The Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) has extended its full support to Malayalam actor Vincy Aloshious following her formal complaint against fellow actor Shine Tom Chacko, accusing him of inappropriate behaviour during the shoot of the upcoming film Soothravakyam. The complaint, submitted to both the Kerala Film Chamber and the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), comes in the wake of serious allegations raised by Vincy, who claimed that the misconduct took place under the influence of narcotics.
In a statement on Thursday, the WCC lauded Vincy’s courage, stating, "We wholeheartedly commend the courage shown by Vincy Aloshious, who bravely raised her voice against the inappropriate behaviour of a fellow actor under the influence of intoxicants on a film set — behaviour that disrespected her womanhood." The WCC further highlighted that her testimony sheds light on "the stark reality that widespread consumption of alcohol and other harmful substances is prevalent on many Malayalam film sets."
The WCC, in its statement, used the moment to remind all film industry professionals, especially women, of their rights and the legal mandates surrounding workplace safety. Referring to a Kerala High Court directive, the collective reiterated that "every film set is legally required to have an Internal Committee (IC) in place." These committees are empowered to handle sexual harassment complaints confidentially and fairly.
The WCC also called attention to the government's ongoing workshops through the Women and Child Development Department to equip IC members with legal awareness and their responsibilities. “Responsibility for utilising this system does not lie solely with the production company, but with all of us,” the WCC noted, urging workers across the Malayalam film industry to ensure ICs are present and registered on official portals. The producer, they added, must clearly inform all crew members about the IC’s composition and procedures. "The proper functioning of the IC enables women workers to carry out their jobs with dignity and equality," the WCC concluded, affirming its ongoing commitment to protecting and empowering women in cinema.
According to the complaint, the actor made unwelcome comments and gestures during rehearsals. Vincy also alleged witnessing the co-actor spit out a white powder-like substance, which she believes indicates drug use. In a recent Instagram video, she shared a particularly demeaning moment where the actor said, “I’ll fix it for you,” in front of the crew while she faced a wardrobe issue, a moment she described as humiliating. The Film Chamber has confirmed receipt of the complaint, and General Secretary Saji Nanthyatt assured that stringent action would follow due process. AMMA's ad hoc committee convenor Jayan Cherthala also stated the association "stands with Vincy Aloshious and assures full support."
The controversy comes amid renewed scrutiny of Shine after he was seen fleeing a hotel in Kochi during a narcotics raid by the District Anti-Narcotic Special Action Force (DANSAF) on Wednesday night. While no drugs were recovered from the hotel room and no case was filed, police confirmed the actor was one of two individuals seen leaving the premises. Shine, who was acquitted in a 2015 drug case earlier this year, is likely to be questioned.
