Santhosh Varkey, widely known by his social media alias “Arattannan,” is a polarizing figure in Kerala’s social media and entertainment landscape. Rising to fame through his quirky and often controversial film reviews, he has become a recognizable name among Malayalam cinema enthusiasts. His journey from an amateur movie reviewer to a viral internet personality is marked by a blend of intellectual aspirations, cinematic passion, and a series of controversies that have kept him in the public eye. This article explores his background, qualifications, public persona, and the latest controversies surrounding him.
Personal Background and Qualifications
Santhosh Varkey presents himself as an intellectual with a strong academic foundation, often drawing comparisons to thinkers like Albert Einstein and Bertrand Russell. His claimed qualifications and personal details, as gathered from various sources, are summarized below:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Santhosh Varkey |
| Alias | Arattannan (derived from his viral review of Mohanlal’s film Aarattu) |
| Education | – Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (claimed) |
| – Master of Arts (claimed, per his CV) | |
| – Pursuing Ph.D. in Philosophy (claimed, ongoing at a college in Kerala) | |
| Other Claims | – Cleared GATE and had the opportunity to join IIT but did not pursue it |
| Profession | Social media film reviewer, YouTuber, occasional actor |
| Social Media Presence | Instagram and Facebook: Over 41,000 followers each (as of 2024) |
| Startup Venture | Announced a startup named KSOPM aimed at creating self-directed learners |
| Family Background | Claims his father was an engineer; siblings provide financial support |
| Lifestyle | Minimalist, with major expenses being movie tickets and spa visits |
Note: Most of the above information is based on Varkey’s self-reported claims, and some details, such as his Ph.D. enrollment or IIT opportunity, lack independent verification.
Rise to Fame
Santhosh Varkey’s ascent to fame began with his eccentric review of the 2022 Malayalam film Aarattu, starring Mohanlal. His animated and unfiltered commentary, delivered outside a theater during the film’s first-day-first-show (FDFS), went viral, earning him the moniker “Arattannan.” Since then, he has become a staple at FDFS events, often surrounded by paparazzi and YouTubers eager to capture his opinions. His reviews, shared primarily through YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook, range from humorous to inflammatory, attracting both a loyal following and significant criticism.
Varkey’s content extends beyond film reviews. He frequently engages in social and political commentary, expressing admiration for Marxist ideologies and figures like Karl Marx, Friedrich Engels, and Vladimir Lenin. He also positions himself as an intellectual, emphasizing his academic pursuits and desire to be recognized as a “professor” or “intellectual celebrity.” However, his approach often blends self-promotion with provocative statements, leading to a fractured public image.
In addition to his online presence, Varkey has ventured into acting, notably appearing in a cameo role in the 2025 Mammootty-starrer Bazooka, directed by Deeno Dennis. While his inclusion surprised audiences, it also sparked mixed reactions due to his controversial reputation.
Controversies
Santhosh Varkey’s career is as defined by controversy as it is by his cinematic passion. His unfiltered remarks and public behavior have repeatedly landed him in legal and social trouble. Below is an overview of his major controversies, with a focus on the latest incidents:
1. Obscene Remarks Against Actors (2024-2025)
Varkey has faced multiple allegations of making derogatory and obscene comments about actors, particularly women, under the guise of film reviews. In July 2024, actor Bala filed a complaint with the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) and the Ernakulam Police, accusing Varkey of using vulgar language to insult actors and their families. Varkey was summoned by the Palarivattom police, where he signed a written statement promising not to repeat such behavior. The police warned him of legal consequences for future violations.
2. Assault Allegations (2023-2024)
In June 2023, Varkey was physically assaulted at the Vanitha-Vineetha Theatre in Kochi following his negative review of the film Within Seconds. Critics alleged he reviewed the film without watching it fully and demanded money, claims he denied. The incident, captured on video, went viral, prompting Varkey to announce he would stop reviewing films. However, he later resumed his activities.
In August 2023, actor Bala invited Varkey to his home and made him publicly apologize on Bala’s YouTube channel for spreading false stories about actors’ personal lives, including Mohanlal’s.
3. Harassment of Actresses
Varkey’s interactions with actresses have drawn significant backlash. He was previously warned by the Palarivattom police for harassing actress Nithya Menon, including making inappropriate demands for her to marry him. Similar complaints have been raised by other actresses, such as Aishwarya Lakshmi, who distanced themselves from him due to his behavior.
4. Sexual Assault Allegation (August 2024)
In August 2024, Varkey was among five individuals booked by the Cheranalloor police for allegedly sexually assaulting a transgender woman makeup artist. The complainant, lured with the promise of a role in a short film, alleged that Varkey and others assaulted her on April 12, 2024. The case drew widespread condemnation, further damaging Varkey’s credibility.
5. Latest Controversy: Arrest for Obscene Remarks (April 2025)
On April 25, 2025, Varkey was arrested by the Ernakulam North Police following complaints from actresses Usha Haseena, Bhagyalakshmi, Kukku Parameswaran, and Ansiba. The actresses accused him of making obscene and derogatory remarks, including a Facebook post on April 20, 2025, claiming that “women in the film industry are prostitutes.” The statement, deemed defamatory and harmful, led to non-bailable charges for outraging the modesty of women. Usha Haseena emphasized the need for strong legal action to address Varkey’s remarks, which she argued perpetuated harmful stereotypes about women in cinema. This arrest marks the most significant legal consequence Varkey has faced to date.
Public Perception and Impact
Santhosh Varkey’s persona is a study in contrasts. To his supporters, he is a candid critic who brings humor and authenticity to film commentary. His minimalist lifestyle and dedication to cinema resonate with fans who see him as a relatable figure. However, his detractors view him as a publicity-seeker whose offensive remarks and erratic behavior cross ethical boundaries. Social media discussions, particularly on platforms like Reddit, highlight this divide, with some users describing him as “mentally unstable” and others acknowledging his educational credentials while criticizing his lack of social skills.
Varkey’s controversies have sparked broader conversations about the ethics of online film criticism and the responsibilities of social media influencers. AMMA’s decision in 2024 to take strict action against YouTubers who insult film industry professionals reflects the industry’s growing intolerance for such behavior.
Conclusion
Santhosh Varkey, aka Arattannan, is a complex and enigmatic figure in Malayalam cinema culture. His claimed academic background and intellectual aspirations contrast sharply with his controversial actions and inflammatory rhetoric. While his passion for cinema has earned him a dedicated following, his repeated legal troubles and offensive remarks have alienated many. The latest arrest in April 2025 underscores the consequences of his unchecked behavior, raising questions about the balance between free speech and accountability in the digital age. As Varkey navigates his public persona, his story serves as a cautionary tale of how ambition, fame, and controversy can intertwine in the world of social media.
