Who is Sandra Thomas, the actor-producer accusing Mollywood industry of budgeting for drugs?
The issue of drug use in the Mollywood industry has long been prevalent, with actress Vincy Aloshious recently calling out her co-star Shine Tom Chacko for allegedly using the illegal substance while on set.
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Now, fresh allegations have emerged, with producer-actor Sandra Thomas accusing the film industry of aiding and abetting drug use by allocating a portion of the film’s budget for it. In a conversation with Onmanorama, the actress claims that the value of having these actors for future films outweighs any effort to curb their drug use. "The associations concerned should have taken a proper stand against drug use in Mollywood at least five or ten years ago. Everyone is aware of what is happening on the sets. But, no one took a corrective step as they need these people in their future projects,” Thomas said.
“Now, a special budget is being allotted exclusively for this,” the 38-year-old claims. “Even separate rooms are allotted for this purpose.”
The actress also referenced a recent statement given by prominent Mollywood producer Listin Stephen, who said he claimed ignorance on the use of drugs on set, specifically on the set of his upcoming film Baby Girl. According to reports, a stunt choreographer was found in possession of cannabis in his room. “I produce three or four films at a time. How can I know who is bringing what and where? The best we can do is suspend those who are caught,” he said in a statement to Manorama News.
Thomas further claimed that the lack of complaints about drug use stems from the concerns over production delays, which can be heavy on the producer’s pocket. "Producers are unwilling to raise a complaint because of fear it will stall their projects. If someone is caught on the sets, the shooting gets stalled. It also ruins the goodwill of the actor. What is the point in doing a movie with him if his goodwill is lost?" she added.
Who is Sandra Thomas?
Based in Kottayam, Thomas made her film debut in Kaladharan’s Nettippattom in 1991. She later made minor appearances in Olympian Anthony Adam, Kili Poyi, Amen, and Zachariayude Garbhinikal. Eventually, she shifted gears to production, her first being Fahadh Faasil starrer Friday, and co-founded Friday Film House with Vijay Babu. The two later parted way, with the actress launching her own production company, Sandra Thomas Production.
She tied the knot with Wilson John Thomas in July 2016 and welcomed twin girls in 2018.
Thomas is a very vocal member of the industry. She has taken a stance on multiple issues within the industry, including the recent hunger strike taken by members of the All Kerala Cine Makeup Artists and Hairstylist Union for workspace safety and lack of employment, and the lack of internal reforms after the release of the Hema Committee report in August 2024.
She has also accused producer Listin Stephen, president of the Kerala Film Distributors Association and Treasurer of the Kerala Film Producers Association (KFPA), of trying to monopolise control over the industry to suit the “misguided financial interests” of the “black money lobby outside the state”.
Last year, Thomas was expelled from the Kerala Film Producers' Association for "continued indiscipline" and allegedly putting forward false allegations against members of the body. Thomas claims that her expulsion was orchestrated by internal “power groups”.
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