The Villain director Prem has been subjected to intense trolling on social media since the release of his new film.

Kannada filmmaker Prem has been subjected to intense trolling on social media since the release of his new film The Villain. The big budget action drama released last week amid huge hype, thanks to its star-studded cast.

Prem has said he has received at least nine abusive videos each about five to 10 minutes long. “Everyone has the right to an opinion about my work. But some have indulged in personal attacks targeting my family. And it is unacceptable,” the director told the media after filing a police complaint at the Upparpet police station in Bengaluru.

The Villain, starring superstars Shivarajkumar and Sudeep in the lead roles, failed to live up to its pre-release hype. The film mostly received poor reviews from critics and fans alike. “I have submitted the abusive videos to the police and I am also filing a defamation case against three accused,” he said.

Prem opined that his rivals in the industry were instigating such personal attacks against him. “I have complained against all who had used foul language against my family in the videos. They all claim themselves to be fans of Shivarajkumar. Ture fans of such a great actor won’t behave this way,” he said.

The director said he was suing the accused to set an example so that no other filmmaker in Kannada cinema will have to face a similar situation in the future.