Kochi April 27, 2025
In a stunning turn of events that has shaken the Malayalam cinema world. Top directors Khalid Rahman and Ashraf Hamza were arrested in the early hours of Sunday, April 27. The raid carried out by the Excise Department in Kochi. A tip-off resulted the seizing of 1.6 grams of hybrid ganja. They were raided from a flat in the vicinity of the Gosree Bridge.
The apartment, owned by cinematographer Sameer Thahir, as per reports, was under watch as a possible drug den. Simultaneously, Shalif Mohammed, who was also a close colleague of the directors, was apprehended. The three were granted station bail after they were taken into custody.
Renowned names in Mollywood
Khalid Rahman, who directed films such as Thallumaala and Alappuzha Gymkhana recently. Whereas Ashraf Hamza, whose Thamaasha and Bheemante Vazhi are familiar names in most homes. The two have been the biggest stars of recent Malayalam cinema. Their arrest has left the industry agog over substance abuse.
The incident follows a line of drug-related controversies within the Malayalam movie industry fraternity. Recently, Shine Tom Chacko was detained on grounds of drug dependence and let go on station bail the same day.
In response to the incident, the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) stated that it has suspended the two directors. FEFKA President Sibi Malayil said, “Considering the growing trend of drug addiction in the industry, we have taken serious action. The directors will be suspended in connection with the case.” At the same time, he also stated that a seven-member team has been present on sets since March to monitor and identify drug use.
The Excise Department has also been heightening the attempt to stem black-market drug trades as a tell-tale symptom of greater scrutiny toward movie stars for involvement with hard drugs.
Are more names to come under the spotlight
While investigations are on, film fraternity and viewers await announcement. Along with this case, rumors about many others are in the air already.
