We don't know when actors are sober, says producer Sandra Thomas

Kochi: Malayalam film producer Sandra Thomas said that rampant drug use exists in the industry. "It's high time we controlled it because there are plenty of issues associated with it."

Speaking to Cinema Express, she said: "People who take these drugs don’t sleep at night, so they’re always late for the shoot. We also don’t know when they’re sober. They’ll nod at all our instructions, but they won’t be listening. They keep forgetting the time and dates. At the end of the day, it’s the producer who suffers."

Her statements come after the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA), Kerala Film Producers’ Association (KFPA), and Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) said that they will not be cooperating with actors Shane Nigam and Sreenath Bhasi. It was following Shane causing an issue on the sets of a film called RDX.

On the other hand, Sandra also supported Shane. She said: "I see Shane as a youngster with a bright future ahead. But all these controversies can affect his mental health. I’m genuinely concerned about him; probably because of my motherly instincts. I’m still not sure what transpired on the sets of RDX."

When asked about whether she will be working with Shane and Sreenath, Sandra said: "I am not sure about that…Cinema is ultimately a business. I can’t put myself in trouble for the sake of helping others."

The film bodies haven't banned the actors but made it clear that filmmakers will be on their own if they choose to hire them.