Unni Mukundan says
Amid the arrest of Malayalam actor Shine Tom Chacko in a drug case, fellow actor Unni Mukundan has come forward to protect the film industry. He argued that cinema alone should not be blamed for such incidents.
‘Marco’ actor Unni Mukundan has come forward to protect the film industry after the arrest of fellow actor Shine Tom Chacko in a drug -related case. Mukundan has weighed widespread conversation around the consumption of intoxicants, refuting the perception that cinema has been convicted for increasing crime or drug use in society.
Mukundan argued that it is both inappropriate and wrong to connect the film industry with drug abuse. According to him, films do not have the kind of effect that can change social behavior in a single-hand, especially in severe cases as a substance addiction or crime.
As Manorama onlineDuring a media conversation in Kochi, Mukundan said, “It is not right to say that the misuse of drugs and crime rates are increasing under the influence of cinema. Cinema cannot affect society in that way.”
He questioned the systemic issues that enable the circulation of drugs, ask how these substances are entering Kerala and even making their way into schools. “It is not right to say that the misuse of drugs and crime rates are increasing under the influence of cinema. Cinema cannot affect the society in that way. How do these control materials reach Kerala? How does it reach schools?
Addressing the criticism directed in films such as ‘Marco’, who is accused of indiscriminately portraying the use of substance, Mukundan defended the creative intentions of the cinema. He said, “It is bad that in a country with educated people, awareness against drug abuse is to be created. The problem is not a film Marco. Is it not just a film? The film indicates things happening in the society. It does not promote drug abuse.”
The actor also expressed concern that, despite having a literate and progressive society, there is a need to spread awareness about drug abuse. For Mukundan, the real issue is in the lack of vigilance and intervention at the ground level – in schools, homes and other institutions. The actor said, “There is a need for more attention and care in schools and homes. Drug Mains is everywhere and it is prevalent in all industries.”
On more positive notes, Mukundan acknowledged growing transparency within the industry, especially among women actors who have spoken openly about their negative experiences. They believe that such conversations are healthy and necessary, which paves the way for accountability and systemic changes.
Mukundan said, “There is no point in blaming cinema only. It is a soft goal. There are problems related to addiction everywhere. It is just that when people are in movies, they are attracted more attention. The openness of actresses about their bad experiences in films is also a good thing.”
Earlier today, Shine Tom Chacko was arrested after a four -hour long interrogation. He was later released on bail.