The controversy surrounding Mohanlal’s film “L2: Empuraan” is escalating. Scenes depicting riots in the movie have sparked a political storm. Despite the filmmakers removing 3 minutes of controversial scenes, a petition has been filed in the Kerala High Court to ban the film.
BJP leader B Gopalakrishnan has launched a scathing attack on the film’s director Prithviraj Sukumaran’s wife Supriya Menon, labeling her an “urban naxal”. The BJP claims the film poses a threat to communal harmony in the state.
According to a report by Live Law, a writ petition has been filed in the Kerala High Court by BJP’s Thrissur district committee member VV Vijesh. The petition objects to the scenes depicting communal riots following the Godhra incident, stating that it could spark communal violence.
Mohanlal’s “L2: Empuraan” was released last Thursday, and since then, right-wing groups have been protesting the depiction of the 2002 Gujarat riots in the film. Mohanlal has apologized and announced the removal of the offending scenes, but the protests continue.
The petition filed in the High Court alleges that the film’s marketing agenda is to force people to watch it. It claims the film makes comments about the defense ministry that undermines its credibility and integrity. The petition states that the film’s release has led to rumors and controversies, and its continued screening could lead to communal violence and disrupt public order.
The petitioner, VV Vijesh, has also accused the film’s director Prithviraj Sukumaran of habitually targeting the NDA government. The petition alleges that the film’s producers, Antony Perumbavoor and Gokulam Gopalan, are under the ED’s scanner for foreign funding.
BJP leader Gopalakrishnan has also criticized Prithviraj’s mother, Mallika Sukumaran, for defending her son on social media. Gopalakrishnan told her to control her daughter-in-law, Supriya Menon, whom he labeled an “urban naxal”.
To avoid further controversy, the filmmakers have reportedly removed a 3-minute scene showing an attack on a pregnant woman. They may also change or mute the villain’s name in the dialogues.
Despite the backlash, “L2: Empuraan” has grossed over 200 crores worldwide in just 5 days, making it the highest-grossing Malayalam film post-Covid. However, with a budget of 180 crores, the film is yet to be declared a hit.