Empuraan Controversy Explained: Mohanlal's Apology, Attack On Prithviraj Sukumaran, Kerala CM Vs BJP

L2: Empuraan is the sequel of legendary actor, Mohanlal's iconic 2019 Malayalam film, Lucifer. The political-thriller film is directed by another iconic actor and filmmaker, Prithviraj Sukumaran. The filmmaker also played the character, 'Zayed Masood' in the movie, despite having a stellar star cast of renowned actors like Abhimanyu Singh, Tovino Thomas, Manju Warrier, Indrajith Sukumaran, Jerome Flynn, and many more.

L2: Empuraan collects Rs. 200 crores at the global box -office: Despite political row and 24 cuts, Mohanlal's film continues to trend

As per the latest certificate issued by the Central Board of Film Certification, Empuraan has 24 cuts, not 17. Some major changes in the film include removing multiple references to NIA, removing politician, Suresh Gopi's name from a scene, and changing the name of the film's antagonist from Balraj Bajrangi to Baldev. The film's producer, Antony Perumbavoor, has admitted that all the changes suggested by CBFC have been welcomed with open arms. Due to political pressure, the producer bashed rumours of making changes in the film.

Amidst all the controversy and severe political row over the film, L2: Empuraan continues to break records at the box office. According to the makers of the film, Empuraan has collected Rs. 200 crore at the worldwide box office. The domestic collection of the movie has touched the staggering mark of Rs. 70 crore. Not only this, when Empuraan was released in theatres on March 27, 2025, it registered a record opening in Malayalam cinema as it touched the mark of Rs. 21 crores. 

Why are politicians protesting against Mohanlal and Prithviraj Sukumaran's film, L2: Empuraan? Know why RSS and BJP want a complete ban on the film

Coming to the reason why L2: Empuraan is receiving a lot of hate and criticism from right-wing groups is because of the RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh). As per some RSS workers, Mohanlal and Prithviraj Sukumaran's film, L2: Empuraan, carries "anti-hindu" and a negative narrative about BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party). According to Organiser (RSS-linked magazine), Empuraan's story has the power to influence people in a wrong way, and it can work as a tool for spreading an anti-Hindu narrative across the nation that can eventually divide the already fractured nation.

BJP's district committee member from Thrissur, VV Vijeesh, is the one who filed a petition in court seeking an immediate ban on L2: Empuraan. The petitioner has also requested the police chief to thoroughly investigate whether the film was made to initiate communal unrest across the nation. However, despite no valid proof to support his claims and speculations, the Kerala High Court dismissed the petition to ban Empuraan. Interestingly, after Kerala HC dismissed VV Vijeesh's petition to ban Empuraan, the politician's own party, BJP suspended him from their Kerala unit.

According to a report in The News Minute, Mohanlal and Prithviraj Sukumaran's film, L2: Empuraan have secretly shown references to the violence that had happened against the minorities during the 2002 Godhra Riots. The controversy kickstarted after a key figure in the film was originally named Balraj Patel, who is seen as a reference to Babubhai Patel, aka Babu Bajrangi. For the unversed, Babu Bajrangi received life imprisonment for his involvement in the 2002 Godhra Kand. When the film went to the Censor Board, the makers were directed to change the name from Balraj Patel to Baldev. 

Kerala CM, Pinarayi Vijayan comes out in support of Empuraan actor, Mohanlal after he apologised to the public

South megastar, Mohanlal apologised to his massive fanbase nationwide for causing distress to his fans through his film, L2: Empuraan. The actor admitted that he must ensure that no one is facing any distress by watching his films. Mohanlal took complete responsibility for the controversy around Empuraan on his and the team's shoulders. An excerpt from his tweet can be read as:

"The second part of the Lucifer franchise, have caused great distress to many of my loved ones. Responsibility lies with all of us behind the film."

Amidst all the backlash that Mohanlal has been receiving on social media, Kerala Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan came forward and backed him. The CM also dismissed people's plea to ban the film and labelled such pressure from a certain community as a reflection of their "fascist tendencies". Pinarayi Vijayan also spoke about the need to strengthen the freedom and rights of an artist. 

Prithviraj Sukumaran's mother, Mallika, backs her son, Mammooty, the only actor from the film industry to join her in supporting Empuraan

Prithviraj Sukumaran is receiving a lot of hate and online bullying on social media, just like Mohanlal. Kerala's BJP leader, B Gopalakrishnan, called Prithviraj's wife, Supriya Menon, an "urban naxal". As a result, the actor's mother and renowned businesswoman, Mallika Sukumaran, came forward and supported her son and his film, Empuraan, publicly. She also added that people are blaming his son and making him the "scapegoat" in this situation. However, she also added that legendary actor, Mammooty is the only actor from the film industry who came out in her support, bringing tears to her eyes. It will be interesting to see how things unfold from here, but one thing is clear, the film is showing all signs of becoming one of the highest-grossing Malayalam films of all time.

What are your thoughts on the L2: Empuraan? Which side of the controversy are you standing on? Let us know.

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