Amid controversies, LiverDoc supports Malayalam film Vaazha 2, calls it ‘public health activism’
In her recent social media post, AB Phillips aka LiverDoc urged the makers of Vaaza 2 not to make changes to the film after the legal protest from the Ayurveda body.
Doctor and public health commentator AB Phillips, better known as LiverDoc, has weighed in on the ongoing debate over the Malayalam film. Reason 2, was praised for highlighting the potential risks of some Ayurvedic formulations.
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Liverdock praises Reason 2
In a detailed post on X, Phillips praised the film for portraying a character who develops severe liver disease after long-term abuse. ArishtamAn Ayurvedic preparation containing alcohol. He argued that this narrative matches the growing scientific evidence that some herbal medicines can harm the liver.
Phillips said that for decades, the Ayurveda community has promoted the safety and efficacy of herbal medicines, even those containing poisonous botanicals and alcohol. However, he said a large body of peer-reviewed evidence now challenges this narrative, showing that Ayurvedic herbs can be extremely toxic to the liver, sometimes leading to serious consequences such as liver transplant or death.
Citing his own research, the doctor cited a case involving a teenager who reportedly developed serious liver complications from prescribed Ayurvedic medicine. He also pointed to several studies which, according to him, highlight the risks associated with such treatments, including the presence of alcohol, toxic botanicals and heavy metals in some formulations. Phillips argued that this case is consistent with the narrative presented. Reason 2, thus highlighting the importance of the film.
Take a look at the trailer of Waza 2:
What is the dispute about? Reason 2?
malayalam movie Reason 2 is doing well at the box office, but has reportedly courted controversy over its depiction of Ayurveda. According to reports, a section of practitioners have objected to a particular scene featuring Biju Kuttan, claiming that it presents a misleading picture of traditional treatment methods.
This concern has drawn the attention of the Ayurveda Medical Association of India (AMAI), which has reportedly decided to take legal action. The controversy centers on a scene that appears to link a health problem with its consumption. Aristaam.
Practitioners argue that this portrayal risks creating confusion about established Ayurvedic practices and may negatively shape public perception. The association has said that such depictions spread misinformation and could damage the credibility of Ayurveda as a stream of medicine. AMAI has reportedly issued a legal notice to the manufacturers Reason 2, objected to the depiction and demanded the removal of specific scenes.
LiverDoc criticizes AMAI
LiverDoc also highlights several reports showing that Ayurvedic herbs can cause liver-related problems, including cirrhosis and liver failure. He criticized AMAI for taking legal actions against the film’s producers and accused them of attempting to suppress evidence-based concerns about the safety of their products.
Philips offered its support to its makers in its post Reason 2, he was urged not to make changes to the film in response to legal threats. He called the film an essential act of public health activism and encouraged viewers to watch both parts Reason series.