Thiruvananthapuram: Madhav Suresh, an actor and the son of Union Minister Suresh Gopi, has claimed that a vicious online hate campaign directed at him is politically motivated, suggesting his father is the ultimate target.

Speaking at a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram alongside film producer Anil Kumar, Madhav alleged that his family, including his mother and sisters, had faced targeted abuse online. He also hit out at digital content creators, accusing several YouTubers of disguised cyberbullying under the pretext of film criticism to sabotage his latest release, Angam Attahaasam.

"Angam Attahaasam is an action thriller. If the climax is leaked via YouTube reviews, the entire purpose of the film is defeated," Madhav said. He emphasised that the project was funded by an independent producer using personal savings rather than corporate backing. "The reviews were released in a manner designed to choke box office collections precisely when the producer should have been recouping his investment."

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The actor raised questions regarding the authenticity of some online critiques, citing a review broadcast from Qatar. "Our film has not even been released there. Either he watched a pirated copy or he has not seen the film at all. Yet, he had no qualms about publishing a review," he said. Madhav Suresh also noted technical glitches in certain cinemas, stating that the audio-visual quality was only rectified in the second half after the crew intervened.

Addressing his background, Madhav Suresh acknowledged his privileged entry into the industry but pleaded for fairness. "This is a 'nepo product' speaking," he remarked. "I have never claimed to be a great actor; I am simply trying to learn the trade and do my job. But when people attack me senselessly—whether for political, personal, or other reasons—it does not just hit me. It hurts the independent producers and directors who have risked their own capital. I am not in a financial position to compensate the producer myself. Please do not destroy someone else’s livelihood just because you dislike me."

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Madhav Suresh strongly denied any political alignments, despite his father’s high-profile cabinet position in the central government. "Attempts are being made to tether me to my father's political party. I have consistently stated that I hold no allegiance to any single party. I support good individuals, regardless of their political banner. For me, my state and my country come first."

Expressing distress over how the situation has unfolded, he concluded with an appeal to the public: "This is beginning to jeopardise my livelihood. I do not even know who to turn to. I am asking the audience: what is the way out for someone who is merely trying to work honestly and make a living?"