Malayalam film directors Khalid Rahman and Ashraf Hamza were arrested in the early hours of April 27, 2025, by the Kerala Excise Department for alleged possession of hybrid ganja. The arrest took place during a raid at a flat near the Goshree Bridge in Kochi, reportedly owned by cinematographer Sameer Thahir. Along with the directors, a third individual, Shalif Mohammed, was also taken into custody. Authorities seized approximately 1.63 grams of hybrid ganja during the operation.
Following their arrest, all three individuals were released on station bail. The Excise Department indicated that the trio were preparing to consume the substance at the time of the raid. While the officials alleged that the accused are regular users of ganja, the filmmakers claimed they had convened at the flat to discuss a new movie project.
In response to the incident, the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) suspended both directors. FEFKA has also established a committee to monitor drug use on film sets and has pledged full cooperation with law enforcement agencies.
This development has sparked a broader conversation about drug use within the Malayalam film industry, especially following the recent arrest of actor Shine Tom Chacko on similar charges.
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Khalid Rahman is known for directing films such as Anuraga Karikkinvellam, Unda, and the recently released Alappuzha Gymkhana. Ashraf Hamza has directed notable films including Thamaasha and Bheemante Vazhi.
