Kozhikode: Popular YouTuber and film reviewer Aswanth Kok was arrested by the Eranhippalam police here on Monday for driving under the influence of alcohol.

He was taken into custody by a police team near Eranhippalam Junction after he allegedly drove his car recklessly, posing a risk to other motorists.

According to a senior police officer, the police control room received information that a person was driving dangerously and causing accidents. A police team rushed to the spot and intercepted the vehicle.

“We found him inside the car in an inebriated condition. He was taken into custody soon after,” the officer said.

Aswanth Kok is known for his sharply worded reviews of Malayalam films and his commentary on the film industry. His reviews and social-media content have gained a substantial following.

Earlier, the Kerala Film Producers Association had approached the authorities alleging that his activities as a film reviewer and the income generated through social-media content amounted to violations of professional rules.

In 2023, Aswanth Kok was among those named in a case registered by the Kochi City Police following a complaint by filmmaker Ubaini E. The filmmaker had alleged that social-media reviewers attempted to damage the prospects of his film Rahel Makan Kora.

The case was among the developments that triggered a wider debate in Kerala over review bombing and the influence of online film reviewers on theatrical releases.