It is known that L2: Empuraan has been mired in controversy ever since it was released in theatres on Thursday (March 27th). While the movie is doing well at the Malayalam box office, the saffron wing (represented by the RSS and the BJP) are unhappy with its "propaganda" politics. Mohanlal has apologized already. Cuts have been mooted. "We acknowledge our collective responsibility and have decided to remove the objectionable content from the film," the legendary actor stated today.
Meanwhile, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has come out in support of L2: Empuraan, directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran. He accused the Sangh Parivar (without taking its name) of carrying out a "communal hate campaign" against the movie and its creators, saying that it is deeply disturbing.
The CM added, "This is yet another example of a growing pattern where coercion and intimidation are used to silence dissent - tactics that have always been hallmarks of authoritarianism. Undermining creative freedom through fear and threats strikes at the very core of democracy. Freedom of expression is a fundamental right; we must stand united to defend it."
L2: Empuraan, co-starring Tovino Thomas and Manju Warrier, has been accused of portraying the 2002 Gujarat riots in a prejudicial manner. The riots were triggered by the killing of 56 Hindus in Godhra. The ensuing riots saw the deaths of both Muslims and Hindus.
