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When a film creates a buzz, it's either for its box office success or the controversies it stirs up. L2: Empuraan has managed to do both!
While Mohanlal’s much-anticipated Malayalam movie is making waves at the box office, it's also facing backlash from certain groups over alleged political and religious references. But is this controversy genuine, or is it just another tactic to keep the film in the headlines?
The situation got even more intense when veteran actress Mallika Sukumaran stepped in to defend her son, Prithviraj Sukumaran, who plays a key role in the movie. She slammed those trying to paint him as a scapegoat and made it clear that everyone involved in the film was well aware of its content before release.
So, what’s the real story behind this L2: Empuraan controversy? Was it a creative decision blown out of proportion, or is there more to the claims of political messaging? Let’s dive into the details.
About L2 Empuraan Controversy
Indian superstar Mohanlal has issued an apology and announced that certain scenes will be cut from his new movie following backlash from Hindu nationalist organizations.
The Malayalam movie L2: Empuraan, debuted on Thursday and is doing remarkably at the box office. Nonetheless, it encountered criticism from Hindu organizations, including individuals from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), regarding certain scenes perceived as alluding to the 2002 anti-Muslim riots in Gujarat state.
Mohanlal Statement Over L2 Empuraan Controversy
"As an artist, I believe it is my responsibility to make sure none of my films are antagonistic towards any political movement, ideology, or religious group," Mohanlal posted on Facebook.
"The Empuraan team and I genuinely apologize for the anguish caused to my family, and acknowledging that we all share responsibility for it, we have collectively decided to eliminate these themes from the film," said Mohanlal, a well-known figure in Kerala, where the Malayalam film industry thrives.
The recent developments have ignited a discussion about artistic freedom, with the rival Congress and Left parties alleging that the BJP is exerting pressure on the filmmakers.
Nevertheless, BJP officials have stated that the party did not start a public campaign against the film and that individuals are entitled to share their opinions on social media.
How L2 Empuraan Controversy Started?
Empuraan controversy starts by detailing the backstory of Zayed Masood - portrayed by director Prithviraj - who became an orphan amid riots in a location in India, with certain aspects echoing the religious violence that took place in 2002 when Modi served as chief minister of Gujarat.
The extended flashback segment displays graphic scenes illustrating Hindus perpetrating violent acts against Muslims during the unrest.
It also illustrates how one of the violence's perpetrators gains more influence over the years and aims to establish a significant role in Kerala's political arena. The events ignited a commotion.
Rajeev Chandrasekhar, the BJP's state president, who had expressed good wishes to the film's crew prior to its release, later acknowledged that he now understands there were "issues in the movie that upset Mohanlal fans and other audiences."
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A film ought to be viewed as a film. It cannot be regarded as history. "Additionally, any film that attempts to create a narrative by altering reality is destined to fail," he mentioned, noting that he would not view the movie.
Some leaders of the state BJP backed this, while others condemned the filmmakers, alleging they portrayed "anti-national themes" in the movie.
The Organiser Weekly - a publication released by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), which is the ideological progenitor of the BJP - described the film as a "troubling, divisive story masked as cinema."
"Empuraan is more than a poor film; it's an assault on beliefs, on political diversity, and on the essence of fair storytelling," the review stated. Certain social media users have advocated for a boycott of the film, yet there has not been a widespread online movement or significant protests opposing the movie.
”They divide us with hate, then rule us with fear.” L2: Empuraan is more than a film—it’s a reality check. A gripping thriller that exposes the dark forces trying to tear apart Kerala’s harmony. We must stand united! #Empuraan #SayNoToHate #Kerala #L2Empuraan pic.twitter.com/eaxXFEhzXp
— Vidya (@Vidyaraj51) March 27, 2025
Mallika Sukumaran Came In Support Of Her Son Prithviraj Sukumaran
Veteran actress Mallika Sukumaran, mother of actor-filmmaker Prithviraj Sukumaran, has vehemently denounced the attacks aimed at her son regarding the L2: Empuraan issue. She charged specific people with trying to turn Prithviraj into a "scapegoat" in the matter.
Furthermore, she rejected rumors implying that megastar Mohanlal was oblivious to specific scenes in the movie that have generated extensive discussion. Mallika strongly refuted these theories, claiming that such assertions were unfounded.
She responded to the criticism aimed at her son Prithviraj by sharing a comprehensive post on Facebook. She posted in Malayalam, stating, "Certain individuals have intentionally propagated the notion that Prithviraj deceived Mohanlal and the producers, like Antony Perumbavoor, by accepting Empuran, and some media platforms have recently covered this." Understanding the events that transpired behind the scenes of this film, I feel deeply pained that certain individuals are attempting to marginalize Prithviraj.
She conveyed her discontent, saying that certain people were unjustly attempting to turn her son into a scapegoat without Mohanlal's or the producers' awareness. She stressed that Prithviraj had always been honest with everyone connected to any film, including this particular one.
"They collectively went through the script." Everyone watched the scenes being filmed together, and everyone agreed. "And once everything is completed and the film is out, how can Prithviraj be solely accountable for it?" she went on in the post.
In the end, the L2: Empuraan controversy raises questions about artistic freedom and political influence in cinema. Whether it's a genuine issue or a publicity stunt, one thing is certain—this film isn't leaving the spotlight anytime soon!
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