KOCHI: Trolls and memes are the modern faces of satire and the new whips of the digital generation of Malayalis, actor Mammootty once said. Indeed, subtle humour and meme selection help the Malayali's satirical trolls stand out from the rest.
Major developments, prominent personalities and social issues... there's nothing that the Malayali 'trollan' and 'trolathi' will let go untouched. And so comes along the football World Cup, at a time when the troll culture is at its peak in Kerala. Can it be any different? No way. Welcome, soccer greats to the world of Mallu trolls!
“We have already started to receive trolls against Argentina from opposition fans. However, we are waiting for them to circulate more through the Malayalam troll football groups. That does not mean we are not going to remain silent,” says Nithish P, an Argentina supporter.
“Trolls in favour of Argentina, when it wins each and every match in the group and pre-quarters and quarters, have already been designed by us. We are waiting,” says Nithish, who is from Olavakkode, Palakkad.
It is evident from the attitude of fans that the trolls will be mainly fan-based. The most popular teams in Kerala are Argentina and Brazil. So, most of the trolls will be for and against these teams. However, teams such as Portugal, France, Germany and Spain too are getting plenty of support here.
“In our club, our group supports France. Brazil fans usually troll Argentina and vice-versa. However, we are really freebies when it comes to trolling because we can troll all other teams,” says Ajil Baby of Rajakumari, Idukki. Each fan club spends a minimum of Rs 8,000 each on flex hoardings. Interestingly, this year, there will be some flex boards that are in the design of meme. “If our opponent team gets knocked out in either round of 16 or quarters, that flex will be erected. We need to prepare them in advance because it will not be easy to print and erect them as soon as that particular match ends. So, we are printing them in advance,” says Akhil Mohan of Metropolis Club, Kanjikode.
The entire group members will sit and think about the idea and selection of apt movie memes. The designing will be carried out by an expert. Some groups even seek the support of a Photoshop expert or a designer. “However, though we circulate them in the social media and WhatsApp groups, we always try to stay away from personally targeting any of our rival fan members. However, we know that every preparation will be in vain if our team gets knocked out early. But, till then, our ‘troll spirit’ will remain high. That is the fun,” adds Nithish.