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L2 Empuraan Controversy: Why Is The Mohanlal Film Facing 17 Cuts?
Updated on: 01 April, 2025 12:12 PM IST |Amruta Karulkar
Mohanlal and Prithviraj from L2 Empuraan
Mohanlal’s highly anticipated Malayalam film L2: Empuraan has been making waves ever since its release. While the film has been performing well at the box office, it has also found itself in the middle of a heated controversy.
Several Hindu groups, including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), have raised objections to certain scenes in the movie, particularly those referencing the 2002 Gujarat riots and its portrayal of right-wing politics. This backlash has resulted in the makers deciding to implement 17 cuts, altering certain dialogues, and muting controversial lines.
The decision to make these cuts has sparked a debate about artistic freedom, with many questioning whether political pressure is influencing creative expression in the film industry.
Also Read: Mohanlal`s L2: Empuraan Becomes First Ever Malayalam Film To Release On IMAX
In response to the controversy, Mohanlal took to social media to issue an apology. He stated, "As an artist, it is my duty to ensure that none of my films are hostile to any political movement, ideology, or religious group. The team of Empuraan and I sincerely regret the distress caused to my loved ones, and with the realisation that the responsibility for it lies with all of us who worked on the film, we have decided together to remove such subjects from the movie.”
Meanwhile, the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) has voiced its support for Mohanlal and director Prithviraj Sukumaran. In a strong statement, the film body said, "We welcome criticism of the film’s form and content without any compromises. Only through constructive criticism can an art form truly evolve. However, we firmly believe that criticism should not descend into personal attacks, threats, or branding, regardless of political or religious affiliations.”
The statement further added, “We stand in solidarity with all the film professionals who worked on Empuraan. A man can be destroyed but not defeated.”
Also Read: L2 Empuraan Twitter Review: 5 Tweets To Read Before Watching Mohanlal`s Film
Directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, the sequel explores Stephen’s return to Kerala’s political landscape, positioning him as a hero figure amid chaos and corruption. The film has generated significant buzz, not only for its storyline but also due to its massive budget, which is considered extraordinary for the Malayalam film industry.
Produced under the banners of Aashirvad Cinemas Pvt Ltd and Sree Gokulam Movies, L2: Empuraan boasts a stellar ensemble cast, including Tovino Thomas, Indrajith Sukumaran, Manju Warrier, Abhimanyu Singh, and Suraj Venjaramoodu.
Also Read: Eid 2025 Movie Releases: Sikandar to Empuraan, Here Are 5 Films You Can Watch
Several Hindu groups, including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), have raised objections to certain scenes in the movie, particularly those referencing the 2002 Gujarat riots and its portrayal of right-wing politics. This backlash has resulted in the makers deciding to implement 17 cuts, altering certain dialogues, and muting controversial lines.
Why Is L2: Empuraan Facing Censorship?
Reports suggest that the controversy stems from scenes that allegedly depict right-wing politics as “villainous.” Critics argue that the film includes politically sensitive content, particularly related to the 2002 anti-Muslim riots in Gujarat. One of the biggest concerns raised was the name of the villain, Baba Bajrangi, which has now been changed. Additionally, some dialogues will be removed or muted to avoid further conflicts.The decision to make these cuts has sparked a debate about artistic freedom, with many questioning whether political pressure is influencing creative expression in the film industry.
Also Read: Mohanlal`s L2: Empuraan Becomes First Ever Malayalam Film To Release On IMAX
In response to the controversy, Mohanlal took to social media to issue an apology. He stated, "As an artist, it is my duty to ensure that none of my films are hostile to any political movement, ideology, or religious group. The team of Empuraan and I sincerely regret the distress caused to my loved ones, and with the realisation that the responsibility for it lies with all of us who worked on the film, we have decided together to remove such subjects from the movie.”
Meanwhile, the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) has voiced its support for Mohanlal and director Prithviraj Sukumaran. In a strong statement, the film body said, "We welcome criticism of the film’s form and content without any compromises. Only through constructive criticism can an art form truly evolve. However, we firmly believe that criticism should not descend into personal attacks, threats, or branding, regardless of political or religious affiliations.”
The statement further added, “We stand in solidarity with all the film professionals who worked on Empuraan. A man can be destroyed but not defeated.”
Also Read: L2 Empuraan Twitter Review: 5 Tweets To Read Before Watching Mohanlal`s Film
What Is L2: Empuraan About?
L2: Empuraan is the sequel to the 2019 Malayalam political thriller Lucifer. The first film introduced Mohanlal as Stephen Nedumpally, a mysterious political figure who is later revealed to be the head of an international crime syndicate.Directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, the sequel explores Stephen’s return to Kerala’s political landscape, positioning him as a hero figure amid chaos and corruption. The film has generated significant buzz, not only for its storyline but also due to its massive budget, which is considered extraordinary for the Malayalam film industry.
Produced under the banners of Aashirvad Cinemas Pvt Ltd and Sree Gokulam Movies, L2: Empuraan boasts a stellar ensemble cast, including Tovino Thomas, Indrajith Sukumaran, Manju Warrier, Abhimanyu Singh, and Suraj Venjaramoodu.
Also Read: Eid 2025 Movie Releases: Sikandar to Empuraan, Here Are 5 Films You Can Watch
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