3 weeks ago
Last Updated:March 30, 2025, 13:32 IST
BJP Kerala president Rajeev Chandrasekhar expressed disappointment with Malayalam movie L2: Empuraan over its 2002 Gujarat riots references. The film will undergo 17 cuts and re-censorship.
L2: Empuraan is helmed by Prithviraj himself. (Photo Credits: Instagram)
BJP Kerala unit president Rajeev Chandrasekhar said on Sunday that he is disappointed with the Malayalam movie L2: Empuraan, which has run into controversy over its references to the 2002 Gujarat riots and will now undergo 17 voluntary cuts, as agreed by the film’s production company.
Taking to Facebook, Chandrasekhar said that he would not watch the film.
“I had watched Lucifer and had liked it. I had said that I would watch the movie Empuraan when I heard it was a sequel to Lucifer. But now I have come to know that the makers of the movie themselves have made 17 amendments in the movie and that the movie is undergoing re-censorship," the BJP leader said.
“I understand that there were topics in the movie that disturbed Mohanlal fans and other viewers. A movie should be watched as a movie. it can’t be seen as history. Also, any movie that tries to build a story by distorting the truth is doomed to fail. So, will I watch this sequel to Lucifer? No. Am I disappointed by this type of moviemaking? – Yes," he wrote on Facebook.
On Thursday, Chandrasekhar had spoken positively about the move.
“Best wishes, Mohanlal, Prithviraj Sukumaran, and team! Look forward to watching and enjoying Empuraan one of these days!" he had said. The post received many negative comments.
Meanwhile, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan wrote on Facebook that he had watched the film and praised the movie. He further criticised protesters and condemned the reported cuts.
“In a democratic society, the freedom of expression of a citizen must be protected. Violent calls to destroy and ban artwork and artists are the latest manifestations of fascist attitudes. They are a violation of democratic rights. The rights to make films, watch them, enjoy them, evaluate them, agree and disagree, etc., must not be lost. For this, the united voice of this country, which is rooted in democratic secular values, must be raised," the chief minister said.
L2: Empuraan Undergoes 17 Cuts
As reported by News18 Malayalam, the producers of Empuraan have decided to make 17 cuts to the film. Besides this, some dialogue from the film will also be muted. The name of the Villan, Baba Bajrangi, will also be changed.
The decision comes after certain Hindu organisations in the state allegedly claimed that L2 Empuraan vilifies their religion. More details about this are awaited.
Starring Mohanlal and Prithviraj Sukumaran in the lead, L2: Empuraan is a political action thriller film. Despite this controversy, the film has now crossed Rs 45 crore at the box office after three days. The much-awaited sequel to Mohanlal’s blockbuster Lucifer hit theatres on March 27, 2025.
Location : First Published:March 30, 2025, 11:33 IST
News india 'Disappointed' Rajeev Chandrasekhar Changes 'L2: Empuraan' Stance, Pinarayi Vijayan Backs Movie Amid Row
