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The Malayalam film Vaazha 2 has stirred intense debate within Kerala’s Ayurveda community. At the centre of the controversy is a storyline depicting liver damage linked to arishtam, a traditional herbal preparation containing alcohol. While the Ayurveda Medical Association of India (AMAI) has issued legal notices against the filmmakers, hepatologist Dr. Cyriac Abby Philips—widely known as LiverDoc—has defended the film, calling it an act of “public health activism.”

Dr. Philips argues that the film reflects documented medical concerns, citing cases where unregulated use of herbal formulations has contributed to liver injury. He praised the filmmakers for raising awareness, noting that cinema can serve as a powerful medium to highlight overlooked health risks. His stance, however, has intensified tensions with Ayurveda practitioners who believe the portrayal undermines centuries of traditional healing wisdom.

This clash underscores a larger question: how should traditional medicine engage with modern scientific scrutiny? Ayurveda has long underscored holistic healing, yet concerns about alcohol content and heavy metals in certain formulations demand careful regulation. The Vaazha 2 debate reminds us that safeguarding public health while honouring tradition requires dialogue, transparency, and evidence‑based practice.

 

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