Malayalam superstar Mohanlal has finally addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding his latest blockbuster, L2: Empuraan. The film, directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, has been embroiled in a heated debate due to its alleged references to the 2002 Gujarat riots. With growing criticism from certain sections of the audience and political groups, Mohanlal has now issued a heartfelt statement, expressing his regret for any distress caused and announcing that changes will be made to the film to address the concerns.
In his statement, the veteran actor acknowledged the emotions stirred by Empuraan and reassured audiences that neither he nor the filmmakers intended to create division or hostility. He emphasized that as an artist, his primary responsibility is to deliver films that resonate with all viewers, without antagonizing any political, social, or religious groups. He further assured that the Empuraan team is committed to taking corrective action and removing any controversial elements that may have unintentionally caused discomfort.
"I know that some of the political and social themes that have been introduced in the making of the film Empuraan, the second part of the Lucifer franchise, have caused great distress to many of my loved ones. As an artist, it is my duty to ensure that none of my films are hostile to any political movement, ideology, or religious sect. Therefore, I and the Empuraan team are sincerely sorry for the distress caused to my loved ones, and with the realization that the responsibility for it lies with all of us who worked on the film. We have decided together to remove such themes from the film," read a key section of his statement.
Mohanlal also expressed his gratitude toward his fans, acknowledging their unwavering support throughout his illustrious four-decade-long career. He reiterated that his bond with the audience is the foundation of his cinematic journey and that he values their sentiments above all else.
"I have lived my film career as one of you for the last four decades. Your love and trust are my only strength. I believe that there is no Mohanlal who is greater than that...With love, Mohanlal," he concluded, signing off his message with the hashtags #L2E and #Empuraan.
The controversy surrounding Empuraan has ignited a larger conversation about artistic freedom in Indian cinema. While certain groups believe that films should avoid politically sensitive subjects, others argue that cinema is meant to be a medium for fearless storytelling and meaningful social discourse. Amidst the backlash, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has stepped forward to support Mohanlal and the Empuraan team, firmly stating that freedom of expression must be protected at all costs.
"In a democratic society, the freedom of expression of a citizen must be protected. Violent calls to destroy and ban artwork and artists are the latest manifestations of fascist attitudes. They are a violation of democratic rights. The rights to make films, watch them, enjoy them, evaluate them, agree and disagree, etc., must not be lost. For this, the united voice of this country, which is rooted in democratic secular values, must be raised," Vijayan asserted in a strongly worded statement.
Despite the surrounding controversy, Empuraan has been a phenomenal success at the box office. The Mohanlal-starrer has already crossed the ₹100 crore mark globally, setting a new benchmark for Malayalam cinema. Within just three days of its release, the film had collected ₹46 crore in India, steadily inching toward the ₹50 crore milestone. It has also become the fastest Malayalam film to achieve this feat worldwide, joining an elite club of superhits such as Manjummel Boys, Lucifer, Premalu, Pulimurugan, Aadujeevitham, and 2018.
Trade analysts predict that Empuraan will continue its dream run despite facing tough competition from Salman Khan's Sikandar, which has opened to a strong response. Given Salman’s massive fan following and the Eid holiday boost, Sikandar is expected to dominate the box office in the coming days. However, industry insiders believe that Empuraan still has a strong chance to sustain its momentum due to its gripping storyline, spectacular action sequences, and the power-packed performances of its cast.
Apart from Mohanlal, the film boasts an ensemble cast including Prithviraj Sukumaran, Abhimanyu Singh, and Manju Warrier, all of whom have received praise for their performances. The film was released in cinemas on March 27 and continues to be a talking point among cinephiles and critics alike.
As the debate surrounding Empuraan continues, it remains to be seen how audiences will react to the decision to alter certain elements of the film. Will the changes be enough to satisfy the critics, or will they spark an even larger conversation about censorship and creative freedom in cinema? Only time will tell.
