The level of expectations surrounding the film L2: Empuraan, starring Mohanlal and directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, is well-known. Being a sequel to the industry hit Lucifer from a few years ago, the film had generated considerable buzz. However, the promotional material did not create the same level of hype. Despite the anticipation, the film failed to meet expectations, leaving the audience disappointed.
Apart from the film’s result, certain scenes sparked intense controversy. Particularly, the opening sequence depicting a Hindu extremist attack on a Muslim family became highly controversial. This scene, portrayed to reflect the 2002 Godhra riots, showed a Hindu extremist assaulting a pregnant Muslim woman, which has drawn severe criticism.
Critics argue that several scenes in the film promote anti-Hindu sentiments and target the Modi government, leading to strong opposition from BJP supporters. Social media platforms have been flooded with criticism, questioning how Mohanlal approved such scenes.
On the other hand, Congress and left-wing parties in Kerala are pushing back against these criticisms. They argue that the same party, which benefited from films like The Kashmir Files and The Kerala Stories —accused of propaganda—now cannot condemn Empuraan. They also mention films like Chhaava, questioning the portrayal of Muslim hatred in it.
Overall, Empuraan has stirred political controversy in Kerala. Despite the mixed reviews and ongoing debates, the film continues to perform strongly at the box office In Kerala.
Producer Reacts On Controversy:
Producer Gokulam Gopalan has instructed Prithviraj to make alterations to address these concerns. He stated that if any scenes or dialogues have hurt viewers’ sentiments, changes will be implemented. However, he noted that further modifications would be challenging and costly, estimating at least ₹40 lakh for such changes across 4,000 cinemas.
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