Kerala Police arrested Malayalam actor Shine Tom Chacko on Saturday for suspected drug consumption, authorities confirmed. According to officials, a medical examination and further legal proceedings are underway.

Chacko faces charges under Sections 27 (consumption of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances) and 29 (abetment and criminal conspiracy) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, according to reports.

The arrest follows an incident where Kochi city police issued a notice to Chacko on Friday, summoning him for questioning. The notice was linked to an alleged escape from a hotel during an anti-drug raid. As Chacko was not at his Thrissur residence, the notice was handed to his family.

A senior police officer clarified, “The notice was issued because the incident falls under the Ernakulam North Police Station’s jurisdiction.” Chacko was directed to appear before the Ernakulam North Police Sub-Inspector on Saturday to explain his actions during the raid.

Hotel raid and alleged escape

On Wednesday night, the District Anti-Narcotic Special Action Force (DANSAF) conducted a raid at a hotel near Kaloor around 10:45 pm, targeting a suspect in a drug-related case. Although the suspect was not found, police discovered Chacko’s name in the hotel’s guest register. When officers approached his third-floor room, he allegedly fled the scene.

CCTV footage and a viral video reportedly show Chacko escaping the hotel upon noticing the police. While no drugs were found during the raid, preliminary evidence points to Chacko as the individual who fled. No case has been filed directly related to the hotel incident due to the absence of recovered substances.

Recent Controversy

Chacko recently faced scrutiny after actor Vincy Aloshious accused him of “inappropriate behaviour” on the set of the unreleased film Soothravakyam. Aloshious had initially shared her concerns on Instagram, alleging misconduct by a co-actor under the influence of drugs. She later named Chacko in a formal complaint to the Film Chamber and the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA).

However, Aloshious expressed frustration over the media leak of Chacko’s name and indicated her willingness to withdraw the complaint.

Akshay Kumar’s highly anticipated film, Kesari 2, has burst onto the big screen with an impressive start, attracting Rs 3 crore in advance bookings. Premiering today, April 18th, the film has already grossed over Rs 1.5 crore on its opening day in India, signalling its strong reception.

Set against the backdrop of the tragic Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, this courtroom drama places Akshay Kumar at the heart of a gripping narrative that intertwines history with powerful storytelling. The film has quickly captured the hearts of audiences, political leaders, and the Bollywood fraternity, all of whom have praised its performances, storyline, and screenplay.

Fans of Kesari and Akshay Kumar have taken to social media to share their excitement and appreciation. Videos showcasing standing ovations from viewers at special screenings have gone viral, highlighting the film’s emotional resonance. Akshay Kumar, along with co-star Ananya Panday, participated in various promotional events, contributing to the film’s growing buzz.

One enthusiastic viewer shared their thoughts online, exclaiming, “The second half is absolutely electrifying! The monologue by Ananya and Akshay is heart-wrenching and compels us to confront the brutal realities of the British Raj, especially the extent to which they went to justify the atrocities of events like Jallianwala Bagh.” They even posed an intriguing question: “Will the Crown ever apologise to India?” This reflection illustrates how the film resonates with audiences, encouraging them to engage with the historical narrative.

Moreover, the film honours the unsung heroes of India’s freedom struggle. One viewer remarked on X, “Before the teaser for Kesari 2, I had no idea who C. Sankaran Nair was. This film has truly opened my eyes!”

Leading up to the release, Union Minister Hardeep Singh showered praise on the film’s impactful dialogue after a screening, with Delhi CM Rekha Gupta echoing similar sentiments.

Bollywood actor Suneil Shetty also expressed his admiration on social media, stating, “When courage commands the screen, history speaks boldly.”

Adding to the wave of praise, renowned South Indian star Rana Daggubati shared his thoughts post-screening, calling it “a powerful and essential film that resonates with every Indian.”

Overall, Kesari 2 is more than just entertaining cinema; it serves as a poignant tribute to a pivotal moment in Indian history, urging audiences to reflect on the past while celebrating the bravery of those who fought valiantly for freedom. The film’s narrative not only aims to educate but also to inspire a sense of pride and awareness about the sacrifices made during the struggle for independence.

Veera Dheera Sooran: Part 2 is poised to make its streaming debut soon, showcasing superstar Vikram in a thrilling Tamil action film that has left a mark on audiences. Prime Video officially announced today, April 18, that this much-anticipated sequel, directed by SU Arun Kumar, will be available on their platform starting April 24.

Since its theatrical release on March 27, Veera Dheera Sooran has been met with both critical acclaim and positive audience reception. The Hindu commended the film, remarking that Vikram’s gangster drama unfolds like a “grand spicy Madurai ‘kari vidundhu’,” noting its clever blend of tension, exhilarating fan service, and standout performances that reach dramatic heights. The film is also celebrated for its action set-pieces, which strike with the timing of perfectly executed explosions.

Set against the vibrant backdrop of a temple festival in Madurai, the narrative follows the life of Kaali, a provision store owner who appears to have turned his back on a troubled past, embracing the role of a loving husband and father. However, when his former crime boss, Periyavar Ravi, resurfaces, Kaali is reluctantly pulled back into the dangerous world he thought he had left behind.

Over the course of a nerve-wracking night, he faces mounting challenges, especially when tasked with eliminating SP Arunagiri. As Kaali battles to protect his family while confronting the ghosts of his violent past, he is drawn into a perilous game of survival, facing threats from every direction.

The film features a talented ensemble cast, including SJ Suryah, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Dushara Vijayan, and Prudhvi Raj, all delivering commendable performances. The film’s music is composed by GV Prakash Kumar, providing an energetic score that enhances the gripping narrative. The cinematography, handled by Theni Eswar, and the sharp editing by Prasanna GK contribute to the film’s intense atmosphere. Riya Shibu produces the project under her HR Pictures banner.

Veera Dheera Sooran will be available to stream on Prime Video in Tamil, with additional dubbed versions in Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada, catering to a wide audience spectrum.