AMAI Raises Concerns Over Misrepresentation of ‘Arishtam’ in Blockbuster Malayalam Film
The Malayalam blockbuster Vaazha II: Biopic of a Billion Bros has landed in controversy after Ayurveda practitioners objected to a scene they claim misrepresents traditional medicine. The film, which released on April 2, has faced criticism for allegedly linking a medical condition to the consumption of ‘Arishtam’, a widely used Ayurvedic preparation.
Film’s Massive Success Amid Row
Directed by Savin S.A. and written by Vipin Das, the coming-of-age comedy-drama has emerged as one of the biggest Malayalam hits of 2026. Made on a modest ₹10 crore budget, the film has reportedly grossed over ₹200 crore worldwide.
Featuring actors like Bijju Kutten, Aju Varghese, Vijay Babu, Sudheesh, and a cameo by Alphonse Puthren, the film explores themes of friendship, youth struggles, and societal expectations, resonating strongly with audiences.
Ayurveda Community Flags Misrepresentation
The controversy stems from a sequence depicting the use of ‘Arishtam’—a traditional Ayurvedic fermented formulation made by boiling herbs and fermenting them with jaggery or honey. Practitioners argue that the scene inaccurately portrays its effects, potentially misleading viewers.
The Ayurveda Medical Association of India (AMAI) has formally raised objections, stating that such depiction could create misconceptions about Ayurveda and erode public trust in established practices.
Legal Action on the Cards
According to reports, AMAI is considering legal action against the filmmakers over the portrayal. The association maintains that the scene undermines the scientific and traditional basis of Ayurvedic medicines like Dasamoolarishtam and Balarishtam, which are commonly used for digestion, immunity, and respiratory conditions.
So far, there has been no official response from the film’s makers regarding the allegations.
Box Office Performance Remains Strong
Despite the controversy, the film’s commercial performance remains unaffected. It has reportedly earned around ₹99 crore in India and crossed ₹190 crore globally, including surpassing the ₹100 crore mark in Kerala within just 15 days—outperforming several recent Malayalam releases.
Sequel Announced: Vaazha 3 in Development
Riding on the film’s success, the makers have announced a third instalment titled Vaazha 3. The upcoming project is expected to focus on female-centric narratives and is being described as a “biopic of one billion girls.”
Vishnu Sreejith is set to direct the film, which aims to expand the franchise’s storytelling scope.
Debate Over Creative Freedom vs Cultural Sensitivity
The issue has reignited the broader debate around creative freedom in cinema versus responsible representation of traditional systems like Ayurveda. While filmmakers often take creative liberties, stakeholders argue that sensitive subjects related to healthcare and traditional medicine require accurate portrayal to avoid public misinformation.
