In the aftermath of the release of his latest film, ‘Gold,’ director Alphonse Puthren has decided to step away from the virtual realm, ceasing all activity on Instagram and Facebook. The filmmaker had been facing relentless criticisms and trolls since the film’s release, prompting him to actively use social media platforms to address and counter the negative feedback.
Despite his efforts to navigate the online criticism surrounding ‘Gold,’ Alphonse Puthren found himself at odds with the constant backlash, which eventually took a toll on his family. In a heartfelt note shared on his official Facebook handle, Puthren explained his decision to withdraw from Instagram and Facebook, citing discomfort his family experienced due to the negative attention. He stated, “I have decided not to post on Instagram and Facebook anymore because my mother, father, and sisters don’t like what I post on Instagram, and some relatives are intimidating them.”
Acknowledging the challenges he faced in the harsh online environment, Puthren expressed a desire for peace, stating, “I say that if I keep quiet, everyone will find peace. Then so be it. Thanks to many people.”
The announcement garnered a mixed response from netizens, with messages of both encouragement and support. Some empathized with Puthren’s decision, recognizing the difficulties he encountered while navigating the online landscape.
The move comes in the wake of several controversial posts by the filmmaker, including remarks during the demise of Tamil actor Vijayakanth, where he alleged foul play in the deaths of prominent political figures. Additionally, Puthren claimed to have inside information regarding actor Ajith Kumar’s potential entry into politics, sparking further controversy.
While some netizens expressed support for Puthren’s decision to take a break from social media, others encouraged him to return stronger than ever. One comment read, “Dear Alphonse, You are not a loser; you are a hero. One failure won’t do anything to you. Come back stronger, man,” while another urged him to “take a break from social media, get things right, and come back stronger than ever.”
The filmmaker’s decision to distance himself from social media reflects the ongoing challenges faced by public figures in managing their online presence amidst a critical and sometimes unforgiving audience.
