April 19, 2025: Malayalam actor Shine Tom Chacko has been released on bail after being taken into custody on Saturday by Kochi City North Police in connection with an alleged drug use case. The actor was taken to General Hospital, Kochi for a mandatory medical examination following his arrest.
The incident that triggered the legal action occurred during a police raid at a hotel in Kochi, where Shine allegedly attempted to flee from the premises. He later appeared at the Ernakulam North Police Station, accompanied by his lawyers, to respond to a police notice seeking an explanation for his suspicious behavior during the raid.
The case has gained significant traction, not just due to the drug allegations but also because it is linked to a sexual misconduct complaint filed against Shine by fellow Malayalam actress Vincy Aloshious. Vincy, known for her roles in Rekha, Vikruthi, and Jana Gana Mana, has formally submitted complaints to both the Kerala Film Chamber of Commerce and the film industry’s internal complaints committee.
In a detailed Instagram video, Vincy shared her personal account of Shine’s alleged inappropriate behavior and substance abuse during the filming of Suthravakyam. She revealed that Shine, the lead actor in the project, made her and a fellow colleague uncomfortable with his conduct on set.
“He offered to accompany me to fix a wardrobe malfunction — in front of the entire crew — which I found completely inappropriate,” Vincy stated in the video.
She also alleged that Shine was visibly under the influence of drugs and recounted an incident where he appeared to be spitting white powder onto a table during rehearsals.
“It was very evident that he was using drugs on set,” she said, adding that the production team was aware of his behavior but allowed filming to continue due to his pivotal role in the project.
The controversy has sparked a larger political and social conversation in Kerala. BJP leader Nivedita Subramanian criticized the Kerala government for its continued silence on abuse cases in the film industry, especially those involving women and minors.
“There have been many issues, such as the casting couch, but the ruling party is silent and blind to the atrocities happening to women,” Subramanian told ANI.
“We’ve raised these concerns multiple times, but the government is doing nothing and is instead facilitating such mafias in the film industry.”
As the Kerala Film Chamber of Commerce now reviews Vincy’s complaint, the industry faces mounting pressure to address longstanding concerns around drug abuse, misconduct on set, and the safety of women in the workplace.
The allegations against Shine Tom Chacko, a well-known face in Malayalam cinema, have once again thrown a spotlight on the darker corners of the entertainment world in Kerala — where substance abuse and inappropriate behavior often go unchecked behind the glitz and glamour.
With investigations ongoing, all eyes are now on how both the film industry and the state government respond to the growing demand for accountability and reform.