly who they are taking it for. AMMA has the list in our office. Once, a person who was caught like this gave a statement and an excise officer chased the car of a big actor. If that car had been stopped and checked then, the Malayalam film industry would no longer exist. These are the bare truths,” he added.
Meanwhile, dismissing Baburaj’s claim that AMMA has the complete list of drug users in the industry, association general secretary Idavela Babu, according to Manorama Online, Monday said: “I don’t have any list. The producers have not submitted a written complaint to us yet. Hence, AMMA has not discussed the matter either. But it is an open secret as to who all use drugs in the film industry.
“We will cooperate with any action taken by the government. AMMA’s bylaws include that no intoxicants should be used while working or at work, and no misbehaviour in public places. There will be a strict screening of drug use when considering a new membership application,” he added.
A few days back, actor Tiny Tom, also an executive member of AMMA, too made scathing remarks against certain actors who were allegedly using drugs. Speaking during the inauguration ceremony of the Kerala University Youth Festival in Alappuzha, Tom said that his wife and he didn’t want their son to act in Malayalam cinema because of the risks of substance abuse in the industry. ”
Tom further alleged that a colleague he recently worked with was a drug addict and suffered from tooth decay due to substance abuse. “But many say he is acting well… However, it’s like a lightbulb. You use electricity to light up but once the filament is gone, the light goes out,” he added.
“My son recently got a chance to act as the child of a major actor, but my wife refused to allow it, fearing the use of drugs. The ages around 17-18 is the most vulnerable period. He is my only child. All you have to do is get addicted to art instead of drugs. I have undergone all such situations… I am saying (this) because I understand the consequences…” he stated.
Reacting to Tom’s statements, actor-director Dhyan Sreenivasan said that no one force-feeds drugs to others and that if Tiny Tom’s son knows it is wrong to use it, he won’t. “If one wants to perish, they will. If the son (Tiny’s) has a sense, he wouldn’t use it. He would know it’s a bad thing to use. No one will come and put all these things in our mouths. If he is conscious and informed, he will not use it.”
At the same time, renowned screenwriter SN Swamy wondered what the logic behind people claiming that all young actors were drug addicts. “One or two people might be there. However, I am not sure about even that,” Swami told Media One. “I have written many films. In those films or in the one I am directing now, there has been no issue of substance abuse. I can’t comment authoritatively on something with which I haven’t had direct experience,” he added.
“Since the black and white days of cinema, there have been many problems. I know the stories of many people. Were they all on drugs? How can we be sure that drugs are the cause of certain behaviours of such actors? It’s easier said than done. Each case must be examined on its own merits,” the veteran writer said adding that just as much as producers have the right to narrate their experience, the accused also have the right to speak their side.
Young actor Lukman Avaran, meanwhile, slammed film organisations’ move to deny jobs to accused actors. Lukman said that he had not seen the alleged behaviour from Sreenath Bhasi, with whom he had worked on many sets. Lukman added that banning Bhasi from the profession for whatever reason was unacceptable.
Meanwhile, in the wake of disclosures by many in the Malayalam film industry about drug use by some actors, Kochi city police commissioner K Sethu Raman on Sunday said police presence would now be there at all film shooting locations in the port city. The top officer said that shadow police would be present at all shooting locations and raids would be carried out if information is received about the use or sale of drugs.
“Action will be taken against those violating the law,” he said and welcomed people speaking out against the use of drugs.
Click here to follow Screen Digital on YouTube and stay updated with the latest from the world of cinema.
