Malayalam director Alphonse Puthren reveals autism diagnosis, deletes social media post later

Malayalam director Alphonse Puthren on Monday shocked everyone by revealing that he has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, but later deleted the post on social media.

"I'm stopping my Cinema Theater Career. I have Autism Spectrum Disorder which I found out yesterday on my own. I don't want to be a burden to anyone else. I will continue doing songs and videos and short films and maximum an OTT. I don't want to quit Cinema, but I have no other option. I don't want to make promises that I can't keep. When health is weak or unpredictable life brings a twist like an Interval Punch," Alphonse said in a post on his Instagram page. 

"I'm sorry to everyone for not being healthy. I don't know what the reason is. I had this issue from childhood, this is what I think after understanding Autism. That's why the delay in films I guess. But I wouldn't stop entertaining you all," he added. 

Alphonse's explosive social media post sent a shockwave across the Malayalam film industry. However, soon after posting these comments on his social media account, he also deleted them. 

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The reason for Alphonse's candid revelation about his health condition and subsequent retraction is unclear. 

Autism Spectrum Disorder, in short ASD, is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder affecting social interaction, communication, and behavior.

Alphonse started his journey in films as a short filmmaker. Soon he made his feature film debut with comedy actioner Neram. His 2015 coming-of-age romantic drama Premem became a watershed moment in his career, making him a sensation across the South Indian film industry. 

His last movie titled Gold came out in 2022 after a long delay. Starring Prithviraj Sukumaran and Nayanthara in the lead roles, the film tanked at the box office with poor reviews from critics.