Mallika Sukumaran Defends Prithviraj Amid 'Empuraan' Row, Trashes Allegations Against Son: 'Few Months Ago...'

Actor-Director Prithviraj Sukumaran's mother and actress Mallika Sukumaran has come to her son's defence in the ongoing 'Empuraan' controversy surrounding alleged indirect references to the Gujarat riots.

In a detailed Facebook post, she dismissed rumours that Mohanlal had not watched the film prior to its release, clarifying that he was fully aware of every scene. She asserted that her son had not misled anyone and should not be solely held responsible if people believed there was an issue with 'Empuraan'.

Prithviraj's 'Empuraan', starring Mohanlal, has faced criticism from right-wing organisations over its depiction of the Gujarat riots. Following the backlash, the filmmakers opted to make 17 cuts and re-edit the film. Meanwhile, director Major Ravi claimed that Mohanlal had not watched the preview and was unaware of certain aspects of the film.

In her Facebook post, Mallika stated that she initially chose not to comment on the controversy but felt compelled to do so now as she saw a false narrative being spread to malign her son's reputation.

She wrote, "As someone who knows the truth about what happened behind the scenes of 'Empuraan', it deeply pains me to see Prithviraj being unfairly targeted. This is a mother's anguish. If speaking out invites mockery, so be it."

"Neither Mohanlal nor the producers have ever said that Prithviraj betrayed them. I don't think they ever will," she continued.

Calling Mohanlal her "younger brother whom I have known since childhood," she added, "He has praised my son on many occasions. It is heartbreaking to see some people trying to scapegoat Prithviraj without Mohanlal's or the producers' knowledge. As a director, Prithviraj has never deceived anyone associated with this film, nor will he ever do so."

Mallika emphasised that "if people believe there is an issue with 'Empuraan', then every person involved in the project is equally responsible."

"They all read the script together, reviewed the scenes as they were filmed, and gave their approval. If any changes were needed during filming, writer Murali Gopy was always available to make adjustments. So, how can Prithviraj alone be held accountable after the movie's release?" she questioned.

To substantiate her claims, she recounted a conversation with her son during the 'Empuraan' shoot.

She wrote, "A few months ago, during a phone call, my son told me he was busy with the shoot in Gujarat. He said, 'I'm in the middle of work, Amma. Lalettan is here. I have to show him every scene we've shot so far and discuss things with Antony.'

This clearly proves that there wasn't a single scene in 'Empuraan' that Mohanlal was unaware of. There is nothing in this film that Mohanlal does not know about, and he himself will never claim otherwise."

Mallika further alleged that some individuals were deliberately spreading misinformation about her son for personal gain. She rejected claims that parts of the script had been added without Mohanlal's knowledge or that he had not watched a preview of the film.

She clarified that there was no preview screening for 'Empuraan' and that she, along with her daughters-in-law and grandchildren, had watched the film on its release date.

Mallika also addressed director Major Ravi directly, who had claimed that Mohanlal was unaware of certain parts of the script and had not seen the preview.

"To Major Ravi, I have only one thing to say: That was unnecessary, Major Ravi. I also extend this to others who are attempting to hunt down Prithviraj. Mohanlal or Antony will never say that Prithviraj betrayed them. So, what does Major Ravi gain from isolating Prithviraj? When I asked him, Major Ravi told me he responded based on some discussions happening in military circles. But what wrongdoing has my son committed?" she asked.

She condemned the fabricated stories against Prithviraj and suspected the involvement of insiders in orchestrating the attacks. Referring to how her family has remained steadfast, she wrote, "We are not people who thrive on politics. We have close relationships with leaders from the BJP, Congress, and CPM. Due to political pressures, some leaders may have had to change their stance on this issue, but we have never changed our stance or withdrawn our love and respect for anyone."

She concluded her note with the words: "Dearest people from different political families, Prithviraj never opposed anyone's personal political beliefs. Satyameva Jayate."

Re-editing of 'Empuraan'

'Empuraan' is the sequel to 'Lucifer' and was released in cinemas on March 27. The film has grossed ₹100 crore worldwide and continues to perform well. However, due to the backlash, the film is currently being re-edited, a decision made by the makers.

Reports suggest that the re-edited version of 'Empuraan' is expected to be screened in cinemas from today (March 31). An official confirmation on the matter is awaited.