Vincy Aloshious alleges drug use and misconduct by Shine Tom Chacko, will cooperate if police approach

Why has Vincy Aloshious alleged drug use and misconduct by her co-star?

Malayalam film actor Vincy Aloshious has come forward with serious allegations of drug use and on-set misconduct involving co-star Shine Tom Chacko during the filming of the upcoming movie Soothravakyam. In recent interviews with multiple Malayalam news outlets, Aloshious recounted events that took place during the production in November 2024, suggesting that her male colleague may have been under the influence of drugs and behaved inappropriately towards her and another female actor. While she has chosen not to file a formal police complaint at this stage, the actor clarified that she would fully cooperate with law enforcement officials if approached for testimony or as part of any ongoing inquiry.

Aloshious’ account has drawn attention to issues of drug use on film sets and actor safety in the Malayalam film industry, often referred to as Mollywood. Her revelations have triggered public and industry-wide reactions, with prominent guilds and artist associations now compelled to respond.

What happened during the filming of Soothravakyam?

In her televised statement, Aloshious detailed an incident in which Shine Tom Chacko, allegedly under the influence of a substance, made sexually inappropriate remarks and gestured toward adjusting her costume in the presence of the film crew. The actor stated that the environment on set became “uncomfortable and unsafe” after repeated behavioural lapses by Chacko. She also described observing a suspicious white powdery substance being spit out by Chacko during rehearsals, further fuelling her concern about possible on-set drug use.

She emphasised that she did not react immediately or report the incident at the time to avoid disrupting the film’s shooting schedule or impacting other members of the cast and crew. However, she now believes it is her responsibility to speak out, particularly in light of her own participation in anti-drug campaigns in Kerala’s creative sector.

Why has Aloshious decided against filing a police complaint?

Aloshious has publicly stated that she does not intend to initiate a police complaint on her own, citing concerns around escalation and the current stage of the film’s post-production process. However, she made it clear that she would not hesitate to share her testimony and offer full cooperation to police or regulatory bodies if a formal inquiry were to be launched.

Her decision, she said, was driven by her desire to avoid derailing the careers of others involved in the production, including the director, technicians, and junior artists. She also confirmed that her grievance is not directed at the production house or the film itself, but specifically toward Shine Tom Chacko’s conduct during the shoot.

How has the Malayalam film industry responded to the allegations?

Following Aloshious’ statements, formal complaints were submitted to the Kerala Film Chamber and the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA). Both organisations have acknowledged receipt of the complaint and indicated that internal discussions are underway to determine an appropriate response.

AMMA, which has been under increased scrutiny in recent years for its handling of harassment and safety concerns, has pledged to take the matter seriously. The association stated that it would examine the allegations under its code of conduct framework and issue recommendations accordingly.

This incident comes at a time when the Malayalam film industry has been attempting to clean up its image in response to ongoing scrutiny over drug use, substance abuse, and ethical practices on film sets. In 2021, the Kerala Police had launched multiple drug enforcement operations after several high-profile actors and technicians were linked to narcotics consumption. While few convictions followed, the actions prompted the film fraternity to adopt internal reforms and strengthen policies on workplace conduct and mental health.

What is Shine Tom Chacko’s record with law enforcement and controversies?

The allegations against Shine Tom Chacko are not without precedent. In 2015, he was arrested and later released in a case involving possession of narcotics. Though he resumed his acting career, the actor has faced periodic backlash for erratic behaviour, which he has previously attributed to method acting and emotional exhaustion on set.

More recently, Shine Tom Chacko was reportedly involved in a police encounter during a hotel raid conducted by the District Anti-Narcotic Special Action Force in Kochi. Although he fled the premises, police officers later clarified that no drugs were seized and no formal charges were filed against him. Nevertheless, the incident has added weight to the current accusations and increased public scrutiny over his off-screen conduct.

As of now, Chacko has not issued a formal response to the new allegations made by Aloshious. His silence, however, has further intensified speculation and placed additional pressure on film guilds to address the matter openly.

What are the broader implications for actor safety and drug policy on sets?

Vincy Aloshious’ decision to speak up has once again highlighted the systemic gaps in protecting actors—especially women—from inappropriate behaviour and unsafe work environments. Her account underscores the difficulty many actors face in confronting misconduct while balancing professional obligations and fear of industry retaliation.

The Kerala State Women’s Commission has reportedly taken cognisance of the incident and may launch an independent probe depending on the developments. Furthermore, several actor groups have reiterated the need for on-set grievance redressal cells, mental health support services, and zero-tolerance policies regarding substance abuse.

Industry experts believe this could serve as a turning point for Malayalam cinema, where previous complaints by women actors—such as the 2017 abduction and assault case involving actor Dileep—were initially met with silence or dismissal by key industry bodies.

Will this affect the release of Soothravakyam and future collaborations?

The controversy is expected to influence the promotional cycle and eventual release of Soothravakyam, although the production house has not yet issued a statement. Industry sources suggest that decisions about Shine Tom Chacko’s involvement in upcoming projects may be revisited, depending on how AMMA and the Kerala Film Chamber proceed.

For Aloshious, this incident is likely to raise her profile as a voice for safety and accountability in Malayalam cinema, even as she maintains that her priority remains the wellbeing of her peers and the integrity of the film.

Why Vincy Aloshious’ decision not to file a complaint is still a powerful stand

Although Aloshious has refrained from filing a legal complaint, her public disclosure has already made significant impact. By choosing to go on record and encouraging dialogue about actor safety and substance use in cinema, she has opened space for greater transparency and accountability. Her stance—while non-confrontational in legal terms—functions as a signal to both industry insiders and policy-makers that behavioural standards and drug enforcement must be tightened across the film industry.

Whether this case will prompt any tangible reforms remains to be seen, but it is clear that Aloshious’ allegations have sparked necessary conversations about safety, ethics, and professionalism in India’s regional cinema landscape.