Kerala Film Producers’ Association to enforce drug ban on film sets with mandatory affidavit

The Kerala Film Producers’ Association has taken a significant step to eliminate the use of drugs in the Malayalam film industry. As reported by Manorama Online, the association will now implement a mandatory ‘no drugs’ affidavit which all members of the cast and crew will sign along with their remuneration contract.

In the case of violation of the agreement, individuals who still indulge in drug use will be asked to cover any losses that the producer has incurred due to their actions.

The producers’ association, headed by Anto Joseph, will implement this new rule from June 26—International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

The association aims to ban the use of drugs not only on the film sets but also in the accommodation provided to them. The Kerala Film Producers’ Association has also submitted a proposal to the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) and the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), along with a sample of the affidavit.

While FEFKA has responded positively to the matter, AMMA has yet to respond. The association has requested a response from the latter by June 24.

The move comes after the Malayalam film industry faced rampant controversies owing to the use of drugs in filming locations. Recently, actress Vincy Aloshious called out her Soothravakyam co-star Shine Tom Chacko for allegedly being under the influence during a scene rehearsal on a working set.

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The film body unions have previously taken steps against actors and crew who use drugs. In 2023, FEFKA and the Kerala Film Producers’ Association banned Kumbalangi Night stars Shane Nigam and Sreenath Bhasi for being under the influence of illegal substances on set. Their ban was later lifted after the pair apologised.