Malayalam actor Shine Tom Chacko has openly admitted to substance abuse amid an ongoing police investigation into his alleged links with narcotics networks. The Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) has confirmed the actor’s confession and stated that while Shine has asked for another chance, the organization finds it challenging to support individuals involved in such disruptive behavior.
Speaking at a press conference in Kochi, FEFKA General Secretary B Unnikrishnan revealed that Shine has been advised to seek treatment at a deaddiction centre. He stressed that individuals facing such struggles should be viewed not as criminals but as people in need of support. He reiterated that FEFKA does not condone Shine’s actions but believes in rehabilitation over condemnation.
The controversy gained attention following a complaint by actor Vincy Aloshious from the sets of the film Soothravakyam. FEFKA is currently awaiting the findings of the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) regarding that incident. Meanwhile, the Producers Association has also expressed willingness to take action based on the ICC’s report.
Unnikrishnan emphasized FEFKA’s broader commitment to a drug-free film industry. He announced that deaddiction awareness camps will be conducted at all shooting locations and urged the authorities to conduct regular inspections to prevent the storage and use of narcotic substances in film caravans. Strict guidelines have already been issued in this regard.
The organisation has taken up the matter with Minister M.B. Rajesh and ADGP Manoj Abraham to ensure coordinated enforcement. Unnikrishnan also hinted that more individuals within the industry, including FEFKA members, may be implicated in drug use, but assured that the federation would respond swiftly and firmly to any such cases, without leniency.
While Shine has pleaded for a second chance, FEFKA has communicated to the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists that unless the actor undergoes necessary rehabilitation and behavioral correction, further support from the federation will not be feasible.
