Malayalam film directors Khalid Rahman and Ashraf Hamza suspended amid drug scandal

Dubai: In a significant development that has sent shockwaves through the Malayalam film industry, directors Khalid Rahman and Ashraf Hamza have been suspended by the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) after being caught with hybrid drugs.

The two directors have also been expelled from the Directors' Union. FEFKA president Sibi Malayil has made it clear that strict action will be taken against anyone involved in drug abuse within the industry.

As reported by Manorama News, Sibi Malayil confirmed the suspensions, stating that the action was a direct response to concerns over the growing issue of drug use in the Malayalam film industry.

"With the rise in drug abuse inside the industry, we have decided to take strict action," Malayil said. He further explained that FEFKA had formed a seven-member committee earlier this year to monitor film sets and combat drug use. "In the past, a makeup artist was suspended for drug use, and now, the Directors' Union has been instructed to take action against the two directors involved," Malayil told Manorama News.

The arrests took place early Sunday morning after the excise team raided a flat in Kochi, which was registered in the name of cinematographer Sameer Thahir.

The flat had been used for scriptwriting and film discussions. The excise department, which had received information about frequent drug use at the flat, seized 1.5 grams of hybrid ganja during the raid.

This was not the first time the flat had been searched. Authorities now plan to summon Sameer Thahir for questioning, and the investigation is ongoing.

FEFKA general secretary B Unnikrishnan strongly condemned the incident, emphasizing that such actions would not be tolerated.

"Strict measures will be taken against anyone found using drugs on set," he was quoted as saying to Mathrubhumi News.

Film Chamber general secretary Saji Nanthiyattu expressed his shock over the directors' involvement in the case and suggested that raids be extended to film sets, as technicians are often among the primary users of drugs.

Meanwhile, the Excise Enforcement and Anti-Narcotic Special Squad has launched an investigation to track the supplier of the drugs .

The investigation has revealed that a young man, believed to be an intermediary, supplied the drugs to Shalif Muhammad, who was also arrested in connection with the incident.

The excise team is working with the cyber-cell to identify the source of the drugs. Officials suspect that a gang may be operating to supply hybrid ganja to selected individuals within the film industry, given the high cost of the drugs.

Khalid Rahman, Ashraf Hamza, and Shalif Muhammad were granted station bail after their blood samples were collected.

Deputy Excise Commissioner confirmed that they will be questioned again to determine whether they are regular users and where they sourced the drugs from. "We are awaiting the results of their samples," the police added.

Khalid Rahman is a well-known director in the Malayalam film industry, celebrated for his work in films such as Anuraga Karikkin Vellam, Unda, Thallumaala, and the recently released Alappuzha Gymkhana. His films often explore contemporary themes with a fresh narrative style, earning him recognition as one of the new-age storytellers in Malayalam cinema.

Ashraf Hamza is another prominent director, known for his critically acclaimed films Thamaasha and Bheemante Vazhi. Like Rahman, Hamza is regarded as one of the modern filmmakers who is redefining Malayalam cinema with innovative storytelling and unique character portrayals. Both directors are part of a wave of filmmakers bringing new perspectives and fresh narratives to the industry.

Arrest of Prominent Directors: Malayalam film directors Khalid Rahman (known for Thallumaala, Alappuzha Gymkhana) and Ashraf Hamza (known for Thamaasha, Bheemante Vazhi) were arrested for possession of hybrid drugs.

Here's the key highlights of the Malayalam film directors' arrest for drug possession: