Malayalam superstar Mohanlal’s latest political thriller, Empuraan, has made waves across India, setting new box office records while simultaneously igniting a fierce political debate. The film, directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, has been met with significant backlash from Hindutva organizations and political leaders, who accuse it of portraying their ideology in a negative light.
Political Controversy Erupts
The film, which released worldwide on March 27, has drawn criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and right-wing groups, particularly over references to the 2002 Gujarat riots. BJP Kerala state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar, who had initially expressed enthusiasm for the film, reversed his stance after mounting pressure from his party and supporters. In a social media post on Sunday, he declared his disappointment, stating, “A movie should be watched as a movie. It cannot be seen as history. Any film that distorts the truth is doomed to fail.”
The controversy gained further traction as BJP and Sangh Parivar affiliates accused the film of catering to “anti-national elements.” An article on the RSS-affiliated website Organiser criticized Empuraan, questioning whether cinema was being used as a platform for divisive political narratives.
Mohanlal Issues Apology
In response to the uproar, Mohanlal took to Facebook to express his “sincere regret” for any distress the film may have caused. “As an artist, it is my responsibility to ensure that my films do not harbor hostility toward any political ideology or religious sect,” he wrote, acknowledging the concerns raised by various groups. He assured fans that the filmmakers had collectively decided to remove any contentious references from the movie.
Filmmakers Announce Edits
Following Mohanlal’s statement, Empuraan’s production team announced that they would make “voluntary modifications” to the film, including muting certain dialogues and cutting scenes that depicted violence against women and riots. The film is undergoing re-censorship in Thiruvananthapuram, with the revised version expected to be in theaters by next week. Producer Gokulam Gopalan stated, “If any dialogue or scene has hurt people, we will make the necessary changes. We are not involved in any politics.”
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Political Leaders Weigh In
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan condemned the backlash against the film, accusing the BJP and its affiliates of intimidating filmmakers. “It is not good for democracy that communal forces can suppress artistic expression,” said Vijayan. “Freedom of expression must be protected.”
Satheesan echoed similar sentiments, criticizing the BJP for attempting to rewrite history. “The Sangh Parivar has always distorted history for its own agenda. Threatening filmmakers into making changes is a sign of cowardice,” he remarked.
Box Office Triumph Despite Controversy
Amid the political turmoil, Empuraan continues to dominate the box office. The film has crossed the ₹50 crore mark within four days of its release, with a record-breaking opening day collection of ₹21.5 crore—the highest for any Malayalam film. Industry analysts predict the film’s earnings will continue to rise, despite facing competition from Bollywood’s Eid release, Sikandar, starring Salman Khan.
The ongoing controversy has only amplified interest in the film, as audiences flock to cinemas to witness firsthand the content that has stirred such a nationwide debate. With Empuraan being the second installment in a planned trilogy, it remains to be seen how the filmmakers will navigate political sensitivities in the final chapter.
Conclusion
While Empuraan has cemented itself as a commercial success, its journey has been anything but smooth. The film’s ability to challenge political narratives has made it a cultural flashpoint, underscoring the ongoing tension between creative freedom and political influence in Indian cinema. Whether the edits will appease critics or further inflame the debate remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Empuraan has already made history.