Malayalam actor Shine Tom Chacko has made headlines for all the wrong reasons again, this time reportedly fleeing a hotel in North Ernakulam, Kochi, during a police drug raid on April 16, 2025. CCTV footage allegedly shows the actor bolting down the stairs as officers from the District Anti-Narcotics Special Action Force (DANSAF) conducted the surprise inspection.
The raid targeted a popular hotel where Shine was staying, based on a tip-off about a drug peddler's presence. According to reports, he and two associates escaped from a third-floor room just as the inspection began. Despite the dramatic escape, no illegal substances were recovered from the premises. Speculation has arisen that Shine may have received prior warning about the raid.
This incident comes on the heels of serious allegations made by actress Vincy Aloshious, who has formally accused Shine of inappropriate behavior while allegedly under the influence of drugs on the set of their film, Soothravakyam. In a video message, Vincy described how Shine misbehaved, claiming he attempted to adjust her costume without consent and that a white substance spilled from his mouth during a rehearsal. "It was very evident that he was using drugs on the film set," she stated, expressing the trauma caused by the incident.
Vincy initially raised her concerns in a video, stating, "When I had a problem with my dress, I went to correct it. He said, 'I will also come and correct it for you.' He said this in front of everyone. It was very difficult to go ahead with the shoot." Following this, she filed complaints with the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) of the film and the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), naming Shine Tom Chacko.
The timing of these allegations is significant, as they emerge just two months after Shine was acquitted in a 2015 drug case involving cocaine possession during a rave party in Kochi. The Ernakulam Additional Sessions Court found serious procedural lapses on the part of the police in handling the case, leading to his acquittal.
The Kerala Excise Minister M.B. Rajesh has stated that all complaints and revelations related to drugs will be taken seriously, emphasizing the government's commitment to investigating the matter thoroughly. He remarked, "The government has taken a serious view of the allegations and further investigation will be done in the matter." This commitment comes amid heightened scrutiny of drug use within the Malayalam film industry, which has faced criticism for rampant drug abuse on sets.
Vincy's allegations have sparked a wider conversation about the culture within the film industry, particularly regarding the treatment of women and the prevalence of drug use. The Hema Committee report, released in August 2024, highlighted various issues faced by women in the Malayalam film industry, including sexual harassment, lack of basic facilities, gender bias, and the absence of a legally constituted authority to address their problems. The report was prepared by a three-member committee, headed by retired High Court judge Justice K. Hema, formed in response to the sexual assault of a prominent actor in 2017.
In light of Vincy’s allegations, the AMMA is considering expelling Shine Tom Chacko. The chamber monitoring committee is set to hold an emergency meeting on April 21, 2025, to discuss her complaint. Several actors, including Padmapriya and Vinu Mohan, have publicly supported Vincy, with Mohan stating, "Can people working in an institution use drugs and go?" Director Anjali Menon echoed these sentiments, calling for stricter regulations on film sets to prevent drug use.
Amidst the unfolding drama, the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) has praised Vincy for her courage in speaking out against Shine’s alleged misbehavior. They emphasized the importance of having an ICC in place on every film set to ensure a safe working environment for women. The WCC stated, "One thing that all women working in the film industry in Kerala should understand is that the Kerala High Court verdict has ensured that there must be an ICC on every film set."
Shine Tom Chacko's career has been marked by both significant achievements and controversies. He began his journey in the film industry as an assistant director to Kamal for nearly a decade before making his acting debut in the 2011 film Gaddama. He gained prominence with his lead role in the 2014 fantasy-comedy Ithihasa, and his performances in films such as Ee Adutha Kaalathu, Annayum Rasoolum, Godha, Parava, Mayanadhi, Ishq, and Maniyarayile Ashokan have been well-received by audiences. In 2019, he won the SIIMA Award for Best Actor in a Negative Role (Malayalam) for his performance in Ishq.
However, his off-screen controversies, particularly related to drug use, have overshadowed his acting career. In 2015, he was arrested for allegedly possessing narcotics, but was acquitted earlier this year due to procedural lapses. Now, with these new allegations and the ongoing investigation, it remains to be seen how this will impact his career moving forward.
This unfolding story highlights the pressing issues of drug use and misconduct within the Malayalam film industry, and raises important questions about accountability and the treatment of women in a field that has faced criticism for its culture. As the investigation continues, many are watching closely to see what actions will be taken to address these serious allegations.
