After facing criticism from Sangh Parivar organizations, the makers of the Mohanlal-starrer Empuraan announced on Sunday that they would make “voluntary modifications” to the film. The movie, which was released in theaters on March 27, 2025, may undergo 17 changes as directed by the Central Board of Film Certification. If the revised version is submitted by Monday, it is expected to be approved for screening within a few days.
Mohanlal shared the decision through a Facebook post, which was also reposted by the film’s director, Prithviraj Sukumaran, reinforcing that it was a collective choice.
“Some political and social themes in Empuraan, the second film in the Lucifer franchise, have deeply troubled several of my well-wishers. As an artist, it is my duty to ensure that none of my films spread hatred toward any political organization, ideology, or religious group. Therefore, both I and the Empuraan team deeply regret the distress caused to my dear well-wishers. At the same time, we acknowledge that the responsibility for this rests with all of us who worked on the film. With this understanding, we have collectively decided to remove such elements,” Mohanlal said.
He also added an emotional touch to his statement: “For the past four decades, I have lived my cinematic life as one among you. Your love and trust are my only strength. Beyond that, there is no Mohanlal. That is what I believe,” he said.
Sangh Parivar organizations criticized the film, alleging that it misrepresented the 2002 Gujarat riots.
The Organizer, the mouthpiece of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), published an article claiming that the film portrayed the Hindu community in a villainous role while whitewashing Islamic terrorism. The article also said that the movie ignored the horrific massacre of 59 innocent Ram devotees in Godhra.
The article accused Prithviraj of promoting anti-national themes in his films and raised concerns about the movie’s funding, calling for an investigation into its sources. However, it clarified that the RSS and the central government were not above criticism but warned that such criticism should not undermine India’s unity and integrity.
While the filmmakers maintained that their story was fictional, there was little doubt that the film’s depiction of Hindutva mobs stabbing, killing, raping, and assaulting Muslims was meant to represent the 2002 Gujarat riots. The backlash also stemmed from the film’s portrayal of a train fire that killed Hindu women, children, and monks. The Sangh Parivar was particularly upset that the film did not depict what they claim to be the “origin” of the fire – an alleged Muslim conspiracy – which they often use to justify the subsequent riots.
The Congress and the CPI (M) supported the filmmakers, praising director Prithviraj and Mohanlal for their courage in depicting these scenes. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan criticized the circumstances that forced the filmmakers to resubmit the movie for certification.
“I watched Empuraan, a film that is elevating the Malayalam film industry to new heights. I saw it at a time when the Sangh Parivar was unleashing a widespread hate campaign against the movie, its actors, and its crew. The film references one of the most brutal genocides this country has witnessed – an atrocity orchestrated by the Sangh Parivar and its architects. Not just supporters but even BJP and RSS leaders are openly issuing threats. Reports suggest that, under this pressure, the film’s producers are being forced to recensor and edit the movie. This atmosphere of fear created by the Sangh Parivar is deeply concerning,” Vijayan said.
He added that targeting a work of art and attacking artists simply because it takes a stand against communalism and portrays its horrors is dangerous for democracy.
“In a democratic society, a citizen’s freedom of expression must be protected. Calls to ban films and threats against artists are new manifestations of a fascist mindset. This is a violation of democratic rights. The right to create, watch, enjoy, critique, agree, and disagree with films must be preserved. For that, this land must raise a united voice rooted in democratic and secular values,” Vijayan stated.
Kerala opposition leader V D Satheesan also criticized the Sangh Parivar for protesting against the film.
Despite receiving support from both the state government and the opposition in Kerala, the filmmakers ultimately decided to cut the “controversial” scenes. Within three days, the filmmakers were pressured into making the cuts.
Social media reactions suggest that many people are disappointed with this decision. Amid this disappointment, some political leaders even called for the removal of scenes that mock the Congress and CPI(M) arguing that if scenes displeasing the Sangh Parivar were being cut, similar courtesy should be extended to all political parties.
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