The Malayalam film industry faces yet another blow as acclaimed directors Khalid Rahman and Ashraf Hamza, along with their friend Shalif Mohammed, were detained by the Kochi Excise Department in a late-night raid on April 27, 2025. The operation, conducted at 2 a.m. in a flat near Gosree Bridge, Kochi, led to the seizure of 1.6 grams of hybrid ganja. The trio was taken into custody but later released on station bail. The flat reportedly belongs to noted cinematographer Sameer Thahir. “We acted on a tip-off and are continuing our investigation,” an excise official stated, signaling a deeper probe.

Khalid Rahman, fresh off directing Alappuzha Gymkhana, which hit Telugu screens recently, and Ashraf Hamza, celebrated for Thamaasha and credited as the writer of Khalid’s hit Thallumaala, are now at the center of controversy. This incident amplifies ongoing concerns about drug use in Malayalam cinema. In 2023, actors Shane Nigam and Sreenath Bhasi faced drug-related allegations, and earlier this year, a makeup artist was caught with 45 grams of ganja. The industry’s reputation hangs in the balance as such cases pile up.

The investigation is ongoing, with authorities digging into potential drug networks linked to the film industry. “This is a wake-up call for the industry,” remarked a film analyst, highlighting the broader implications. The detention of Khalid-Ashraf has sparked debates about the pressures and pitfalls of fame in Malayalam cinema. Fans and the public now await further developments, as the case could impact the industry’s future trajectory and its standing in the public eye.