Actor Vincy Aloshious, who in an Instagram video levelled allegations of drug use and inappropriate behavior against her by the lead actor on a film set, has filed a formal complaint with the Kerala Film Chamber and the Internal Committee (IC). Though Vincy did not name the actor, media reports said the complaint was filed against actor Shine Tom Chacko, on Wednesday, April 16.
She had earlier spoken out against the actor sharing her unpleasant experiences during the film shoot.
On Tuesday, April 15, Vincy posted a video on Instagram where she clarified her earlier comments made at an anti-drug campaign event and spoke openly about what had transpired on the film set. Speaking at the event, Vincy had said she would not act in films alongside actors who used drugs. The actor faced cyber attack following the revelation.
“Some days back at an anti-drug campaign programme, I made a statement that I will not do movies again with people I know who use drugs. I am doing this video because I wanted to make my stand clear,” she said.
Without naming the person in the video, she said the lead actor of the movie, in which she was part of, used drugs and behaved badly with her and a colleague. “When there was an issue with my costume and I was trying to fix it, he came up to me and said he’ll come with me and help get it ready,” she said in the video.
Vincy also alleged that the actor used drugs on set. “When we were rehearsing a scene, he was spitting some kind of white powder onto the table. It was very evident that he was using drugs on the film set.”
In response to her revelations, the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) extended their support to Vincy and issued a detailed statement praising her courage.
“We welcome with respect the courage of Vincy Aloshious who raised her voice against the inappropriate behaviour of a co-actor who used drugs uncontrollably on a film set, in a way that disrespected her womanhood,” the WCC said.
“Through this, she has brought attention to the stark truth that in many Malayalam cinema sets, the use of alcohol and other harmful drugs is widespread.”
The WCC also reminded the industry that the Kerala High Court has mandated the presence of an Internal Committee (IC) on every film set.
“Women should first approach the IC for complaints related to mental or physical harassment. Every woman working in the Malayalam film industry must recognise and understand that every film set is legally required to have an Internal Committee,” the statement read.
“It is the responsibility of the producer to ensure that the IC is registered on the portal and that all members of the crew are clearly informed about who the committee members are. The IC is also responsible for ensuring that all complaints are dealt with seriously, confidentially, and fairly.”
The statement concluded by urging production houses and film workers to uphold this system: “The law defines harassment not just as physical acts, but also any behaviour that causes discomfort to women in the workplace. The functioning of the IC will enable women to work with dignity and equality. The IC system exists to protect women, and we must all be aware of that.”