The much-anticipated Malayalam film L2 Empuraan,
starring Mohanlal and directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, has found
itself at the center of a heated controversy. The film, which serves as a
sequel to Lucifer, has been criticized for its portrayal of events
linked to the 2002 Gujarat riots, leading to 24 cuts approved by
the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The issue escalated
further when it was raised in Parliament, with allegations that the
filmmakers were pressured into making these edits. However, actor-turned-BJP
MP Suresh Gopi has firmly denied these claims, stating that no external
force influenced the decision.
What Led to the Controversy?
L2 Empuraan reportedly featured a sequence depicting
fictionalized events inspired by the 2002 Gujarat riots, with Prithviraj’s
character, Zayed Masood, being affected by them. The scenes sparked debate,
with critics accusing the filmmakers of unnecessarily stirring political
controversy. As a result, the film’s team approached the CBFC voluntarily
to implement modifications, leading to the removal of 17 key scenes
along with additional changes to character names and specific depictions of
violence.
Political Allegations and Parliamentary Debate
The controversy took a political turn when MP John
Brittas raised the issue in the Rajya Sabha, claiming that the
film's team was under political pressure to make these changes. He
argued that censorship on such films reflected an attack on artistic freedom
and questioned whether external forces had influenced the decision to make
significant cuts.
Responding to the allegations, Suresh Gopi rejected
the claims outright, stating, "There was no censor pressure on the
producers of Empuraan." He insisted that the decision to remove
certain sequences was entirely made by the producers and the lead actor,
with the director’s approval.
Suresh Gopi’s Statement on the Cuts
Adding to his argument, Gopi revealed that his own name had
been removed from the film’s thank you card, but it was entirely his
own choice. He said, "I was the first person to call the producers
and ask them to delete my name from the thank you card at the beginning of the
film. This is the truth. I am ready to take any punishment if this is found
false."
The actor-politician emphasized that the cuts were not
imposed but were instead part of a strategic decision by the
filmmakers to avoid unnecessary controversy and ensure a smoother
release.
Filmmakers' Stand on the Issue
The team behind L2 Empuraan has maintained that the
changes were made in good faith to prevent the film from being misinterpreted
or becoming a political tool. Reports suggest that:
✔ The depiction of the Gujarat riots was toned
down
✔ The name of Abhimanyu Singh’s character was changed
✔ Certain violent scenes, particularly those
involving women, were altered or removed
✔ References to religious structures were modified
Public Reactions and Industry Response
The controversy has led to divided opinions. While
some support the voluntary cuts as a pragmatic move, others view
it as an example of self-censorship driven by political pressure.
Several filmmakers and artists have voiced concerns
over the increasing scrutiny of creative works, fearing that it could
lead to restrictions on artistic expression. On the other hand, political
figures and activists argue that films must be sensitive to historical
and communal issues, ensuring that they do not ignite tensions.
Final Thoughts
Despite the controversy, L2 Empuraan remains one of the
most awaited films in Malayalam cinema. While Suresh Gopi has assured that
there was no political interference, the debate surrounding artistic
freedom vs. responsible storytelling continues.
As the film nears release, the controversy has only
increased curiosity among audiences, making L2 Empuraan one of the most
talked-about films in recent times. Whether the changes affect its storytelling
impact remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—this incident has
reignited discussions on creative liberty in Indian cinema.