Kochi: Actor Madhav Suresh, son of senior actor and Union Minister Suresh Gopi, has strongly criticised the dangerous and competitive driving culture among buses in Kerala, following a near-fatal incident involving him and his brother, actor Gokul Suresh.

In an Instagram story that quickly gained attention, Madhav recounted a harrowing experience while returning to Kochi from Guruvayur late at night. According to his statement, two buses were allegedly racing each other on a narrow road, forcing his car off the road and nearly into a tree.

"We were just centimetres away from a serious crash. My brother and I were travelling back from Guruvayur when two buses began racing on a road barely wide enough for two vehicles. They forced us into whatever non-existent space there was," Madhav wrote. He also referred to a near escape by his brother Vishak in Kaloor, in what could have been a fatal accident involving another private bus.

The actor also shared a video of the incident, reportedly showing the two buses engaged in a high-speed race. He noted that such experiences are all too familiar for people in Kerala, particularly in the central and northern parts of the state.

Madhav didn't hold back in his criticism of both private operators and the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC). He called on the state government to take accountability for the reckless behaviour of bus drivers—both private and public.

"Here’s my proposition: either the state does something about the reckless nature of KSRTC buses and these private bus drivers, or—if this happens again—give me a clean pass to slash their tyres, smash the windshield and break the culprit’s jaw," he wrote, in a dramatic appeal to authorities.

Though expressed in frustration, Madhav's remarks have sparked a debate on road safety and the need for stricter regulations. An official response is reportedly awaited.