News Update: 5.35 PM (IST)
Actor Mohanlal has issued an apology after L2: Empuraan sparked backlash over references to the Gujarat riots. In a Facebook post, he assured fans that "such subjects" would be removed from the film and expressed regret for any distress caused.
Writing in Malayalam, Mohanlal acknowledged that certain political and social themes in the film had led to unrest. "I have come to know that some elements in Empuraan, the second part of the Lucifer franchise, have deeply upset many of my dear ones. As an artist, it is my duty to ensure that none of my films foster hatred against any political movement, ideology, or community," he stated.
He further emphasized that the responsibility was shared by the entire Empuraan team. "We deeply regret the distress caused and, recognizing our collective responsibility, we have decided to remove such themes from the film," he concluded.
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News Released 10.33 AM (IST)
The Malayalam blockbuster&nbsp;L2: Empuraan, starring Mohanlal and directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, has been at the center of a heated controversy following its portrayal of the 2002 Gujarat riots. The film, which has been shattering box office records since its release on March 27, has now come under the scrutiny of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), leading to significant edits being mandated before further screenings.
CBFC Intervenes Following Political Outcry
According to a report by media, the CBFC has ordered 17 cuts in L2: Empuraan, primarily targeting sequences depicting communal violence and other sensitive content. The move comes after intervention from the central government, prompting the CBFC's Kerala office to reassess the film. The certification board's directive includes modifications to riot sequences and depictions of violence against women.
Sources suggest that if the revised version is submitted by Monday, the film is expected to receive approval for further screenings within the next few days.
Producer Agrees to Edits Amid Growing Backlash
Producer Gokulam Gopalan confirmed that the production team has agreed to comply with the CBFC&rsquo;s recommendations. &nbsp;Gopalan stated that he has instructed director Prithviraj Sukumaran to make the necessary changes if any scenes or dialogues in the film have caused offense.
Why&nbsp;L2: Empuraan&nbsp;Sparked Controversy
The controversy primarily stems from a lengthy and intense sequence in&nbsp;L2: Empuraan&nbsp;that depicts the 2002 Gujarat riots. The film portrays a character closely linked to the violence as its primary antagonist, a move that has stirred strong reactions from political circles. Critics argue that the depiction of the riots in a commercial film, especially with a central antagonist inspired by real-life events, has political undertones that could inflame tensions.
While some have lauded the film for its bold storytelling, others, particularly political leaders in Kerala and Gujarat, have condemned it as an attempt to distort history and stoke communal discord. The portrayal of such a sensitive episode in Indian history has triggered a debate on the balance between artistic freedom and social responsibility in cinema.
Box Office Triumph Despite the Controversy
Despite the ongoing row,&nbsp;L2: Empuraan&nbsp;has been a massive commercial success. Within just two days of release, it became the fastest Malayalam film to gross ₹100 crore globally, as reported by Sacnilk.com. Additionally, the film has set a new record as the highest-grossing Malayalam film in the international market, surpassing expectations.
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A sequel to&nbsp;Lucifer,&nbsp;L2: Empuraan&nbsp;is one of the most expensive Malayalam productions to date. Alongside Mohanlal and Prithviraj, the film features an ensemble cast, including Tovino Thomas, Manju Warrier, Abhimanyu Singh, Jerome Flynn, and Eriq Ebouaney.
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Censorship and Artistic Expression: The Larger Debate
The controversy surrounding&nbsp;L2: Empuraan reignites the long-standing debate over censorship in Indian cinema. While filmmakers argue for creative liberty, authorities emphasize the need to maintain social harmony.&nbsp;
As&nbsp;L2: Empuraan&nbsp;continues to dominate the box office, the film&rsquo;s edits and the resulting conversations around artistic freedom and political sensitivities will likely remain a focal point in the discourse surrounding Indian cinema.
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Malayalam Super Star Mohanlal and Prithviraj Sukumaran (posters of L2: Empuraan)

Amidst massive success, L2: Empuraan faces backlash for depicting Gujarat riots, CBFC orders cuts

Mohanlal Apologizes for ‘L2: Empuraan’ Controversy, Promises to Remove Content

Amidst massive success, L2: Empuraan faces backlash for depicting Gujarat riots, CBFC orders cuts

March 30, 2025 | 10:33 IST