The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) unit in Kerala has taken a measured but surprising stance in the controversy over the Malayalam film L2: Empuraan, a political thriller starring Mohanlal and directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran. This approach stands out particularly because Organiser, the mouthpiece of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)—the BJP’s ideological parent—has taken a critical stand against the movie. The BJP’s position is also unexpected given that one of the central triggers for the controversy was the reference to the 2002 Gujarat riots, a highly sensitive issue for the party and one that has frequently been a subject of political discourse.
The BJP’s response, including the suspension of a local leader who sought a legal ban on the film and statements from senior leaders such as Rajeev Chandrasekhar and Union Minister Suresh Gopi, indicates that the state unit has exercised restraint and caution in handling the issue. While Organiser launched a scathing attack on the film, branding it as “anti-Bharat and anti-Hindu,” the BJP maintained that L2: Empuraan should be viewed purely as a cinematic creation and not as a political statement.
The controversy surrounding the film escalated despite voluntary edits made by the filmmakers. A total of 24 cuts were made, amounting to over two minutes of footage being removed, including references to the Gujarat riots and the National Investigation Agency (NIA). However, even after these alterations, Organiser claimed that the film still carried “anti-Hindu undertones,” suggesting that the cuts had not fully addressed the concerns of right-wing critics.
Despite the continuing outrage from certain sections of the right-wing ecosystem, the BJP’s refusal to demand a complete ban on the film or amplify the protest movements suggested that the party was following a strategy unique to Kerala’s political landscape. The decision to take a balanced approach in this particular state stands in stark contrast to how the BJP has handled similar controversies in northern and central India, where it has often been quick to align itself with Hindutva-driven narratives and condemn films or artistic works perceived as anti-Hindu.
WHAT’S THE L2: EMPURAAN ROW ALL ABOUT?
The controversy surrounding L2: Empuraan, which released in theatres on March 27, erupted after right-wing groups accused the film of making indirect references to the 2002 Gujarat riots and portraying right-wing politics in a negative light. The 2002 riots remain one of the most contentious topics in Indian politics, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi—who was then the Chief Minister of Gujarat—having faced persistent attacks from the Opposition regarding his handling of the situation. Even though courts have cleared him of any wrongdoing, the issue continues to be politically sensitive.
Right-wing groups, particularly those aligned with the RSS, criticized L2: Empuraan for allegedly pushing an “anti-Hindu” agenda. Organiser went a step further, accusing the film of glorifying terrorism and misrepresenting India’s democratic institutions. On April 2, the publication published an article questioning director Prithviraj Sukumaran and writer Murali Gopy, arguing that even after the voluntary cuts, the film’s narrative retained subtle anti-Hindu messaging.
KERALA BJP SUSPENDS LEADER WHO SOUGHT A BAN ON L2: EMPURAAN
Amid the intensifying controversy, a BJP leader from Kerala’s Thrissur district, Vijesh, filed a petition in the Kerala High Court seeking an immediate ban on the film’s screening. He argued that the film’s references to the Gujarat riots and its depiction of central investigative agencies like the Enforcement Directorate (ED) could incite communal unrest and undermine public confidence in these institutions. However, the Kerala High Court dismissed his plea on April 1, questioning the basis of his argument.
The court observed that L2: Empuraan had already been cleared by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and that Vijesh had failed to provide concrete evidence of any violence or unrest caused by the film’s release. Hours after the court’s ruling, the Kerala BJP took swift action, suspending Vijesh from the party for filing the petition without consulting the leadership. In a statement, Thrissur city district president Justin Jacob clarified that the BJP had no official role in Vijesh’s legal plea, effectively distancing the party from his actions.
The decision to suspend Vijesh stood in contrast to the BJP’s usual approach to similar controversies. In other states, the party has often been at the forefront of cultural and political battles against films perceived as controversial. However, in Kerala, the BJP’s response reflected a more calculated strategy—one that sought to maintain a delicate balance between ideological commitment and political pragmatism.
SENIOR BJP LEADERS TAKE A CAUTIOUS STAND
Notably, the Kerala BJP’s restrained approach was also evident in the statements made by its senior leaders. Rajeev Chandrasekhar, a former Union Minister and prominent BJP leader from Kerala, initially expressed enthusiasm for L2: Empuraan, saying he was looking forward to watching it. However, as the backlash grew, he revised his stance, voicing disappointment with the film’s portrayal of certain events. Even so, he stopped short of calling for a boycott or a ban, signaling a more measured response.
Meanwhile, Suresh Gopi, the actor-turned-politician who recently became the BJP’s first-ever Lok Sabha MP from Kerala, dismissed the controversy altogether, calling it a mere business strategy.
“What is the controversy? It is all business—playing with the psyche of the people and making money. That is all,” Gopi remarked on April 2, downplaying the outrage surrounding the film. Interestingly, his name was originally featured in the film’s “thanks” credits, but it was removed following the voluntary cuts made by the filmmakers.
WHY THE BJP’S UNUSUAL STANCE IN KERALA?
The BJP’s measured response to L2: Empuraan is largely influenced by Kerala’s unique political and demographic landscape. Unlike in many other states where the BJP enjoys strong electoral support, the party has struggled to gain a significant foothold in Kerala.
The state’s religious composition plays a crucial role in shaping electoral dynamics. According to the 2011 Census, Kerala’s population comprises approximately 54.73% Hindus, 26.56% Muslims, and 18.38% Christians. This diverse demographic makes it difficult for the BJP to rely solely on its Hindutva-centric messaging, as it does in other states.
Political analysts have pointed out that the BJP’s cautious handling of the L2: Empuraan controversy reflects a broader strategy to avoid alienating moderate voters, particularly religious minorities, ahead of the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections. The party has been attempting to expand its voter base in the state, and an aggressive Hindutva-driven stance on cultural controversies could hinder these efforts.
CPI (M) Rajya Sabha MP AA Rahim previously told India Today Digital that “progressive Kerala would never accept Hindutva politics.” This reality has forced the BJP to recalibrate its strategy, opting for a more nuanced approach that balances its core ideological commitments with electoral pragmatism.
In essence, the BJP’s handling of the L2: Empuraan row illustrates a departure from its usual combative stance on cultural and ideological issues. By distancing itself from demands for a ban and maintaining a relatively moderate tone, the party is signaling a strategic shift—one aimed at making inroads into Kerala’s complex political landscape. Winning Kerala will require a different approach, and the BJP’s response to this controversy reflects its willingness to adapt to the state’s unique realities.
