L2: Empuraan, directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran and starring Malayalam legend Mohanlal, may be shattering box office records, but it’s now embroiled in a major political controversy. The film has become the first Malayalam movie to record a global opening gross of ₹80 crore, yet its alleged depiction of the 2002 Gujarat riots has triggered outrage among right-wing supporters.
Key Highlights:
BJP Reacts to Controversy
Union Minister V Muraleedharan, speaking to the media, maintained a diplomatic stance while affirming the party’s official line:
“The party has already clarified its stand, and the State President has very clearly mentioned the BJP’s position… As a film lover and someone who enjoys cinema, each individual can have their own opinion. I have not yet seen the film… The state president is the final authority on matters related to the state.”
Earlier, BJP State President Rajeev Chandrasekhar had extended his best wishes to the film’s team and even posted a picture with Mohanlal on his official X handle, showcasing a more supportive tone before the backlash took shape.
മോഹൻലാൽ – പൃഥ്വിരാജ് ടീമിന് ആശംസകൾ. വരും ദിനങ്ങളിൽ ഞാനും
— Rajeev Chandrasekhar 🇮🇳 (@RajeevRC_X) March 27, 2025
എമ്പുരാൻ കാണുന്നുണ്ട്.
Best wishes, @Mohanlal @PrithviOfficial n team!
I look forward to watching and enjoying #L2E #Empuraan one of these days!@AkmfcwaState pic.twitter.com/mYhHRMhNki
BJYM Leader Calls for Investigation into Prithviraj’s ‘Foreign Links’
The strongest criticism came from BJYM State General Secretary K Ganesh, who accused Prithviraj Sukumaran of pushing an anti-national narrative in his films. In a Facebook post, Ganesh demanded an inquiry into the director’s “foreign connections”:
“Director and actor of the film Empuraan, Prithviraj’s foreign connections should be investigated… From Kuruthi to Jana Gana Mana and now Empuraan, his films have consistently featured narratives that whitewash extremist ideologies.”
Ganesh also raised questions about Prithviraj’s stay in Jordan during the filming of Aadujeevitham, claiming:
“It is important to investigate whom he was in contact with during his time there.”
A Record-Breaking Yet Polarising Film
Released on March 27, L2: Empuraan is the highly anticipated sequel in a planned trilogy following 2019’s Lucifer. The film has received praise for its scale, performances, and cinematic craft—but its alleged portrayal of the 2002 Gujarat riots, during Narendra Modi’s tenure as Gujarat CM, has drawn fierce criticism from segments of the political right.
The controversy underscores the growing intersection of cinema and politics, particularly in Indian films that touch on historical or political events.
A Box Office Hit Under Political Scrutiny
While L2: Empuraan continues to perform phenomenally at the box office, the political discourse surrounding it has intensified. With BJP leaders offering mixed reactions and BJYM raising calls for investigation, the debate around Prithviraj’s creative intentions and political messaging is far from over.
As the film garners both record-breaking success and ideological scrutiny, the larger question remains: where should the line between artistic freedom and political sensitivity be drawn?
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