May 9, 2025: Malayalam actor Vinayakan, who gained widespread recognition for his role in Rajinikanth’s Jailer, was arrested on May 8 in Anchalummoodu, Kerala, after allegedly causing a disturbance at a hotel while under the influence of alcohol. The incident occurred during his checkout from the hotel, where he had been staying since May 2 for a film shoot. A video of the altercation has since gone viral on social media.
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According to reports, Vinayakan became agitated when hotel authorities requested that he complete his check-out formalities. The actor reportedly screamed at the staff, prompting the hotel management to contact the local police. Authorities arrived at the scene and took Vinayakan into custody. A case was filed against him under section 118(a) of the Kerala Police Act, which pertains to being found in a public place in an intoxicated state. Vinayakan was later released on bail.
This is not the first time the actor has found himself in controversy. Last year, in September, Vinayakan was involved in a scuffle with CISF personnel at an airport while flying from Kochi to Goa, reportedly under the influence of alcohol. In January 2025, he was again at the center of a public outburst when a video surfaced online showing him verbally abusing a neighbor. The viral footage showed Vinayakan angrily yelling from his balcony, removing his mundu (dhoti), and exposing himself in an indecent manner. Despite falling to the ground during the incident, he continued to shout obscenities.
The video sparked widespread criticism, and the actor later issued an apology for his behavior. In a Facebook post, Vinayakan expressed regret, stating in Malayalam: “As a film actor and as a person, I cannot handle many issues. I apologise to the public for all the negative energy that has come from my side. Let the discussions continue.”
On the work front, Vinayakan will be seen next in Karinthandan and Dhruva Natchathiram. The actor, known for his impactful performances in both Malayalam and Tamil films, was recently seen in the successful Malayalam film Marco and had a significant role in Rajinikanth’s Jailer as Varman.