A modified version of the movie is expected to be released on Monday.
Published Mar 29, 2025 | 6:44 PM ⚊ Updated Mar 29, 2025 | 6:44 PM
According to leaked documents, the CBFC cleared the movie with only two minor cuts.
Synopsis: L2: Empuraan courted controversy with its portrayal of the 2002 Gujarat riots. Following outpouring outrage by Sangh Parivar outfits and its followers, the producers of the movie decided to re-submit it for further censoring.
The producers of L2: Empuraan have decided to re-release a modified version of the movie following criticism from Sangh Parivar outfits.
Empuraan (Overlord), scripted by Murali Gopy and directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran with Mohanlal in the lead, has references to the 2002 Gujarat riots, which angered the Sangh Parivar.
Though an official confirmation is awaited, reports suggested that the team has voluntarily opted for a re-censored version to address concerns raised over certain scenes.
The production team, including Aashirvad Cinemas, is learnt to have submitted the re-edited version to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
If approved, the revised film is expected to hit screens next week.
Sources indicate that 17 cuts have been made, particularly toning down violent sequences against women and modifying scenes that allegedly depicted religious hatred.
Earlier, CBFC documents on the movie were leaked. The documents showed that the CBFC had cleared the movie with only two minor cuts.
The censor board, which included members with reported BJP-RSS links, recommended reducing a scene of violence against women by six seconds and cutting a four-second reference to the national flag.
The total duration of the film stands at 179 minutes and 52 seconds, and it has been certified under the 16+ category.
Despite the minimal cuts, Empuraan has become a focal point of controversy, particularly among Sangh Parivar-affiliated social media groups, which are calling for a boycott of the film.
The movie was jointly produced by Antony Perumbavoor, Gokulam Gopalan, and A Subaskaran through Aashirvad Cinemas, Sree Gokulam Movies, and Lyca Productions, respectively.
One of the most anticipated sequels in Malayalam cinema, L2: Empuraan, stormed into theatres worldwide on 27 March, setting cash registers ringing from day one.
With Mohanlal reprising his iconic role, the film, a sequel to the 2019 blockbuster Lucifer, has been hailed as a potential game-changer for the industry.
Empuraan has been praised for its grand scale and ambitious storytelling.
, with Prithviraj stating that the film could redefine the industry’s global reach and encourage filmmakers to think bigger.
However, not all were happy with the movie, which also has Manju Warrier, Abhimanyu Singh, Indrajith Sukumaran and Tovino Thomas in significant roles.
Even as it shattered records, Empuraan has ignited a fierce political debate, drawing the BJP, RSS, CPI(M), and Congress into an unexpected showdown.
At the heart of the controversy is the plot that has reignited discussions on the 2002 Gujarat riots—turning a cinematic spectacle into a charged political flashpoint.
While the BJP’s Kerala unit has so far refrained from taking an official stand, some RSS leaders have openly criticised the film.
The controversy gained further traction when Organizer, the RSS mouthpiece, published a scathing article targeting both Mohanlal and Prithviraj, accusing them of distorting narratives and pushing a political agenda.
A political controversy erupted after left-wing social media handles claimed that the film took a critical stand against the Sangh Parivar and the BJP-led central government.
The debate gained traction after CPI(M) activist Bineesh Kodiyeri, son of late party state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, made a viral social media post asserting that the film directly critiques the Gujarat riots and the centralisation of power.
“In today’s India, a big-budget film dares to criticise the Gujarat riots and the push for a theocratic state. It even depicts the home minister controlling national affairs. That takes courage,” Bineesh wrote, sharing images of key figures from the film.
His post ignited strong reactions online, with many hailing the film’s boldness, while critics accused it of pushing a political narrative. As the discussions intensified, BJP leaders stepped in to respond.
BJP general secretary MT Ramesh dismissed the allegations, urging people not to politicise cinema. He asserted that Keralites possess the wisdom to differentiate between fiction and reality.
“Does the existence of the Sangh Parivar depend on a movie? Many films have criticised us before, but we continue to thrive,” Ramesh remarked, downplaying concerns about the film’s supposed political undertones.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Kerala has denied any involvement in a campaign against Empuraan and clarified that the party has not discussed the controversy surrounding it.
BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar with Mohanlal.
Addressing the media after the BJP’s core committee meeting on Friday, 28 March, state general secretary P Sudheer and secretary S Suresh emphasised that the party does not interfere in film-related matters.
They stated that a movie should be viewed as entertainment and that individual opinions expressed by fans do not reflect the party’s official stance.
