The Malayalam film industry is currently navigating turbulent waters, not just due to the cinematic success of Alappuzha Gymkhana, but owing to the recent legal troubles its director, Khalid Rahman is facing. Rahman, acclaimed for his directorial ventures, was arrested in Kochi for possessing 1.5 grams of hybrid cannabis. Although he has been granted bail, the incident has ignited discussions across the industry and among fans.
Stars Speak Out: A Wave of Support for the Director
In a gesture of support, several members of the Alappuzha Gymkhana team have publicly stood by Rahman. Actors Naslen, Lukman Avaran, Anagha Ravi, and Sandeep Pradeep shared messages of solidarity on social media, responding to a poignant post by the film’s cinematographer — and Rahman’s brother — Jimshi Khalid.
Jimshi's post featured a nostalgic photograph of the brothers, accompanied by lyrics from Vedan's evocative track “Ellerum Kallerinye, Kallukondenente Mukham Murinye”. The choice was particularly striking, considering Vedan, a prominent figure in Kerala's indie rap scene, was also recently arrested for cannabis possession. The caption, “Thank you for adding fuel to the fire. May this spark keep burning”, was interpreted by many as a subtle act of defiance and a call for introspection within the industry.
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Backlash Brews Online
However, the wave of support was met with a counter current of criticism. Numerous netizens questioned the appropriateness of public figures endorsing someone involved in a drug-related case. Concerns were raised about the potential glamourisation of illegal activities, especially given the influence of celebrities on younger audiences. Some commentators highlighted actor Vincy Aloshious as a commendable example, noting her outspoken stance against drug use in the film fraternity. As the online discourse intensified, Jimshi Khalid eventually disabled comments on his original post.
The arrest took place at a flat owned by renowned cinematographer Sameer Thahir. Alongside Rahman, director Ashraf Hamza and another associate were present during the raid, which led to the seizure of 1.5 grams of hybrid cannabis. All three individuals were released on station bail shortly thereafter.
Despite the controversy, Alappuzha Gymkhana continues to perform well at the box office, grossing ₹56 crore within 16 days of its release. As the industry grapples with the implications of these events, the conversation around drug use and its portrayal in cinema remains more pertinent than ever.
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