rajdeep kumar 29 days ago

rajdeep #Empuraan #Shakes Mohanlal #Gujarat riots #Kerala BJP

Empuraan Sliced and Diced: 17 Cuts After Right-Wing Backlash Shakes Mohanlal’s Latest

Hold onto your popcorn, folks—Malayalam cinema’s latest blockbuster, L2: Empuraan, is making headlines for all the wrong reasons. Just days after its grand theatrical release on March 27, the Mohanlal-starrer, directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, has found itself at the center of a firestorm. Following what’s being called a “massive uproar” by Hindu groups and right-wing critics, the film’s producers have agreed to chop out 17 scenes, tweak the villain’s name, mute dialogues, and scrub all references to national agencies. Buckle up—this is one wild ride through cinema, politics, and public outrage.

The Spark That Lit the Fuse

Empuraan, the much-hyped sequel to 2019’s Lucifer, hit theaters with sky-high expectations and a hefty ₹180 crore budget. Fans were ready for Mohanlal’s signature swagger and Prithviraj’s slick direction. But instead of cheers, the film ignited a powder keg of controversy over its opening sequence—a gritty, 15-minute depiction of communal violence that many interpreted as a nod to the 2002 Gujarat riots. Add in a villain named “Baba Bajrangi” (played by Abhimanyu Singh), a name echoing a real-life figure tied to those riots, and the fuse was lit.

Right-wing groups, including vocal Hindu advocates, slammed the film for what they called a “one-sided portrayal” that painted Hindus as the aggressors. Social media erupted with boycott calls, canceled ticket screenshots, and accusations of an “anti-Hindu agenda.” The RSS mouthpiece Organiser didn’t hold back either, accusing the film of exploiting the Gujarat riots to push a divisive narrative. Even Mohanlal, a beloved icon and honorary Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Territorial Army, faced heat, with some demanding his rank be revoked.

17 Cuts and Counting

Under mounting pressure, the producers—led by Gokulam Gopalan of Sree Gokulam Movies—didn’t waste time. By Saturday, March 29, reports confirmed they’d voluntarily approached the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to make 17 “adjustments.” Here’s the rundown of what’s getting the axe:

• Riot Scenes Trimmed: Those intense Gujarat-inspired sequences? They’re being toned down.
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• Villain Rename: “Baba Bajrangi” is out. A new, less controversial name is in (though we don’t know what yet).
• Dialogues Muted: Several lines deemed provocative are getting the silent treatment.
• National Agencies Erased: All mentions of agencies like the NIA (National Investigation Agency) are being scrubbed clean.
• Violence Tweaked: Scenes showing violence against women are also on the chopping block.

The revised cut is set to roll out next week, pending CBFC approval. Gopalan told the press, “If any scenes or dialogues hurt anyone, I’ve asked Prithviraj to make changes. We’re not here to play politics.” But not everyone’s buying the “voluntary” label—some see it as a capitulation to pressure.

The Bigger Picture

This isn’t just about a movie anymore—it’s a clash of art, freedom, and ideology. On one side, critics argue Empuraan crossed a line, alienating fans and vilifying a community. X posts like “Not spending a single rupee on this one” and “This is betrayal” from self-proclaimed Mohanlal fans reflect the raw anger. On the flip side, supporters— including Congress and Left leaders in Kerala—praise the film’s “courage” in tackling tough truths. “It takes nerves of steel to show this in today’s India,” wrote actor Bineesh Kodiyeri on Facebook.

Meanwhile, the Kerala BJP has tried to stay neutral, with leaders like Rajeev Chandrasekhar calling it “just a film” and distancing the party from boycott calls. But the Sangh Parivar’s outrage has kept the pot boiling, with protests planned and online debates raging.

Box Office vs. Backlash

Here’s the kicker: despite the uproar, Empuraan is raking it in. The film smashed records with a ₹67 crore worldwide opening day and crossed ₹100 crore in just two days—the fastest for any Malayalam movie. Clearly, controversy hasn’t dimmed its draw. But with Gopalan footing a massive bill after Lyca Productions bailed mid-project, these cuts might be a calculated move to protect the bottom line. Word is, Mohanlal and Prithviraj even waived their fees until the film breaks even. Talk about commitment.

What’s Next?

As the dust settles, Empuraan leaves us with big questions. Is this a win for creative freedom or a loss to censorship? Will the edits dilute the film’s vision, or save it from further backlash? And what does this mean for Mohanlal’s legacy as he navigates this rare PR storm? One thing’s for sure—this saga is far from over.

For now, fans can catch the original version until the new cut drops. Whether you’re team “art should provoke” or team “don’t rock the boat,” Empuraan has everyone talking. Drop your thoughts below—should the makers have stood their ground, or was this the right call?