The measure is seen as an effort to ensure that the costly trips are not merely for sightseeing but result in tangible benefits and actionable insights for the state
Actor-producer Dulquer Salmaan is facing a formal notice from Customs after two luxury SUVs, a Land Rover Defender and a Toyota Land Cruiser, were taken from his Kochi residence during a sweeping state-wide raid. Investigators say two more cars tied to the actor are also under review, and he will be asked to produce paperwork proving their legitimacy.
The investigation is part of Operation Numkhor, a coordinated drive against a racket accused of smuggling out-of-service Bhutanese army vehicles into India. Officials allege the vehicles were dismantled, ferried across the border in parts, reassembled in Tamil Nadu, and then registered in India using forged documents.
Widening probe and security concerns
The crackdown reached 35 sites across Kerala in a single day, resulting in the seizure of 36 luxury vehicles. Raids also touched the homes of actors Prithviraj Sukumaran and Amith Chakkalakkal. Eight cars were reportedly taken from Amith’s property, while nothing was found at Prithviraj’s flat.
Officials warn that this is not just about dodging import rules or taxes. Counterfeit papers stamped with army and diplomatic seals have already surfaced, raising concerns of money laundering, smuggling of gold and narcotics, and possible national security breaches.
A press briefing in Kochi by Customs Commissioner Dr T Tiju ended abruptly when he was pulled away mid-session, sparking speculation. Sources later suggested that central authorities stepped in to prevent premature disclosure of sensitive details.
Authorities have underlined that importing second-hand cars into India is strictly banned, and paying fines will not legitimise the vehicles. Dulquer, along with other owners flagged in the sweep, will need to appear in person with valid documents. Failure to comply could trigger harsher legal action, including arrests.
Stardom caught in controversy
The timing couldn’t be more dramatic for Dulquer. His banner Wayfarer Films is currently basking in the success of Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra, starring Kalyani Priyadarshan, which has become the highest-grossing Malayalam film to date. Dulquer himself popped up in a brief cameo, playing a mystical figure in the first instalment of what’s billed as a five-part fantasy saga.
On the acting front, Dulquer is shooting I’m Game, helmed by Nahas Hidhayath of RDX fame. But now, alongside his cinematic wins, the star must brace for intense legal scrutiny. As Operation Numkhor widens, the big question is whether this controversy will dim his current career high or if his cooperation will help him steer clear of deeper trouble.
Aloso Read: Kaantha Release Pushed As Lokah Continues Its Box Office Rampage
Actor Dhruv Vikram welcomed his 28th birthday on Tuesday in a way that reflected more heart than hype. Instead of a lavish party, he chose to spread joy among children from underprivileged communities. Through the All India Chiyaan Vikram Fans Club, his team distributed food packets to kids, creating smiles all around. A touching moment from the day featured a cake-cutting ceremony for a four-year-old whose birthday coincided with Dhruv’s, a gesture that quickly won fans’ praise online.
While social media was flooded with celebratory posts for Dhruv, it was this thoughtful outreach that stood out, showing that the young actor is keen on pairing his rising career with meaningful acts of kindness.
எங�கள� அன�பின� இளவரசர� #DhruvVikram அவர�களின� பிறந�தநாளை ம�ன�னிட�ட� @chiyaan_AICVF சார�பில� சிறிய அன�பளிப�ப� �க�ழந�தைகள�டன� உணவ� பகிர�ந�த� கொண�டோம�, மேல�ம� இன�ற� 4 வயத� சிற�மியின� பிறந�தநாளைய�ம� ப�திய உடை மற�ற�ம� கேக� கொட�த�த� மகிழ�ச�சிய�டன� கொண�டாடினோம� 🎂🖤@Chiyaan 🫂🖤 pic.twitter.com/AkqlM2WmMU
— All India Chiyaan Vikram Fans Club (@Chiyaan_AICVF) September 23, 2025
From Adithya Varma to Bison: an evolving journey
Dhruv’s entry into cinema came in 2019 with Adithya Varma, the Tamil adaptation of Arjun Reddy. A different version of the same story, titled Varmaa and helmed by Bala, followed a year later. In 2022, Dhruv shared screen space with his father, Chiyaan Vikram, in Karthik Subbaraj’s Mahaan. The father-son duo headlined the action drama, which premiered directly on Prime Video.
Next up for Dhruv is what many are calling his biggest project yet, Bison: Kaalamaadan, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Mari Selvaraj. Slated for release on October 17, 2025, to coincide with Diwali, the film is set in the world of kabaddi and is touted as a sports drama with a strong social undercurrent.
The cast boasts a mix of powerhouse performers, including Anupama Parameswaran, Lal, Pasupathy, Rajisha Vijayan, Hari Krishnan, Azhagam Perumal, and Kalaiyarasan. The movie is backed by Applause Entertainment and Neelam Studios, with production led by Sameer Nair, Deepak Seigal, Pa. Ranjith, and Aditi Anand.
Building buzz for a festive release
Bison has already started drumming up excitement thanks to its music and Dhruv’s transformation for the role. The film’s first single, Theekkoluthi, won attention for its striking visuals and poetic depth. A third track, Cheeni Kallu, is lined up for release this month, further adding to the pre-Diwali anticipation.
Behind the scenes, the technical team includes Nivas K Prasanna on music, Ezhil Arasu K handling cinematography, and Sakthi Thiru on editing, a combination expected to give the film both visual flair and emotional weight.
With Mari Selvaraj’s track record of telling socially resonant stories (Pariyerum Perumal, Karnan), and Dhruv’s evident dedication to his craft, expectations are running high. Industry watchers believe Bison could be a turning point in Dhruv’s career, positioning him as more than just a star son, but as an actor carving out his own space.
ALso Read: Dhruv Vikram’s Bison: Kaalamaadan Charges Into Cinemas This October