Shine didn’t drink or smoke back then: Kamal on Shine’s early days in the industry

Director Kamal recently shared his thoughts on Shine Tom Chacko, who is currently embroiled in a drug abuse controversy. Kamal has known Shine since he was a child, and their families have had a long-standing connection. Kamal revealed how he first learned about Shine’s passion for cinema and how the actor’s path into the film industry began.

“I’ve known Shine since he was a child. His family had always spoken highly of his interest in cinema,” Kamal said in an interview with Manorama Online. “When he started working with me in films, I never saw any signs of drug use. It was only after he moved to Kochi and began working with others that I suspected he might have fallen into addiction. Shine was always full of energy—jumping walls, sneaking onto sets through the back, he was constantly on the move. Even when he acted as a lead, I never saw him under the influence or causing any disruption on set.”

Reflecting on the current situation, Kamal added, “Although only two names have come out publicly, drug use is prevalent in the industry, from assistants to artists. Everyone who’s using, including Shine, needs proper treatment and support to return to normal life. Shine’s family has realised the seriousness of the situation.”

How Shine entered the world of cinema
Kamal spoke fondly of how Shine’s journey into the industry started. “I’ve known Shine’s family since he was very young. Our families used to be neighbours. After we moved, we lost touch for a while. I ran into Shine and his family again in Thrissur while attending an event—he was still in school at the time. His father told me Shine was passionate about cinema. I advised him to focus on studies first,” Kamal recalled. “After completing his pre-degree, Shine came back to meet me again, saying he wanted to work in films. I told him to complete his degree first. But during the making of 'Nammal', Shine came to the set and asked if he could learn on the job. He didn’t want anything in return. That’s how I let him stay with us on set, and that became his entry into cinema.”

Kamal explained that Shine quickly proved himself on set, becoming an efficient assistant. “Everyone on set liked him. He was particularly good at managing junior artists. I thought he would grow into a valuable asset for Malayalam cinema. Back then, Shine didn’t drink or smoke. After working with me on 5–6 films, he began assisting other directors. I believed that experience would help him learn more. But once he settled in Kochi, I think he drifted towards substance use. I haven’t seen him in a while. Perhaps his social circle and lifestyle in Kochi led him down that path.”

Shine’s role in 'Gaddama' and his changing appearance
Kamal also spoke about his decision to cast Shine in 'Gaddama', despite noticing significant physical changes in the actor. “While preparing for 'Gaddama', we were looking for someone to play a certain role. None of the actors who auditioned impressed me. My production controller Shafeer asked, ‘Have you seen Shine recently?’ I hadn’t. When I called him and asked to meet, I was shocked by his appearance—beard and hair grown out, he had changed into a rugged form. But it suited the role perfectly, so I cast him.”

Despite the changes in Shine’s appearance, Kamal said he took the role seriously. “Shine read the script and asked if he’d be right for the part. I told him yes, I believed in him. During the shoot, he took his role seriously—herding goats in the sun, wearing the character’s costume. I never saw him behaving like someone wanting to be an actor, but I realised then that he did have that dream.”

The cocaine case and Shine’s response
Kamal also recounted his reaction when Shine became embroiled in a cocaine scandal. “When the cocaine case first broke out, I was deeply disturbed. Shine’s father came to see me, and all I could do was ask him to stay strong. When I met Shine later, I asked him about it. All he said was, ‘We don’t realise these things when we’re with certain people.’ When I asked if he had used drugs, he dodged the question. Others gave mixed responses. But now, I firmly believe Shine is using.”

Discipline on set: Shine’s conduct in 'Vivekanandan Viralanu'
Kamal spoke positively about Shine’s conduct while working on 'Vivekanandan Viralanu', citing his discipline and punctuality. “Before casting him, I checked with other directors who’d worked with him. They all said he was disciplined and never caused any issues on set. Even in my film, he was punctual and well-behaved. I’ve never seen him high or under the influence. Many actors come late or delay shoots due to substance use, but I’ve never had such problems with Shine.”

He also noted Shine’s characteristic restlessness, a trait he had displayed since the beginning of his career. “One thing about Shine hasn’t changed: his restlessness. Even back in the day, he would run around the sets. I’ve often told him not to hurt himself. He says running helps him feel energised. Even now, he never enters a set through the front—he always comes through the back. He’d jump over hotel walls, run from his car to the caravan. He always showed up at the location well in advance of his scenes, though he’d often disappear in between. Where he went or what he did, I don’t know. But as long as the shoot wasn’t disrupted, I didn’t interfere.”

The culture of drug abuse in the film industry
Kamal expressed deep concern over the issue of drug abuse in the industry, which he believes is a widespread problem. “It’s sad to see young people, whether in film or society, fall prey to addiction. These are not people who don’t know the consequences; they’re just not able to stop. It’s not just Shine and the other recently named actor. From technicians to light boys, many are addicted. In fact, it’s often assistants who supply drugs to the stars. If we tried to remove everyone using substances from the industry, Malayalam cinema would come to a standstill. Because a majority are addicted to something or the other.”

He concluded with a call for help and rehabilitation. “I feel terrible seeing Shine repeatedly caught in such cases. What we need is counselling and proper treatment. I’ve already spoken to Shine’s parents. Of course, parents have limitations in what they can say to their grown-up children. But still, I believe we should try to help Shine and others like him return to normal life.”