There's a common saying that Indians have low civic sense—it reflects strongly online. We don't know how to disagree respectfully.
Published Jul 26, 2025 | 7:00 AM ⚊ Updated Jul 26, 2025 | 7:00 AM
Freddy V Francis
Synopsis: A social media influencer from Kerala and his aged parents are facing a flood of hate messages, threats, and abuses online after he put up an Instagram reel comparing Oommen Chandy and VS Achuthanandan.
A social media influencer from Kochi, now living in Spain, is experiencing an unexpected storm after one of his Instagram reels went viral.
The man, Freddy V Francis, is facing a deluge of hate messages, threats, and online abuse. His elderly parents in Kochi, too, are not spared.
Francis’s content has always been rooted in politics, but with a touch of humour, irony, and sarcasm. He uses satire as a tool to speak about issues others normally avoid, question power structures, and expose contradictions in the political landscape.
His Instagram bio leaves no room for confusion- he’s here to ”roast, fry or boil.” It’s bold, unapologetic, and reflects his fearless approach to commentary.
With each passing hour, the pressure is mounting on Francis. His family members and relatives, shaken by the threats and worried about the safety of his parents, have urged him to stop. Francis now stands at a crossroads, torn between his passion and the people he loves.
For him, being an influencer wasn’t just about numbers or trends. It was a powerful outlet to express, to question, to make people think—sometimes laugh, and reflect. But now, with every post becoming a potential flashpoint, he’s being pushed into silence.
”It’s painful to see my parents anxious and scared, because of something I said, something I believed in,” Francis told South First.
In a world that claims to celebrate free speech, Francis is learning the bitter truth: There might be freedom of speech, but what about freedom after speech?
After the demise of Kerala’s former chief minister VS Achuthanandan, social media saw a wave of videos comparing him with another former chief minister, Oommen Chandy. The reason? Both leaders were widely loved, and their final rites drew massive crowds. Many creators began drawing parallels between the two.
Francis, too, shared a reel. But his focus was different—he highlighted the stark contrast in the privileges both leaders had.
”In the reel, I said that comparing VS Achuthanandan with Oommen Chandy is like comparing an ant and an elephant,” he said.
”There’s a clear difference between the privileged and the underprivileged. Their birth, life journeys, circumstances, and even their passing were different. One came from a privileged class, the other didn’t. So comparing them doesn’t make sense.”
However, the video did not go down well with Congress workers. Soon after, party workers and even official pages began targeting Francis and his family with hate messages. The backlash escalated further, and abuse and threats began reaching his aged parents as well.
”People behave differently in digital spaces compared to real life. Online, you don’t always see the socially polished side of a person—it often becomes a space for chaos and negativity,” Francis said.
”I do have a political stance, and I will continue making political content—maybe even in the next hour. That’s my freedom. I create content based on personal interest and current trends. As a former UPSC aspirant, I keep a close watch on state, national, and international politics.”
”In today’s world, short videos and reels are increasingly becoming a major source of information. That makes such content important. My videos are short—32 to 50 seconds—but they speak uncomfortable truths mostly. I highlight negativity and expose realities. Why does that offend people so much?”
”I understand how social media works—I manage pages for several celebrities in India and abroad. But the level of hate that political or factual content creators receive is alarming. Our digital space is becoming hypersensitive.”
“There’s a common saying that Indians have low civic sense—it reflects strongly online. We don’t know how to disagree respectfully. Influencers like Dhruv Rathee or anyone who talks about politics or social issues are constantly monitored, and sometimes even intimidated.”
“This isn’t just about trolls—it’s about a system that tries to instill fear,” Francis added.
(Edited by Majnu Babu).
