Empuraan Faces Backlash Leading To Major Edits

In a significant move following public outcry, the makers of the Malayalam film Empuraan have decided to implement substantial changes to the movie, which has been accused of hurting the sentiments of certain audience segments. Producer Gokulam Gopalan has requested director Prithviraj Sukumaran to edit the film, which features prominent actors including Mohanlal and Tovino Thomas, after it faced backlash for its portrayal of sensitive topics.

The film, released on March 27, 2025, has sparked controversy due to its indirect references to the 2002 Gujarat riots and its depiction of violence against women. Gopalan stated, "If any scenes or dialogues shown in the movie Empuraan hurt anyone, I have told director Prithviraj to make changes." He emphasized that some words have already been muted in the film and that he has urged the director to consider further modifications.

As the situation escalated, the producer noted that approximately 17 scenes are set to be cut from the film, including those depicting violence against women and certain riot-related content. The film's antagonist, originally named Baba Bajrangi, will also see his name changed in light of the controversy surrounding the character, which some believe is a reference to Babu Bajrangi, a figure associated with the Gujarat riots.

In a recent statement, Gopalan acknowledged the financial implications of these changes, estimating that the alterations could cost the production team around Rs 40 lakh. He remarked, "Don’t know what technical difficulties they might face while making the changes, because if it were to be changed in a certain theatre, it would cost a lot. The film is running in 4000 cinemas, so my guess is that at least Rs 40 lakh would have to be spent making those changes." He further clarified, "We do not make movies to hurt anyone. We want the audience to be happy."

The film has been scrutinized by various political factions, with the Kerala Congress asserting that Empuraan exposes the so-called "Sangh agenda" aimed at dividing Kerala and asserting control over its coastline and ports. Meanwhile, BJP's state secretary S. Suresh stated, "Empuraan film is not a political issue. The Kerala BJP won’t interfere in it. Movie lovers have the liberty to watch the movie and support or criticize it."

Despite the producer's efforts to distance the film from political controversy, the backlash has continued to grow. The right-wing groups have voiced strong objections to the film's content, with many accusing it of promoting an anti-Hindu narrative. The RSS mouthpiece, Organiser, published an article alleging that the film exploits the post-Godhra riots to push an anti-Hindu political agenda, raising concerns about societal harmony.

On March 29, 2025, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his family attended a screening of Empuraan at Lulu Mall, which many interpreted as a political statement amid the ongoing controversy. General Education Minister V. Sivankutty criticized the decision to trim Empuraan, questioning why the film The Kerala Story, which he claimed "defamed Kerala," was screened without any cuts.

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) had previously only requested two cuts, totaling 10 seconds, related to violence against women and a dialogue involving the national flag. However, as the backlash intensified, the producers are now considering voluntary cuts to avoid further conflict. Sources from the CBFC indicated that they had not yet received any application for these modifications as of March 29, 2025, but noted that the next working day for the office is Tuesday.

As the controversy unfolds, social media has erupted with discussions on freedom of expression, with many expressing anger over perceived attempts to censor the film. The Hanuman Sena, a right-wing organization, has announced a protest in front of a cinema in Kozhikode on March 30, 2025, further highlighting the film's polarizing nature.

Empuraan, which serves as a sequel to the 2019 film Lucifer, explores the backstory of character Zayed Masood, portrayed by Prithviraj, and delves into themes of violence and political strife. The film's opening sequences depict a communal flare-up that spans over 15 minutes, drawing parallels to the Gujarat riots and the Bilkis Bano case, which has further fueled the controversy.

As the makers prepare to release an edited version of the film next week, the situation remains fluid, with ongoing debates about artistic freedom and the responsibilities of filmmakers in politically sensitive contexts. The outcome of this controversy will likely have lasting implications for the film industry in Kerala and beyond.