In a shocking revelation that has stirred the Malayalam film industry, producer Sandra Thomas has raised alarm over the rampant drug use on film sets, claiming it has become so institutionalised that production units are allegedly assigning separate rooms and dedicated budgets for it. Her comments, made during a recent interview with Onmanorama, have reignited a long-simmering debate around substance abuse in Mollywood and the industry's collective silence.
This isn’t the first time Sandra has spoken out about the issue. Back in 2023, she made similar claims, but according to her, things have only gotten worse. She told the tabloid that everyone is aware of what is happening on the sets, emphasising that the responsible film associations failed to act when it mattered most, five or ten years ago, allowing the problem to spiral out of control.
One of the most disturbing aspects she pointed out is how normalised drug use has become. Sandra Thomas revealed that the situation has escalated to the point where film sets are now allegedly assigning special budgets and even separate rooms specifically for drug use. She also took a dig at prominent industry figures, indirectly pointing to producer Listin Stephen, and questioned how influential stakeholders could continue to ignore the problem despite being fully aware of its scale.
Sandra Thomas emphasised that while industry associations claim it's unfair to blame the entire industry for the actions of a few, the reality is that drug use has become widespread across all levels of the Malayalam film industry, cutting across gender and status.
Sandra also highlighted why many producers hesitate to report drug-related incidents on set. The fear of project delays and the potential damage to an actor's reputation often outweighs the need to take action. If someone is caught using drugs during a shoot, it can stall production and harm the actor’s public image, making it difficult to continue the project without risking its success.
Beyond the issue of drugs, Sandra also touched upon the urgent need for gender-sensitive reforms within the industry. She advocated for the inclusion of more women producers in Internal Complaints Committees on film sets to ensure the timely and fair handling of sexual harassment cases.
Who is Sandra Thomas?
Sandra Thomas has carved a unique space for herself in the Malayalam film industry, both as a producer and an actress. She rose to fame with memorable performances in films like Amen and Zachariayude Garbhinikal, the latter of which she also produced. Her production credits further include the widely acclaimed Philips and the Monkey Pen. With a strong creative vision, Sandra later launched her own banner, Sandra Thomas Productions, continuing her journey as a powerhouse in Malayalam cinema.
This isn’t the first time Sandra has spoken out about the issue. Back in 2023, she made similar claims, but according to her, things have only gotten worse. She told the tabloid that everyone is aware of what is happening on the sets, emphasising that the responsible film associations failed to act when it mattered most, five or ten years ago, allowing the problem to spiral out of control.
One of the most disturbing aspects she pointed out is how normalised drug use has become. Sandra Thomas revealed that the situation has escalated to the point where film sets are now allegedly assigning special budgets and even separate rooms specifically for drug use. She also took a dig at prominent industry figures, indirectly pointing to producer Listin Stephen, and questioned how influential stakeholders could continue to ignore the problem despite being fully aware of its scale.
Sandra Thomas emphasised that while industry associations claim it's unfair to blame the entire industry for the actions of a few, the reality is that drug use has become widespread across all levels of the Malayalam film industry, cutting across gender and status.
Sandra also highlighted why many producers hesitate to report drug-related incidents on set. The fear of project delays and the potential damage to an actor's reputation often outweighs the need to take action. If someone is caught using drugs during a shoot, it can stall production and harm the actor’s public image, making it difficult to continue the project without risking its success.
Beyond the issue of drugs, Sandra also touched upon the urgent need for gender-sensitive reforms within the industry. She advocated for the inclusion of more women producers in Internal Complaints Committees on film sets to ensure the timely and fair handling of sexual harassment cases.
Who is Sandra Thomas?
Sandra Thomas has carved a unique space for herself in the Malayalam film industry, both as a producer and an actress. She rose to fame with memorable performances in films like Amen and Zachariayude Garbhinikal, the latter of which she also produced. Her production credits further include the widely acclaimed Philips and the Monkey Pen. With a strong creative vision, Sandra later launched her own banner, Sandra Thomas Productions, continuing her journey as a powerhouse in Malayalam cinema.
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