Thiruvananthapuram, Friday, September 16, 2011: A short film to create awareness about the ill-effects of liquor and drugs, produced by popular actor Mammooty for the Kerala Excise Department, was released by Chief Minister Oommen Chandy here.

The 40-second film titled ‘Say no to Drinks, Say no to Drinks’ was produced free of cost for the state as part of its drive against liquor and drugs.

Chandy said government would step up its action against the sale of narcotic substances near educational institutions. Achievements made by the state in many sectors and education had been dented due to the increase of liquor consumption, he said.

Mammooty said the film was a part of his effort to create an awareness among the people on drugs and liquor abuse. Asked whether he would shy away from enacting smoking or liquor drinking scenes in films, Mammooty said he never promoted drinking or smoking through his roles. However, he said “we (actors) are only tools in the hands of directors.” The government’s objective was to reduce the availability of liquor in a phased manner, Excise Minister K Babu said.

The state has also succeeded in checking illicit liquor trade, he added.The short film would be exhibited at educational institutions and telecast on other visual media.

(News agency)