What does tommy shelby smoke

Thomas Shelby, protagonist of the heavy-hitting Peaky Blinders, is seldom seen without a cigarette in his hand, a trademark gesture that contributes immeasurably to his aura of mystery. Cigarettes he smokes are in fact not tobacco but some kind of herbal substitute, in compliance with strict laws such as those about smoking by actors. Every time he lights up, the special image evolves from around him.

The world of Peaky Blinders is the world of smoke and grime. It reflects the harsh, gritty industrial life that was Birmingham in the early 20th century.In this world of smoke, our protagonist Tommy Shelby is frequently seen with a cigarette in his mouth.In real life, however, actor Cillian Murphy who plays Tommy smokes nothing more than herbal cigarettes because British law now forbids any actor from actually smoking tobacco on set when it will be shown on broadcast television. And later on in this drama, when time itself turns desperate for the Shelby family, the smoke has a negative effect on Tommy's character too it brings out his raw, ruthless manner increasing that element of defiance he has within himself at all times. It sets him apart, a visual reminder of his gritty outlook although he is unyielding until every nitty gritty detail has been brought into line with his wishes. If he is having a think about how best to make a strategic move against his enemies or when suddenly forced into introspection, the vision of Shelby with cigarette fits perfectly as a symbol for his iconic character profile.