Days after the release of L2: Empuraan – on the surface, a masala action potboiler – the industry has come under intense criticism from the Hindu right for its overt political messaging. In response to the controversy, the filmmakers have announced substantial changes to the film, while superstar Mohanlal has issued an apology.
Published Mar 30, 2025 | 8:13 PM ⚊ Updated Mar 31, 2025 | 11:50 AM
Synopsis: The Malayalam film Empuraan has triggered controversy over its political content and depiction of communal violence, drawing strong criticism from right-wing groups. BJP and RSS leaders say the film distorts historical events and targets Hindu organisations, while supporters argue it bravely addresses sensitive issues. The row has raised fresh concerns about creative freedom in India’s film industry, amid growing political pressure on artists.
Can you imagine a Christian actor spitting blood on a Hindu deity’s face today in the name of art?
Half a century ago, a MT Vasudevan Nair film portrayed exactly that on screen in Kerala.
But now? The Malayalam film industry, often touted as the most daring in Indian cinema, is facing the same pressures that have long constrained other industries: the muzzling of creative freedom.
Days after the release of L2: Empuraan – on the surface, a masala action potboiler – the industry has come under intense criticism from the Hindu right for its overt political messaging.
The film’s depiction of Hindu figures, its references to the 2002 Gujarat riots, and indirect allusions to current political leaders – along with its pointed critique of all three major political parties in Kerala – provoked sustained backlash from the Sangh Parivar.
In response to the controversy, the filmmakers have announced substantial changes to the film, including cuts of 2 minutes 8 seconds, changes to the antagonist’s name and a toned-down depiction of violence against women.
One of the central points of contention is the film’s opening sequence, which shows a train fire that kills passengers, including women, children, and Hindu monks.
Critics claim this not-so-subtle depiction of the Godhra train burning presents it as an accident, without adequately exploring its origins.
Some right-wing groups, along with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) supporters, allege that the film unfairly targets Hindu organisations.
Amid mounting criticism, Kerala BJP State President Rajeev Chandrasekhar announced that he would not watch Empuraan, expressing disappointment over what he called a distortion of facts.
ലൂസിഫർ കണ്ടിരുന്നു, എനിക്ക് അത് ഇഷ്ടപ്പെട്ടു. ലൂസിഫറിന്റെ തുടർച്ചയാണെന്ന് കേട്ടപ്പോൾ എമ്പുരാൻ കാണുമെന്ന് ഞാൻ പറഞ്ഞിരുന്നു.
എന്നാൽ ഇപ്പോൾ സിനിമയുടെ നിർമ്മാതാക്കൾ തന്നെ സിനിമയിൽ 17 ഭേദഗതികൾ വരുത്തിയിട്ടുണ്ടെന്നും ചിത്രം വീണ്ടും സെൻസർഷിപ്പിന് വിധേയമാകുന്നുണ്ടെന്നും എനിക്ക്…
— Rajeev Chandrasekhar 🇮🇳 (@RajeevRC_X) March 30, 2025
He said that while he had enjoyed Lucifer, the prequel to Empuraan, he was troubled by reports that the sequel misrepresented historical events.
His comments came as Sangh Parivar leaders and other right-wing groups escalated their criticism, arguing that the film undermines national interests.
Despite repeated attempts by South First, Murali Gopy and other members of the film’s crew have remained reluctant to respond to the controversy.
The backlash prompted Malayalam superstar Mohanlal, who plays the lead role, to issue a statement addressing the concerns.
In a Facebook post, Mohanlal expressed regret over the controversy, stating that as an artist, he has always been “mindful of ensuring his films do not promote hatred towards any political movement, ideology, or religious community”.
“Recognising the mental anguish caused, he and the Empuraan team have taken collective responsibility and decided to remove such elements from the film.”
Mohanlal further highlighted “his deep bond with audiences”, noting that their love and trust have been his greatest strength throughout his four-decade career.
He reassured fans that he remains committed to making cinema that connects with everyone – without causing division or distress.
The post was also shared by Prithviraj Sukumaran, the film’s Director.
But the apology has divided fans. While many initially supported him, others have voiced disappointment, particularly given his stature in the industry.
It has also prompted concerns over artistic compromise and freedom of expression, especially in the face of a belligerent Hindu right.
The current controversy has also sparked a wider debate about political influence on cinema. Some fans argue that Mohanlal’s decision reflects the growing pressures artists face today.
