Mohanlal's Empuraan controversy: Top developments from backlash to protests against Prithviraj

It may not be cinematic gold or a riveting film, but Mohanlal’s L2: Empuraan is proving to be box office dynamite and controversy catnip.

The film, directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, has triggered a national debate in India — not for its storytelling finesse, but for its bold political undertones and contentious historical references.

From furious right-wing backlash and censorship demands to protests spilling into Tamil Nadu, Empuraan is dominating headlines like few Malayalam films have in recent memory.

Here’s a breakdown of the most explosive developments shaking up the industry:

1.Political backlash and apology:

The film faced criticism from right-wing groups for its portrayal of events resembling the 2002 Gujarat riots. In response, lead actor Mohanlal issued an apology on Facebook, expressing regret for any distress caused and emphasising that the film was not intended to promote animosity toward any political movement or religious community.

2. Film edits and censorship:

The filmmakers announced that 'L2: Empuraan' would undergo 17 voluntary cuts, including the removal of riot sequences and scenes depicting violence against women. These edits were made to address concerns raised by various groups and to prevent further controversy.​Initially, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) which is India's censorship authority cleared L2: Empuraan with a UA certificate, requiring only minor edits that amounted to a reduction of about 10 seconds in the film's runtime.

3. Support from film fraternity:

The Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) extended support to the 'Empuraan' team, condemning personal attacks and advocating for creative criticism over personal abuse. Actor Asif Ali also commented on the controversy, urging audiences to perceive cinema purely as entertainment. ​

4. Family Defense:

In the midst of mounting criticism against Empuraan director Prithviraj Sukumaran, his mother — veteran actress Mallika Sukumaran — has come out strongly in his defense. Speaking to the press in Kerala, Mallika described the backlash as deeply personal and unfair, alleging that vested interests were “trying to make [her] son a scapegoat.”

She categorically denied claims that Prithviraj misled actor Mohanlal or the producers regarding the film’s politically sensitive content.

“Every scene was discussed in detail with Mohanlal and Antony Perumbavoor. Nothing was hidden,” she said. “My son is an artist, not a conspirator.”

Mallika also stressed that the script went through multiple approvals and revisions, and that key stakeholders — including Mohanlal himself — were part of every creative discussion.

“This isn’t just a mother defending her son. This is an industry professional calling out the unfair targeting of a filmmaker who was doing his job,” she added.

5. Political support and criticism:

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and other political leaders expressed solidarity with the film's team, criticising the pressure exerted by certain groups to alter the film. In contrast, BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar suggested that the controversy might have been a publicity stunt by the producers. ​

6.Box office performance:

Despite the controversy, 'L2: Empuraan' achieved remarkable success at the box office, becoming the fastest Malayalam movie to gross Rs1 billion worldwide and surpassing the $10 million mark overseas.

7. RSS criticism:

The RSS mouthpiece 'Organiser' criticised the film, alleging that it spreads an "anti-Hindu" and "anti-BJP" narrative. The publication also targeted director Prithviraj Sukumaran, labeling him as the "voice of the anti-nationals." ​

8.Protests in Tamil Nadu:

Organisations in Tamil Nadu, such as the Periyar Vaigai Irrigation Farmers Association and Tamizhaga Vazhvurimai Katchi, criticised 'Empuraan' for its portrayal of the Mullaperiyar Dam issue. They argued that the film presents the dam in a manner detrimental to Tamil Nadu's interests and demanded the removal of related scenes.