“The BJP has no role in opposing any movie, including Empuraan. The reports suggesting that we discussed the film in our meeting are completely false. We urge the media to withdraw such fake news,” Sudheer said.
The controversy erupted after Sangh Parivar activists accused the film of promoting an anti-Hindu ideology, sparking online calls for a boycott – with many sharing screenshots of cancellation of their tickets.
However, BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar, while distancing the party from the hate campaign, reportedly pointed to lapses by RSS nominees in the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
In response, former BJP state president K Surendran dismissed the claim, asserting that no BJP nominees currently hold positions in the CBFC.
With conflicting statements emerging from within the party, the BJP’s official stance remains that it does not engage in dictating film promotions or viewership choices.
Ironically, before the controversy emerged, Chandrasekhar had shared a post on social media wishing success for Empuraan. Later, in the core committee meeting, he is said to have clarified that his post was purely personal, as actor Mohanlal is a good friend.
While the BJP has refrained from making an official stance, the RSS has taken an aggressive stance, with Organiser, a publication widely considered its mouthpiece, publishing a scathing critique of the film.
A poster of Empuraan.
The article alleged that Empuraan was more than just a cinematic venture, accusing it of pushing an “age-old political agenda” that portrays Hindus as the primary aggressors in the 2002 post-Godhra riots while depicting BJP supporters in a negative light.
The piece, purportedly written with inputs from the Centre for South Indian Studies (CSIS), did not disclose the full identity of the author.
The article argued that by starring in a film with an allegedly divisive narrative, Mohanlal has let down his fan base, many of whom admire him for his ability to transcend religious and political lines. It questioned his decision to be part of a project that, according to the critique, deliberately targeted one community.
“For fans who have admired him for his acting skills and commitment in portraying characters that represent unity, seeing him endorse a project that targets one community so explicitly is heartbreaking,” it stated.
The attack on Prithviraj was even more pointed, with the article suggesting that his artistic choices aligned with his alleged political inclinations.
It claims that his past support for controversial figures and movements indicates a pattern of “deliberate provocation” rather than neutral creative expression.
While it remains to be seen how this controversy would affect his career, the piece suggested that Prithviraj’s political stance continues to generate as much debate as his films.
Prithviraj is known for his outspoken personality in the Malayalam cinema industry.
Meanwhile, AICC General Secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal rapped the BJP for its remarks against Empuraan, calling it an example of Sangh Parivar intolerance.
Speaking to the media after visiting the protest site of Anganwadi workers and ASHAs in front of the Secretariat on Saturday, 29 March, he said that movies often discussed political themes, either in favour or against certain ideologies, as part of freedom of expression.
He pointed out that the BJP had welcomed films like The Accidental Prime Minister and Emergency, which were critical of the Congress but was quick to express intolerance when it faced criticism.
“The BJP should reflect on whether it is right to be intolerant only when they are criticised,” he said.
Venugopal also cited a recent Supreme Court judgment quashing a case against Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi over a poem.
The court emphasised that the right to express opinions must be respected, even if they are unpopular.
He urged the BJP to take a more democratic approach, stating that he neither supported nor opposed Empuraan but believed in the principle of freedom of expression.
Congress Working Committee member Ramesh Chennithala criticized the Sangh Parivar for allegedly attempting to curb freedom of expression through intimidation and attacks on artistic works.
Speaking on the controversy surrounding Empuraan, Chennithala stated that democracy thrives when society embraces criticism expressed through art, literature, and cinema.
He accused Sangh Parivar organisations of taking an intolerant stance against the film while promoting propaganda movies like Kerala Story, which he claimed spread false narratives about the South Indian state.
“The BJP has supported films that criticise Congress and even produces propaganda movies during elections. There is no need for such outrage over a few dialogues in a commercial film,” he said, adding that Congress has always upheld artistic freedom.
Chennithala also pointed out the CPI(M)’s similar approach, citing incidents involving films like Left Right Left to highlight its intolerance.
He urged political parties to view art as a medium of expression rather than a target for suppression.
Incidentally, the 2013 movie, Left Right Left, revolved around characters played by Murali Gopy and Indrajith Sukumaran. Its story was by Gopy.
Meanwhile, writer Gopy dismissed the controversy surrounding Empuraan, asserting that people were entitled to interpret the film in their own way.
Speaking to PTI, he stated, “I will remain completely silent on the controversy. Let them debate it as they wish. Everyone has the right to interpret the film in their own way, and I have nothing to say.”
(Edited by Majnu Babu).