One fan wrote, “It is disappointing to think that Mohanlal, such an iconic actor, might not have seen the movie before its release. If that is the case, how could he have known the storyline was unfolding in a certain way? It is disheartening to see him seemingly becoming a pawn in the hands of Prithviraj.”
Fans have also drawn comparisons to Kaalapani, the 1996 historical drama in which Mohanlal played a key role.
“When Kaalapani was released, Lalettan did not have to make such a decision because, back then, no one questioned artistic freedom,” one fan commented. “But today, why are you afraid?”
In Kaalapani, a scene where Mohanlal’s character licks a British officer’s boots was compared by some to Savarkar’s apology. Yet, the comparison never escalated into political controversy – then or since.
“You are saying that even someone like you, who has been part of Kerala’s film industry for over 45 years, had to give in to pressure from the Sangh Parivar. This is exactly how fascism creeps in, little by little,” one fan said.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who recently watched the film, voiced support for Empuraan on Sunday and accused the Sangh Parivar of creating an “atmosphere of fear” around the movie.
In a Facebook post, Vijayan noted that the film references one of the “most brutal genocides” in India’s history – a reference to the 2002 Gujarat riots that followed the Godhra train burning, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s watch as then Gujarat Chief Minister – which has angered right-wing groups.
He condemned leaders of the BJP and the RSS, for issuing threats against the filmmakers and alleged that pressure was being applied to censor and edit the film.
Describing Empuraan as a milestone for Malayalam cinema, Vijayan said that efforts to suppress artistic freedom reflected a fascist mindset and posed a threat to democracy.
He called for a collective stand to protect the right to create, watch, and critique films without fear.
Meanwhile, the Sangh Parivar activists have labelled the film “anti-national”.
The RSS mouthpiece Organiser accused the film of promoting an “anti-Hindu agenda” by referencing the 2002 Gujarat riots, while also criticising Director Prithviraj Sukumaran as a divisive figure.
It further alleged that the film Empuraan whitewashes terrorism. Two articles, published within hours of each other, directly targeted Mohanlal, Prithviraj, Producer Gokulam Gopalan, and Writer Murali Gopy.
The publication questioned Mohanlal’s claim of being unaware of the script and criticised Prithviraj for repeatedly including “anti-national themes” in his films.
It also raised concerns over the film’s funding, suggesting that Gokulam Gopalan would not invest in a project without knowing the full storyline.
Organiser further pointed to similarities between the character name Masood Syyed, played by Prithviraj, and real-life terrorists Masood Azhar and Hafiz Muhammad, dismissing the resemblance as unlikely to be coincidental.
The publication also alleged that while Lucifer – the prequel to Empuraan – merely hinted at political parties being influenced by foreign forces, Empuraan goes further – directly targeting investigative agencies and the judiciary.
Senior Congress Leader and Kasaragod MP Rajmohan Unnithan told South First that it is unacceptable for freedom of expression to be threatened. He said there was no need for an apology from the makers of Empuraan.
VT Balram, also speaking to South First, said that all of Kerala, regardless of political affiliations, stood with Empuraan – not because of its crew, but because of the courage it showed in portraying reality.
He asserted that the Sangh Parivar alone was responsible for the Gujarat riots, adding, “The person who governs India has blood-stained hands from the streets of Gujarat.”
Youth Congress Leader Abin Varkey echoed the sentiment, alleging that Mohanlal was under pressure from central agencies.
“If they ask the question, ‘jail or cut a few scenes?’ the Producer Gokulam Gopalan and Actor Mohanlal will choose to cut scenes. That is the political reality of India,” he told South First.
He added that Kerala has a legacy of turning even protest into artistic expression. “As a Mohanlal fan, this is heart-wrenching,” he said.
The controversy also led to calls for Actor Mohanlal’s honorary Lieutenant Colonel title to be revoked due to his involvement in the film.
However, retired army officer Major Ravi defended the actor, stating that Mohanlal had no role in scripting, editing, or shaping the film’s portrayal of sensitive content.
Ravi said that Mohanlal had not even watched Empuraan before its release and that his character does not appear in any scenes depicting the riots.
He urged critics to separate the actor’s honorary military status from the broader debate.
At the same time, Major Ravi criticised Director Prithviraj Sukumaran and Writer Murali Gopy, arguing that their portrayal of certain events lacked historical context.
He suggested that a more detailed depiction of the incidents leading up to the communal violence could have helped prevent the backlash.
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
