With Shine Tom Chacko under arrest after a sensational attempt to evade a narcotics raid by jumping out of a hotel window in Kochi, the Malayalam film industry is once again facing tough questions about substance abuse. Shine was booked under Sections 27 and 29 of the NDPS Act, and his arrest has reignited public discourse around drugs and the perceived influence of films on society.
Caught in the whirlwind of this storm is Marco—Unni Mukundan’s recent release, now being dragged into conversations about glamorising drug use. But the actor, best known for his compelling screen presence and action-packed roles, is not staying silent.
“Cinema Reflects, It Doesn’t Promote”
Speaking with visible clarity and conviction, Unni Mukundan defended Marco as a mirror to society, not a manufacturer of its ills. “In a state with such a high literacy rate, the fact that we still need to create awareness against drug use is deeply disheartening,” he told Manorama. He believes that blaming a film for the rising drug menace is both reductive and misdirected. “Cinema mirrors what’s happening in society; it doesn’t encourage drug use.”
His remarks come at a time when Marco, a gritty crime drama, has been praised for its raw storytelling and gripping performances—but also questioned by some for depicting a dark underworld rife with drugs and violence. Unni makes it clear: the film’s realism is not endorsement.
Beyond the Silver Screen: A Societal Reckoning
Unni’s statement taps into a larger narrative—one that goes beyond the frame. He points to long-standing concerns about how narcotics reach schools and infiltrate homes. “These are questions I’ve heard since childhood,” he reflected. “The issue needs to be addressed with greater vigilance—not just in schools, but at home as well.”
He strongly contends that drugs are a systemic problem, not a cinematic one. “When a film celebrity is involved, it gets more attention. But this problem exists in every sphere of society.”
A Welcome Shift: Women Speak Up
In the midst of the drug-related chaos, there’s another undercurrent of change that Unni Mukundan acknowledges—the increasing number of women in cinema courageously coming forward with their stories of mistreatment. “It’s a good thing that actresses are now openly speaking about the unpleasant experiences they’ve faced. It’s a step in the right direction,” he said, welcoming the shift towards transparency and accountability in the industry.
A Divided Spotlight
As Shine Tom Chacko awaits further proceedings, his arrest has cast a long shadow over the industry. But actors like Unni Mukundan are determined not to let the industry be defined by its darkest moments. Instead, they advocate for a more nuanced conversation—one that targets real issues without scapegoating cinema.
In a world quick to judge and even quicker to condemn, Unni’s words stand as a reminder that stories—on and off the screen—deserve context, not just headlines.
Caught in the whirlwind of this storm is Marco—Unni Mukundan’s recent release, now being dragged into conversations about glamorising drug use. But the actor, best known for his compelling screen presence and action-packed roles, is not staying silent.
“Cinema Reflects, It Doesn’t Promote”
Speaking with visible clarity and conviction, Unni Mukundan defended Marco as a mirror to society, not a manufacturer of its ills. “In a state with such a high literacy rate, the fact that we still need to create awareness against drug use is deeply disheartening,” he told Manorama. He believes that blaming a film for the rising drug menace is both reductive and misdirected. “Cinema mirrors what’s happening in society; it doesn’t encourage drug use.”
His remarks come at a time when Marco, a gritty crime drama, has been praised for its raw storytelling and gripping performances—but also questioned by some for depicting a dark underworld rife with drugs and violence. Unni makes it clear: the film’s realism is not endorsement.
Beyond the Silver Screen: A Societal Reckoning
Unni’s statement taps into a larger narrative—one that goes beyond the frame. He points to long-standing concerns about how narcotics reach schools and infiltrate homes. “These are questions I’ve heard since childhood,” he reflected. “The issue needs to be addressed with greater vigilance—not just in schools, but at home as well.”
He strongly contends that drugs are a systemic problem, not a cinematic one. “When a film celebrity is involved, it gets more attention. But this problem exists in every sphere of society.”
A Welcome Shift: Women Speak Up
In the midst of the drug-related chaos, there’s another undercurrent of change that Unni Mukundan acknowledges—the increasing number of women in cinema courageously coming forward with their stories of mistreatment. “It’s a good thing that actresses are now openly speaking about the unpleasant experiences they’ve faced. It’s a step in the right direction,” he said, welcoming the shift towards transparency and accountability in the industry.
A Divided Spotlight
As Shine Tom Chacko awaits further proceedings, his arrest has cast a long shadow over the industry. But actors like Unni Mukundan are determined not to let the industry be defined by its darkest moments. Instead, they advocate for a more nuanced conversation—one that targets real issues without scapegoating cinema.
In a world quick to judge and even quicker to condemn, Unni’s words stand as a reminder that stories—on and off the screen—deserve context, not just headlines.
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