The Kerala film industry is reeling after a major drug raid in Kochi led to the arrest of acclaimed directors Khalid Rahman, best known for his film Alappuzha Gymkhana, and Ashraf Hamza, along with their associate Shalif Mohammed. Acting on specific intelligence, the Excise Department raided a flat reportedly owned by cinematographer Sameer Thahir and seized 1.6 grams of hybrid cannabis.

Though the quantity was below the commercial offense threshold under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, possession of banned substances remains a criminal offense. Following the arrests, the trio was granted station bail, but legal action is ongoing.

 

Background on the Directors

Khalid Rahman is widely celebrated for redefining modern Malayalam cinema with hits like Anuraga Karikkin Vellam, Unda, Thallumaala, and the recently released film Alappuzha Gymkhana. His storytelling, blending realism with contemporary themes, has made him a standout figure in Kerala’s evolving cinema landscape.

 

Ashraf Hamza, meanwhile, has earned critical acclaim for his thoughtful narratives in films like Thamaasha and Bheemante Vazhi, both praised for their sensitive and innovative storytelling approaches. Both directors represent the new wave of Malayalam filmmakers pushing the boundaries of conventional cinema.

 

What Happens Next?

While neither Rahman nor Hamza has publicly commented after being released on bail, the industry is abuzz with speculation. Authorities have confirmed that investigations are ongoing, particularly to trace the origin of the hybrid cannabis and explore if a larger supply network is involved.

 

Further legal action could depend on the outcomes of these investigations. If additional offenses are uncovered or if repeated violations are proven, harsher penalties under Kerala’s stringent narcotics laws may apply.

 

This incident also reignites discussions within the Malayalam film fraternity about drug use, mental health, and the pressures of the creative industry. Industry bodies like AMMA may push for stronger internal regulations and de-addiction initiatives to prevent further damage to the reputation of Kerala’s thriving entertainment sector.

 

As for Khalid Rahman and Ashraf Hamza, the immediate future of their upcoming projects and collaborations now hangs in uncertainty, with both directors likely to face both public and professional scrutiny in the months ahead.

 

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