Prithviraj Sukumaran Served IT Notice Over Earnings from 2022 Films Amid 'L2: Empuraan' Row

Following recent Enforcement Directorate raids at the office of Empuraan producer Gokulam Gopalan, the Income Tax Department has now issued a notice to actor-director Prithviraj Sukumaran, who is directing the film at the heart of the controversy.

The notice requests clarification regarding Prithviraj's earnings from three films he acted in and co-produced in 2022 - 'Jana Gana Mana', 'Gold', and 'Kaduva'.

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According to IT officials, the notice was system-generated - automatically flagged during routine income tax assessments when inconsistencies or queries arise.

It was sent via email on March 29, with Prithviraj asked to respond by April 29.

Reportedly, although Prithviraj played lead roles in all three films, he did not receive payment for acting. Instead, he was remunerated solely as a co-producer. The IT Department is now seeking clarity on this income arrangement as part of standard verification processes.

Back in 2022, the IT Department had also conducted searches at Prithviraj's residence and office over suspected irregularities in his tax records. The investigation extended to his production company and affiliated entities.

Similar scrutiny was carried out on other major producers, including Antony Perumbavoor, Listin Stephen, and Anto Joseph.

This latest development comes as Prithviraj remains in the spotlight for his upcoming directorial project, Empuraan, in which he also features in a key role.

The film, starring Mohanlal, recently drew criticism from BJP activists in Kerala over certain allegedly controversial scenes.

Following the protests, several scenes were reportedly edited out.