Kollywood in Crisis: Actor Krishna Arrested in Cocaine Scandal Linked To Srikanth
The allure of Kollywood has diminished as yet another actor has found themselves in legal trouble. Tamil film actor Krishna, known for his roles in films like Anjali and Maari 2, was arrested on June 26 for his involvement, along with actor Srikanth and an AIADMK functionary, in a large drug racket.
What began as a bar fight in Nungambakkam last month has since escalated into a significant narcotics scandal with political implications, highlighting modern contraband transactions and implicating prominent Tamil actors. Evidence against the accused includes WhatsApp chats, seized cocaine, and blood reports, which will form the basis of the case. This incident has sent shockwaves through Chennai's elite society.
The Cocaine Trail: From AIADMK to Kollywood
The investigation took a significant turn as the arrested actor, Srikanth, who was apprehended on 23 June, purportedly told the police that a member of the now no longer working IT wing of AIADMK, T. Prasad, was the one who first introduced him to cocaine. Prasad was in custody regarding another matter, involving a job fraud and extortion, and had procured drugs from a Bangalore-based group that included a Ghanaian national named John.
The police followed the trail of the money and marked the exchanges on WhatsApp, which led them to Krishna. Krishna was purportedly charged with acquiring drugs from an associate, Kevin (Jesveer). Kevin was allegedly found in possession of 0.5 grams of cocaine, 10.3 grams of methamphetamine, and ₹45,200 in cash.
Just two days after Srikanth’s arrest, Tamil actor Krishna was taken into custody on June 25. Krishna is hiding, which is found at a friend's house as part of a widening drug probe, according to The Times of India. (Source: The Times Of India)
Krishna was on the run for approximately 24 hours until he finally gave up when the police broke down his door during questioning. He had ordered medical assessments to prove that he had no drugs in his system; yet his digital traces via group conversations with other suppliers about drugs, particularly on WhatsApp, were revealing.
Political Connects and the Escalating Investigation
Prasad's arrest has injected politics into this investigation and raised questions about the connections between politically influential individuals, drug dealers, and celebrities as seasons change. Police sources allege that Prasad hosted parties where drugs were used, leading to relationships with actors, including Srikanth, who subsequently became involved in the drug-dealing business.
Additionally, the investigation has expanded to include two prominent actresses and other professionals in the film industry who are suspected of involvement. The Narcotics Intelligence Unit of the Chennai Police is also monitoring the flow of drugs coming from Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Mumbai.
Judicial Custody and Industry Fallout
Krishna and Kevin have been remanded to Judicial custody until July 10, while Srikanth remains locked up until July 7. All three arrests have rocked Kollywood to its core, with some demanding that the industry become regulated.
#WATCH | Chennai, Tamil Nadu: Actor Krishna arrested by Chennai Police in connection with a drug case. pic.twitter.com/lZx2N8RgxU
— ANI (@ANI) June 26, 2025
Actor Krishna seen arriving at a Chennai Police Station after his arrest in a high-profile drug case on June 26, 2025. ( Source ANI)
Malayalam Cinema had already made no-drug affidavits mandatory for crews, and Tamil Cinema may follow suit. Expect more arrests and additional evidence indicating that the scandal may damage the reputations of several individuals.
A Scandal That Is Far from Over
The Chennai drug case has highlighted a disturbing reality that lies behind the glamour of Tamil Cinema. Krishna and Srikanth face legal action; however, the probe has gone into deeper aspects that involve politics, criminality, and the film world.
All eyes are now on Chennai Narcotics Unit as they pursue leads; the ultimate denouement of this thriller is yet to be told.