What is "abkari"

n. 1 (context India English) The manufacture or sale of liquors or drugs. 2 (context India English) A revenue tax on the manufacture or sale of liquors and drugs.(R:MW3 1976: page=4)

Abkari is a 1988 Malayalam movie starring Mammootty and Ratheesh in the title roles. It was written by T. Damodaran and was directed by I. V. Sasi. The movie, based on the life of liquor barons and contractors, known as Abkaris, in Kerala, was a super hit.