April 17, 2025: Malayalam actress Vincy Aloshious has officially named actor Shine Tom Chacko in complaints to the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) of the film and the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA). The complaints come two days after the actress publicly accused her co-star of misbehaving on set while allegedly under the influence of drugs.
The incident reportedly took place during the shooting of the highly anticipated 2025 film Soothravakyam, a project that has now been thrust into the center of controversy and scrutiny.
In a video that has since gone viral, Aloshious detailed a shocking sequence of events during the filming of a scene. She accused Shine Tom Chacko of approaching her under the guise of helping with the scene, only to engage in inappropriate behavior. “He came to me claiming he wanted to help me with my lines, but it quickly became clear that he was up to something else,” Aloshious revealed in the post. “Then, I saw him spitting white powder on the table. It was so obvious he was using drugs right there on set. Despite informing the producers, nothing was done because of his lead role in the film.”
Film Set Nightmare: Shine Tom Chacko’s Drug Use and Harassment Exposed in Explosive Complaint
Though Aloshious did not initially name her accuser, speculation quickly pointed to Shine Tom Chacko, who had recently worked alongside her in the film. Chacko’s involvement in a previous drug-related case—where he was arrested in 2015 for cocaine possession—further fueled the rumors. However, he was acquitted earlier this year due to a “major lapse” in the investigation, as noted by Excise Minister M.B. Rajesh.
In an even more alarming twist, CCTV footage from a Kochi hotel emerged showing Chacko allegedly fleeing the premises during a raid by the city’s anti-narcotics squad on Wednesday night. The footage has only added to the growing suspicion surrounding the actor’s involvement in drug use.
The allegations are raising eyebrows at a time when the state government is intensifying its crackdown on the drug menace, with public officials speaking out against the rising tide of narcotic abuse within the film industry. Minister Rajesh confirmed that the government is taking the allegations seriously, and further investigations are underway.
The issue of rampant drug use on film sets has been a topic of discussion for some time. The Hema Committee report, which addresses several issues plaguing the Malayalam film industry, pointed to the growing concern over drug abuse affecting film productions. These allegations have only amplified calls for accountability and transparency.
Women in Cinema Collective (WCC), a prominent group advocating for women’s rights in the industry, expressed full support for Aloshious, applauding her bravery in speaking out. “It is crucial for every set to have an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) in place, and we commend Vincy for raising her voice. No woman should have to tolerate such behavior,” the WCC stated in a press release.
Aloshious’ complaint to AMMA and the ICC could set a precedent for how such cases are handled in the future, urging for more rigorous safeguards on set. This case is a stark reminder of the challenges many women in the industry continue to face, even as new laws and protocols are being established to ensure a safer working environment.