Actor and director Akhil Marar has credited online trolls for the unexpected popularity of the trailer for his upcoming Malayalam film Midnight in Mullankolli.

Marar, who is a Big Boss fame, plays the lead role in the film. He took to social media to express his gratitude for the traction the trailer has gained.

According to Marar, the trailer has secured the sixth position on YouTube’s trending list. He described the film as a small production without any major star cast and attributed its online visibility to the attention it received from internet users—particularly those criticising him. “A small film without any big star cast has reached the sixth position on YouTube trending, all because of your love,” he wrote.

He went on to say that two days prior, people were speculating whether he would contest the Assembly elections. Now, after watching the trailer, he claimed that some were concerned he might become a film star instead. “Don’t get afraid like this,” he wrote, referring to his critics. “Your trolling has made this trailer a hit. I trust the film too will be embraced by you all.”

In a tongue-in-cheek tone, Marar added that he considers trolls to be his true supporters. “Morning, noon, and night, do keep trolling me three times a day. Honestly, you are my real fans, my strength, my energy,” he stated.

He also pointed out that the trailer has managed to trend without any promotional budget. Marar mentioned that he was earlier associated with the Kochi Blue Tigers cricket team, which includes cricketer Sanju Samson, in the upcoming Kerala Cricket League, but has since stepped back from cricket-related activities.

Midnight in Mullankolli is written and directed by Babu John and produced by Praseej Krishna under the banner of Star Gate. The film features a large ensemble cast, including Abhishek Sreekumar, Cerena Ann, Navas Vallikkunnu, Krishnapriya, Athul Suresh, Lakshmi Harikrishnan, Jaffer Idukki, Kottayam Nazeer, Joy Mathew, Dinesh Alleppey, Kottayam Ramesh, Praseej Krishna, Azad Kannadikkal, Sivadas Mattannur, Sreeshma Shine Das, Shashi IT, Robert, Naseer Shornur, Anupama PV, and Ashokan Manathana.

The trailer continues to receive engagement across social platforms, as anticipation builds for the film’s release.