Vijay Babu Defends Young Actor Ishan Shaukat Against Trolls: “Ignorant Criticism Will Affect the Morale of Young Actors”

The recently released Malayalam fantasy comedy Patakalam, directed by Manu Swaraj and produced by Vijay Babu, has garnered a positive response from audiences since its theatrical release and subsequent arrival on OTT platforms. However, alongside praise, the film has also become the target of certain online trolls — particularly aimed at young actor Ishan Shaukat, who played the character of Lijo.

The controversy erupted over a scene in the film’s climax where Ishan is seen performing a classical dance. Some viewers criticized his performance, questioning its authenticity and finesse, and social media soon saw a flurry of memes and negative comments aimed at the young actor.

In response, producer and actor Vijay Babu has come forward in defense of Ishan, urging the public to be more empathetic toward budding talent. Taking to social media, Vijay Babu expressed concern over the unnecessary targeting of young performers and clarified the circumstances behind the much-discussed scene.

> “I saw a lot of comments about Patakalam. Thank you to everyone who accepted the film. I take both the positive and negative equally. But I object to the casting of some characters and to making fun of them — this is without understanding the thoughts behind casting them,” Vijay Babu wrote.



He specifically addressed the criticism aimed at Ishan, explaining that while the actor is trained in dance, he is not a classical dancer. The last-minute nature of the scene required him to learn and adapt quickly, which he did with dedication and professionalism.

> “I have seen a few posts targeting Ishan Shaukat. He is a young man with a lot of talent — he was chosen for that role for many reasons. He is a trained dancer, but not a classical dancer. After shooting the climax scenes, there were some last-minute changes according to the music, and Ishan agreed to practice classical steps in two days,” Vijay elaborated.



The producer also highlighted that the scene was intended to depict a college cultural performance and wasn’t designed to showcase professional-level classical dancing. He emphasized that this context should be taken into account before making harsh judgments.

> “It is easy to object if you think it will affect him. But we felt that it is a college program and it does not have to be perfect,” he said, adding, “I accept all good criticism, I appreciate it. But I request you not to target young actors, because it will affect their morale.”



Patakalam explores fantasy elements blended with comedy and features a youthful cast navigating a surreal narrative. Ishan Shaukat’s performance as Lijo, though under fire from some corners of the internet, has also earned appreciation from fans who recognized the charm and sincerity he brought to the role.

Vijay Babu’s statement serves as a reminder of the pressures faced by emerging actors in the industry, particularly in an era where online commentary can easily overshadow honest efforts. His support for Ishan has been widely shared and praised by members of the film fraternity and fans alike.

In a cinematic landscape that is increasingly shaped by social media narratives, Vijay Babu’s defense is not just about one scene or one actor — it is a call to nurture and support young talent with empathy and understanding.