Kerala: Indian superstar Mohanlal has issued an apology and confirmed that certain scenes from his latest film, L2: Empuraan, will be removed following criticism from Hindu nationalist groups.
The Malayalam-language film, released on Thursday, has been performing well at the box office but has sparked outrage over its depiction of religious violence.
Hindu groups, including members of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), raised objections over scenes they claimed alluded to the 2002 Gujarat riots, during which anti-Muslim violence occurred.
“As an artist, it is my duty to ensure that none of my films are hostile to any political movement, ideology, or religious group,” Mohanlal stated on Facebook. “The team of Empuraan and I sincerely regret the distress caused and have decided to remove such subjects from the movie.”
The move has ignited a debate over artistic freedom, with opposition parties accusing the BJP of pressuring the filmmakers. However, BJP leaders denied launching a campaign against the film, arguing that individuals have the right to voice their concerns.
The film’s director, Prithviraj, has yet to comment on the controversy but shared Mohanlal’s post. Reports suggest up to 17 cuts may be made, though official details remain undisclosed. The movie, which had been cleared by India’s Central Board of Film Certification, may undergo additional review.
L2: Empuraan is the sequel to the 2019 hit Lucifer, with Mohanlal reprising his role as a political kingpin. Despite controversy, the film has grossed nearly 1.5 billion rupees ($17.5 million) in its opening weekend. Critics have offered mixed reviews, with some praising Mohanlal’s performance but criticizing the screenplay.
Amid the controversy, Kerala’s ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the opposition Congress party have voiced support for the film, denouncing attempts to undermine creative freedom.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan condemned the backlash, calling it a “communal hate campaign” that threatens democracy and artistic expression.
