In a major development that has sent shockwaves through the Malayalam film industry, acclaimed directors Khalid Rahman and Ashraf Hamza, along with one Shalif Mohammed, were arrested early Sunday morning by the Excise Special Squad in Kochi for alleged possession of hybrid ganja. The arrests took place around 2 AM at a flat near the Goshree Bridge, following a tip-off received by excise officials.
During the raid, officials seized approximately 1.63 grams of hybrid ganja from the trio. The contraband was reportedly brought to the apartment for consumption. The flat, it is learnt, belongs to cinematographer-turned-filmmaker Sameer Thahir, who is expected to be summoned for questioning in connection with the case.
Director Khalid Rahman (#Unda, #Thallumaala, #AlappuzhaGymkhana) and Director Ashraf Hamsa (#Thamaasha, #BheemanteVazhi) were detained by Excise Officers in Kochi for having hybrid cannabis, following their arrest at the home of ace cinematographer Sameer Tahir.#KhalidRahman pic.twitter.com/sgryuFj5Q4
— Rajesh Sundaran (@editorrajesh) April 27, 2025
According to excise officials, Khalid, Ashraf, and Shalif were preparing to consume the cannabis when they were apprehended. Initial questioning revealed that the directors have allegedly been regular users of ganja for years. Officials also stated that the trio provided information regarding the source from whom they procured the contraband, and an investigation into the supplier is currently underway.
Despite their arrest, the three were released on station bail, as the quantity of cannabis found was below the threshold required to file commercial quantity charges under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. Under Section 27 of the Act, consumption of drugs can attract a punishment of up to one year imprisonment, a fine of up to ₹20,000, or both.
Following the arrests, the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) swiftly moved to suspend Khalid Rahman and Ashraf Hamza. FEFKA President and veteran filmmaker Sibi Malayil issued instructions for their suspension, a move that has also received the backing of the Kerala Film Producers’ Association (KFPA).
This comes days after Malayalam actor Shine Tom Chacko was arrested after he fled during a drug raid.
Khalid Rahman, known for critically acclaimed and commercially successful films such as Anuraga Karikkin Vellam (2016), Unda (2019), Love (2020), and Thallumaala (2022), was basking in the success of his latest sports comedy, Alappuzha Gymkhana, released just a fortnight ago. He is the brother of noted cinematographers Shyju Khalid and Jimshi Khalid.
Ashraf Hamza rose to fame directing movies like Thamaasha (2019), Bheemante Vazhi (2021), and Sulaikha Manzil (2023), and also co-wrote Thallumaala. Both directors are widely regarded as key figures in Malayalam cinema’s new wave of talented young filmmakers.
Excise officials emphasized that further action would depend on the ongoing investigation, particularly concerning the supplier identified by the accused.
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