BY PC Bureau
New Delhi, March 30, 2025
The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has mandated 17 alterations to the Malayalam film L2: Empuraan, a Mohanlal-starrer that premiered on March 27, 2025, following a fierce backlash over its alleged references to the 2002 Gujarat riots.
Mohanlal has also issued a statement on Empuraan, expressing regret. “As an artist, it is my duty to ensure that none of my films promote hatred toward any political movement, ideology, or religious community. With that in mind, both I and the Empuraan team sincerely regret any distress this may have caused my dear well-wishers,” Mohanlal wrote in the statement.
The film, directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, has been a box office juggernaut, reportedly crossing ₹100 crore in earnings within days. However, its explosive political content has drawn sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its ideological ally, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), prompting a swift response from the filmmakers.
Empuraan: A Star-Studded Thriller or Leftist Propaganda?
Mohanlal’s latest big-budget movie Empuraan was released yesterday. So far, the movie has received mixed reviews. However, the most significant consequence of its release has been the intense online battles between those… pic.twitter.com/E8PhvtCz9m
— Anand #IndianfromSouth (@Bharatiyan108) March 28, 2025
A Cinematic Success Marred by Controversy
L2: Empuraan, the second chapter of the Lucifer trilogy, hit theaters with high expectations and delivered record-breaking returns, cementing its status as a Malayalam cinema milestone. Yet, its narrative—interpreted by some as a veiled depiction of the 2002 Gujarat riots, a communal tragedy that left over 1,000 dead—has thrust it into a political maelstrom. The CBFC’s Kerala office, reportedly under pressure from the central government, reviewed the film and ordered edits, including the removal of riot scenes, violence against women, and certain dialogues. The antagonist’s name, previously Baba Bajrangi, will also be changed. The revised version, if submitted by Monday, is slated for approval and re-release later this week.
Breaking: Mohanlal issues statement on Empuraan, expresses regret.
“As an artist, it is my duty to ensure that none of my films promote hatred toward any political movement, ideology, or religious community. With that in mind, both I and the Empuraan team sincerely regret any…
— Korah Abraham (@thekorahabraham) March 30, 2025
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Producer Gokulam Gopalan addressed the uproar on Saturday, affirming the team’s willingness to comply. “We’ve instructed the director to modify any scenes or dialogues that may have caused hurt,” he said, emphasizing that the initial CBFC clearance had not anticipated such a reaction. Prithviraj Sukumaran, navigating his dual role as director and actor, has agreed to the cuts but has yet to comment publicly on the controversy.
Political Firestorm: Divided Reactions
The RSS-affiliated magazine Organiser lambasted Empuraan, accusing it of “deliberately portraying Hindus as the chief instigators of the Gujarat riots” and branding it a “divisive tale cloaked as cinema.” The piece also took aim at Mohanlal, suggesting his involvement “disappoints his devoted fans.” On social media, a vocal segment of users echoed these sentiments, targeting both Mohanlal and Prithviraj.
The BJP’s response has been mixed. Kerala state chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar, who initially congratulated the film’s team online, later distanced himself, saying, “I was excited for the Lucifer sequel, but these changes and the upset they’ve caused have led me to skip it. Films shouldn’t twist history.” BJP secretary P. Sudheer downplayed internal discord, denying reports of a core committee debate, while senior leader MT Ramesh took a softer stance: “Films are just films; the party needn’t oppose them.” Meanwhile, Sangh-linked groups like Hindu Aikyavedi and Bharatiya Yuvamorcha have condemned the movie, with the latter questioning Prithviraj’s “anti-national leanings.”
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The Congress Party, however, has thrown its weight behind Empuraan. Its Kerala unit posted on X, “Like Grok, Empuraan has shattered Sangh illusions!” A Congress spokesperson hailed the film for exposing “the truth of Gujarat,” contrasting it with BJP-backed projects like The Accidental Prime Minister. “They cheer when we’re criticized, but cry foul when it’s their turn,” he remarked.
Kerala’s Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM) also defended the film. Senior leader and state minister V. Sivankutty argued, “The Gujarat riots are historical fact—cutting scenes won’t erase them. Suppressing art is an assault on democracy.”
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Caught Between Art and Ideology
The controversy has overshadowed Empuraan’s artistic achievements. With Mohanlal’s commanding presence and Prithviraj’s bold direction, the film has captivated audiences, yet its political subtext has made it a battleground for competing narratives. The mandated edits aim to diffuse tensions, but they also raise questions about creative freedom in an increasingly polarized landscape.
As the team races to finalize the revised cut, Empuraan remains a paradox: a commercial titan and a cultural lightning rod. Whether the changes will pacify critics or deepen the divide is uncertain, but its impact—both on screen and off—continues to reverberate.
