By Team Ayurved Sutra
Posted on
Vaazha 2 Controversy: Ayurveda Body Threatens Legal Action Over ‘Arishtam’ Scene
The Malayalam blockbuster Vaazha 2: Biopic of a Billion Bros has sparked a major controversy following objections from sections of the Ayurveda community over a scene they claim misrepresents traditional medicine practices.
Directed by Savin S. A. and written by Vipin Das, the coming-of-age comedy-drama released on April 2 and quickly emerged as one of the highest-grossing Malayalam films of 2026. However, its strong box office run has been accompanied by growing criticism over its portrayal of Ayurvedic formulations.
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## What Triggered the Controversy
The issue centers on a scene that allegedly links a character’s medical condition—and in some accounts, death due to liver cirrhosis—to the consumption of “arishtam,” a traditional Ayurvedic fermented formulation.
Arishtam is typically prepared by boiling herbs and fermenting them with jaggery or honey, producing a naturally occurring alcohol content. It is commonly used in Ayurveda for digestion, immunity, and certain illnesses.
The Ayurveda Medical Association of India (AMAI) has raised concerns that the depiction could mislead audiences and undermine trust in Ayurveda. According to reports, the body has indicated plans to initiate legal action against the filmmakers, alleging misrepresentation of established practices.
Practitioners have also voiced concerns on social media, arguing that such portrayals risk spreading misinformation about traditional medicine systems.
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## Medical Community Divided
The controversy has widened into a broader debate within the medical community. Public health commentator and hepatologist Abby Philips, widely known as LiverDoc, has backed the film’s narrative, calling it “public health activism.”
In a detailed social media post, he cited peer-reviewed research suggesting that certain herbal formulations, including arishtam—which may contain 10–15% alcohol—can be associated with liver injury, cirrhosis, and, in rare cases, fatal outcomes.
Philips argued that raising awareness about potential risks is essential, emphasizing that “scientific evidence must take precedence” in public health discussions. He also noted that similar objections had previously been raised against his own research by groups linked to Ayurveda bodies.
His stance has drawn criticism from sections of practitioners across Ayurveda and other alternative medicine systems, who accuse him of undermining traditional practices.
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## Legal Action and Industry Silence
The AMAI’s reported move to pursue legal proceedings marks a significant escalation in the dispute. The association maintains that the film’s depiction damages the credibility of Ayurveda and could influence public perception negatively.
As of now, the filmmakers have not issued an official response to the controversy.
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## Strong Box Office Performance Continues
Despite the backlash, Vaazha 2 has maintained a strong commercial performance. Made on an estimated budget of ₹10 crore, the film has grossed over ₹200 crore worldwide, with reports indicating collections of around ₹99 crore in India and over ₹190 crore globally.
It crossed the ₹100 crore mark in Kerala within 15 days, outperforming several recent Malayalam releases and continuing a steady theatrical run even amid the ongoing debate.
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## Cast, Story, and Future Plans
The film features a mix of emerging social media personalities and established actors, including Biju Kuttan, Alphonse Puthren, Aju Varghese, Vijay Babu, and Sudheesh.
A sequel to the 2024 film, Vaazha 2 follows four friends navigating adolescence, peer pressure, and personal choices, blending humor with grounded storytelling.
Following its commercial success, the makers have announced a third installment, Vaazha 3, which is expected to shift focus to female-centric narratives and is described as a “biopic of one billion girls.” The upcoming film will be directed by Vishnu Sreejith.
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