Kollam: Filmmaker, actor, and television reality show personality Akhil Marar has issued a detailed statement in response to a case filed against him over an allegedly anti-national social media post.

The complaint was lodged by BJP’s Kottarakkara constituency president Anish Kizhakkekkara, in relation to a Facebook post made by Marar during the backdrop of the Pahalgam terror attack and subsequent retaliatory actions.

In a strongly worded clarification, Marar alleged that the case is a result of political vendetta. “The Sangh Parivar is angry with me for bursting their inflated balloon of propaganda,” he wrote. Marar also claimed that the police action against him was driven by certain business interests in Kottarakkara with political ambitions, who were looking to protect their prospects in the region.

Referencing the statement by former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding India-Pakistan relations, Marar pointed to what he described as the “diplomatic weakness” of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He recalled Trump's remarks:

“I told India and Pakistan that if you stop the war, we will trade — a lot of trade. If you don’t, we won’t. All of a sudden, they stopped.”

Marar argued that, in contrast to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s strong and independent foreign policy, Modi had failed to assert India's position internationally, particularly in response to American involvement in the India–Pakistan conflict.

“I compared Indira Gandhi and Modi not out of disrespect, but to highlight the diplomatic strength India once had. The fact that America is claiming credit for peace between India and Pakistan, while our Prime Minister remains silent, is deeply concerning,” he stated.

Addressing the post that sparked controversy, Marar said he had deleted it after realising that a particular reference to Balochistan was inappropriate. He claimed the video had originally been shared as a Facebook story and later removed from his profile once he realised it had remained visible.

Marar further accused the police of attempting to frame him under non-bailable charges as a political move, and suggested that some were using the issue as an opportunity to gain favour with local BJP factions. “This was an attempt to trap me...a publicity stunt and attempt to safeguard the interests of certain businessmen in Kottarakkara,” he alleged.

Marar concluded by asserting his right to free speech and legal defence:

“In today’s India, nationalism is increasingly equated with loyalty to Modi and the RSS. I believe I have the legal right to challenge this case. I have approached the Honourable High Court of Kerala. If I am granted bail and still retain the right to speak and criticise, what purpose do a thousand cases against me serve?”

He ended his statement with patriotic slogans:

“Bharat Mata Ki Jai, Vande Mataram, Jai Hind.”