Malayalam makeup artist Ranjith Gopinathan, popularly known as RG Wayanadan, was arrested early on Sunday morning with hybrid cannabis by a team led by Moolamattom Excise Inspector K Abhilash. RG Wayanadan, who has worked on blockbuster films such as Aavesham—which had sparked widespread discussions for allegedly influencing Kerala's youth towards violence and substance abuse—has also been responsible for the makeup in several other hit films, including Sookshmadarshini, Romancham, and Jan.E.Man.

As part of the Excise Department’s 'Operation Clean State' combing drive, the Moolamattom Excise team intercepted a vehicle during a routine check and apprehended the accused with 45 grams of highly potent hybrid cannabis. The excise team conducting the operation included Inspector Abhilash K, Assistant Excise Inspector (Trade) Ajith Kumar, Preventive Officer (Trade) Rajesh VR, and Civil Excise Officers Ashraf Ali and Charles Edwin.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan recently warned of the negative influence of violent films, citing a police report suggesting students tried associating with gangsters after watching Fahadh Faasil's Aavesham. His remarks came during an assembly discussion on rising violence, following the brutal death of a student in Kozhikode.