BJP Vs Congress In Kerala As 'L2: Empuraan' Ignites Debate On 2002 Gujarat Riots

The new Malayalam film 'Empuraan', starring Mohanlal and directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, has sparked a fierce political row, with the Congress claiming it lays bare the 'Sangh agenda'.

The movie subtly depicts events tied to the Gujarat riots, delving into the backstory of Zayed Masood, played by Sukumaran, which shows the savage murder of numerous Muslim families, including Masood's, by Hindutva activists.

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

It also casts a critical eye on the supposed exploitation of central agencies by the ruling party, reported India Today.

The Kerala Congress's social media account stated that the film unmasks what they term the "Sangh agenda" of fracturing Kerala and seizing control of its vital coastline and ports.

Yet, VT Balram, who oversees the Kerala Congress' social media, admitted he hadn't watched 'Empuraan', remarking: "I don't know what it's like. But I think some people have not liked it."

In a spirited Facebook post, Palakkad Congress MLA Rahul Mamkoothathil championed the film, likening it to the divisive 'The Kerala Story', and slammed what he called the "hatred factory of Sangh Parivar." He praised the film's technical excellence and the standout performances of its actors.

Bineesh Kodiyeri, son of former CPIM secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, also lauded the film.

Kodiyeri, who serves as joint secretary of the Kerala Cricket Association, commented: "In today's India, if a big budget film is saying that the Sangh Parivar is ruling the country by inciting riots in Gujarat, it takes a lot of courage."

BJP state secretary S Suresh, however, downplayed the controversy, saying: "Empuraan film is not a political issue. The Kerala BJP won't interfere in it. Movie lovers have the liberty to watch the movie and support or criticise it."

'L2: Empuraan', the follow-up to the 2019 Malayalam hit 'Lucifer', hit screens on March 27, 2025. The action thriller enjoyed a stellar debut, with early trade estimates suggesting it raked in roughly Rs 22 crore net at the domestic box office, making it the biggest opener in Malayalam cinema history.

The film boasts a star-studded cast, including Mohanlal, Sukumaran, Tovino Thomas, Manju Warrier, Abhimanyu Singh, Andrea Tivadar, Jerome Flynn, Indrajith Sukumaran, Eriq Ebouaney, and Suraj Venjaramoodu.