Kochi: Days after actress Vincy Aloshious shared a video on Instagram revealing disturbing experiences from a film set involving drug use and inappropriate behaviour, she has now filed a formal complaint with the film organization AMMA, naming actor Shine Tom Chacko. The Excise Department is expected to seek an explanation from Vincy regarding her allegations, especially since Shine Tom Chacko’s name had earlier surfaced in connection with a hybrid drug case in Alappuzha. Although Shine had denied those allegations, the new complaint has once again brought him under the spotlight.
In her Instagram video, Vincy spoke out about how an actor, allegedly under the influence of drugs, misbehaved with her during the shoot of a film titled 'Soothravakyam'. Without naming anyone at first, she described how the actor attempted to touch her costume under the pretext of helping and how she witnessed him spitting out a white powder, which she believed to be drugs, while practicing scenes. “While on location, when there was a minor problem with the shoulder of my costume, the actor came up to me and said it out loud, ‘Let me see, I’ll fix it for you.’ On another occasion, while practicing a scene, I saw him spitting out a white powder. It was clear to me that he was using drugs and that he was using them on set,” she stated.
The video quickly went viral, sparking serious discussions in the film industry. Following the public outcry, major organizations, including AMMA, FEFKA, and the Film Chamber, urged her to file a formal complaint. The Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) also extended their support, demanding that the production team be questioned on whether there was an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) on set, as required. Responding to these calls, Vincy submitted an official complaint to both AMMA and the Film Chamber, this time naming Shine Tom Chacko. She alleged that the actor misbehaved with her on set while using drugs and created an unsafe working environment.
In a related development, AMMA discussed the allegations raised by Vincy Aloshious on April 16, 2025, regarding on-set misconduct involving another actor allegedly under the influence of drugs. AMMA's ad hoc committee took up the matter and issued a statement that it would take appropriate disciplinary action if it receives a formal complaint naming the person and if the said actor is a member of the organization. Earlier, Aloshious had stated that she would no longer work in films alongside such problematic individuals, revealing that her decision stemmed from a distressing experience at a film set where a co-actor misbehaved with her.
“I will not work with anyone in a film if I know they are using drugs,” Vincy stated during the opening of the 67th operational year of the KCYM Ernakulam-Angamaly Major Archdiocese at Pallippuram Church. Following online murmurs regarding her statement, Vincy took to Instagram to clarify her stance. She recounted a disconcerting experience during a film shoot involving a male lead, who she alleged had a history of drug use. She described how his behaviour, which she found erratic and inappropriate, made it increasingly difficult for her to continue working on the set. One such incident occurred when, during a minor costume adjustment, the actor publicly offered to "fix it" for her in front of the entire crew, making her uncomfortable.
On another occasion, she claimed to have witnessed him using a white powdery substance during a rehearsal. Vincy emphasized that her criticism was not aimed at individuals' private decisions, but rather at how such behaviour disrupts a professional environment. "It's one thing to use drugs privately, but doing so on set and causing disruption is unacceptable," she stated. She also revealed that she completed her work on the project only after repeated apologies from the team, including the director, who requested her to stay. "There were just a few days left of shooting, and I pushed through to finish," she shared.
In response to claims that her comments were attention-seeking or the result of a lack of opportunities, Vincy openly acknowledged that she currently does not have a surplus of film offers. "I’m honest about waiting for good roles," she said, emphasizing that her statement was not motivated by professional insecurity. She further rejected the idea that only superstars have the right to make principled statements, insisting that everyone in the industry deserves respect. Reaffirming her values, Vincy stated that she has deliberately chosen to stay away from substances like alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs. "Acting is a part of my life, but it doesn't define my entire existence," she concluded.
Additionally, the Kerala Film Chamber has come out in support of actor Vincy, stating they will initiate steps to expel the actor accused of misbehaving with her during the film shoot. Film Chamber general secretary Saji Nanthyattu confirmed that they would take strict action against the actor due to his drug abuse history, although he refused to name him. The general secretary also revealed that the actor was not a member of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists. Vincy, who has played several prominent roles in Malayalam cinema, had recently stated that she would not act with artists who use drugs in the film industry.
Many in the industry have come out in support of Vincy. In the last 24 hours, dubbing artist Bhagyalakshmi and actor Shruthi Rajanikanth applauded her for confidently stating that she could live without cinema, though she is passionate about it. As this situation unfolds, the film industry is left grappling with the implications of these allegations, and the need for a safer working environment for all artists is more critical than ever.
