Prithiviraj has always been vocal about his politics - why change it for ‘L2: Empuraan’?

Another day of raging controversy is probably the best thing that’s happening to ‘L2: Empuraan’ right now. Ahead of a new heavily edited version of the movie that will show up in cinemas sometime next week, there are enough people in Kerala wanting to watch it before the cuts. The movie’s producers and cinema owners in Kerala will not have any issues with that - it all adds up to what they collect at the box-office.

But is there any merit creating a highly charged situation over Prithiviraj Sukumaran’s political leanings, which he does amp up as director and actor in L2? Because he’s been known to have views on Indian political matters through the years, and has never backed down from airing his thoughts out in public. Something the majority of Kerala’s movie stars have studiously avoided in the past.

Even when Mukesh in Kollam and the late Innocent - from Chalakudy - won elections, it had much to do with their wider acceptance among the electorate rather than their association with the CPI (M). The same can be said about Suresh Gopi’s recent win for the BJP from Thrissur.

So, is Prithiviraj’s being ‘faulted’ for making a highly politicized movie? Or is he being targeted for doing so in a film where Mohanlal plays the lead role?

If Prithiviraj believes he’s within his rights to make a action blockbuster with a political tinge, let him. If he reckons that a majority of the Kerala audience would go with his views, then allow him that bandwidth. The politics of ‘L2: Empuraan’ could also help garner attention among a broader South Indian audience, which is also what the producers of the movie are banking on. If that means less takings from North India, then so be it. Because there will always be a lucrative second showing on OTT and satellite platforms.

At the end of the day, it’s up to the audiences - whether in Kerala or pan-South India - to decide whether what he comes out with is worthy of their time and money.

For now, all the anger vented on ‘L2: Empuraan’ from sections of the society is giving free publicity that could help the movie cover its gigantic costs - around Rs2 billion based on various estimates - in the long term. The only people who will be laughing then would be the producers - and Prithviraj.

Here, audiences in Kerala should learn to take movies with a tinge of politics in their stride. Their counterparts in Tamil Nadu sure know how to do that. You can have Thalapathy Vijay have specific views about what his politics should be - and in recent times, he’s been quite open about airing it. All with an eye on potentially becoming a future Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu… But when it comes to his movies, Vijay’s audiences decide what works - or don’t. Vijay’s politics - and political ambitions - sure did not get in the way of ‘Leo’ or ‘GOAT’… Which is what those who are directing their ire and fire at Prithiviraj should do - audiences in Kerala can judge a movie on its merits. It’s best not to do the thinking for them.

These critics should extend the same courtesy to Prithiviraj - and ‘L2: Empuraan’.