Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) [India]: Congress MLA Ramesh Chennithala has voiced his support for Mohanlal-starrer L2 Empuraan, while criticizing the Censor Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for introducing multiple cuts in the film following public backlash.
Directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran and written by Murali Gopy, the sequel to Lucifer was released on March 27 and quickly became a subject of heated debate due to its political and social themes.
Chennithala Criticizes Censor Board, Praises Film
Speaking to media, Chennithala congratulated Mohanlal and Murali Gopy for delivering a “remarkable film” and urged the public to watch it.
“I congratulate Mohanlal and Murali Gopy for giving an excellent film to the Indian public. This film definitely has to be seen by the people of our country. I don’t think that any part of the film has to be kept down by the censor board. If the censor board is using politics, then that is a different case. Otherwise, no portion has to be cut down,” he stated.
Chennithala also recalled his tenure in government, emphasizing that his administration never resorted to censorship, even when faced with films critical of their rule.
“When we were in power, several such films came against us, but we never did such a thing. These arts, films, and other creative expressions reflect the social situation of our society. This film is not against anybody.”
Kerala CM Condemns ‘Sangh Parivar’s Hate Campaign’
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan also came out in support of Empuraan, strongly condemning the Sangh Parivar for allegedly inciting communal discord and attacking the film.
In a Facebook post, Vijayan stated:
“I saw the film Empuraan, which is taking the Malayalam film industry to new heights. I watched it at a time when the Sangh Parivar is unleashing communalism through widespread hate campaigns against the film, its actors, and crew.”
He alleged that the backlash stems from the film’s reference to “one of the most brutal genocides the country has ever seen,” which he claims has angered right-wing groups.
Vijayan further stated that the film’s producers were being pressured to re-censor and edit certain scenes due to these threats.
“The atmosphere of fear created by the Sangh Parivar is worrying. It is not a good thing for democracy when communalists attempt to destroy a work of art and viciously attack artists just because it has taken a stand against communalism and depicted its horror.”
He warned that calls to “ban and destroy artwork” are “manifestations of fascist attitudes” and an attack on democracy.
Censorship and Film Edits
Following the controversy, the production team of Empuraan announced that the film will undergo revisions, with reports suggesting that 17 scenes, including riot sequences and depictions of violence against women, will be removed.
Mohanlal also addressed the issue, stating that certain aspects of the film had caused distress to some audiences, and assured that changes would be made accordingly.
Box Office Success Despite Controversy
Despite the backlash, Empuraan has been a box office sensation, becoming the first Malayalam movie to gross ₹80 crore worldwide within its opening weekend.
As debates around censorship, political influence, and artistic freedom continue, L2 Empuraan remains at the center of a larger conversation on creative expression and democratic values in India.