'L2: Empuraan' Makers Agree For 17 'Voluntary Cuts' In Mohanlal-Starrer Amid Hindu Right-Wing Backlash

Following major online criticism from right-wing supporters regarding perceived references to the 2002 Gujarat riots in the film 'L2: Empuraan', directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran and starring Mohanlal, the producers are contemplating "voluntary cuts" to certain content.

A producer closely associated with the film informed The Hindu that seventeen modifications are under consideration, including altering the name of the antagonist, Baba Bajrangi.

Photo Credit: https://x.com/Mohanlal

This character's name is believed to reference Babu Bajrangi, a leader of the Bajrang Dal convicted for his role in the Naroda Patiya massacre during the 2002 riots.

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) had previously cleared the film with minimal cuts. However, amid ongoing protests and calls for modifications, the makers have decided to make these changes voluntarily.

Producer Gokulam Gopalan stated that he had advised director Prithviraj to implement necessary adjustments if any scenes or dialogues in the film might have caused offense. He stressed that the production team is not involved in politics.

The film's depiction of events resembling the Gujarat riots has sparked political reactions. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's (RSS) publication, Organiser, criticised the film for allegedly using the backdrop of the 2002 riots to promote an "anti-Hindu political agenda." In response, BJP leader V. Muraleedharan remarked that the party had already clarified its position on the matter.

Additionally, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his family attended a screening of 'Empuraan' at Lulu Mall, an act perceived by many as a political statement. This move has led to further discussions about the film's content and its political implications.