The Malayalam film industry has found itself at the center of controversy this week, with two of its popular actors making headlines — one after the other — in connection with troubling drug-related incidents. First came the news of actor Shine Tom Chacko allegedly attempting to flee from a Kochi hotel during an anti-narcotics raid conducted by the city police on Wednesday night. Following his reported escape, the Kochi police confirmed that Shine will soon receive an official notice summoning him for questioning over his actions that night.
However, the conversation around substance abuse in the Malayalam entertainment circle didn’t end there. In a separate but equally concerning development, film producer Haseeb Malabar has now publicly claimed that another prominent actor, Sreenath Bhasi, had once demanded cannabis from his team in the middle of a film shoot. Haseeb, who is producing the actor’s upcoming film Namukku Kodathiyil Kaanam, recounted the incident during an interview with Malayalam media outlet Mathrubhumi.
Haseeb detailed the episode, recalling that it happened late at night during the production schedule of the film. “It was around 2:45 or 3 in the morning when I received a call, not from Sreenath directly but from a crew member I had assigned to assist him. The boy told me that Bhasi had asked for ‘stuff’ to smoke and was insisting it be arranged somehow,” Haseeb explained. He added that the entire situation placed him in a tough spot, especially since the shooting location was in Kozhikode, while he himself was at that time in Thodupuzha — more than 200 kilometers away.
The producer went on to state that this wasn’t just a casual request. According to him, the actor’s mood and willingness to show up on set the following morning were directly tied to whether or not he could access the substance. “It became a pattern, and unless he had what he wanted, he wouldn’t turn up to the set or perform with the same energy and focus. It was a big challenge for us as a production team,” Haseeb shared.
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time Sreenath Bhasi’s name has surfaced in connection with drug-related chatter. Just days before Haseeb’s statement made headlines, Sreenath had responded to earlier allegations linking him to a drug case involving hybrid cannabis, a case in which Shine Tom Chacko was also reportedly named. At the time, Sreenath neither confirmed nor denied any association but chose to address the rumors with a short, measured statement. As for the latest claims made by the producer, the actor has so far maintained his silence and has not issued any clarification or rebuttal.
Sreenath Bhasi, who began his career in the entertainment industry as a radio jockey before transitioning to acting, has built a strong reputation as both an actor and singer over the years. He made his acting debut in the 2011 film Pranayam, and since then has delivered memorable performances in acclaimed Malayalam films like Kumbalangi Nights, Kappela, and Trance. Just last year, he appeared in the sleeper hit Manjummel Boys, further cementing his standing in the industry.
As the controversy unfolds, fans and industry insiders alike are awaiting further clarification on both Shine Tom Chacko’s and Sreenath Bhasi’s involvement in the ongoing drug-related discussions. Meanwhile, the shadow of substance abuse allegations continues to cast a cloud over the Malayalam film industry, prompting calls for a wider conversation about addiction, professionalism, and accountability in showbiz.
