In a dramatic turn of events, the Malayalam film Empuraan, starring the renowned actor Mohanlal and directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, has ignited fierce debates across social media platforms. Released on March 27, 2025, the film quickly became a topic of contention due to its references to the 2002 Gujarat riots, which have drawn both praise and criticism from various political factions.
Upon its release, Empuraan grossed an impressive Rs 22 crore on its opening day, setting a record for the highest earnings by a Malayalam film in a single day. However, the success of the film was overshadowed by a backlash from right-wing groups, who accused it of being "anti-Hindu" and labeled it as "an overt Hindu-bashing propaganda film." The film's portrayal of communal violence, particularly scenes that depict mob violence against Muslims, has stirred controversy, with some critics calling for a boycott.
The film opens with a lengthy sequence depicting communal unrest, which some viewers interpreted as a direct reference to the Godhra train burning incident, where a coach carrying Hindu pilgrims was set ablaze in 2002. This incident sparked widespread riots across Gujarat, leading to significant loss of life. Critics argue that Empuraan fails to acknowledge the context of the Godhra incident, with R.V. Babu, president of the Kerala Hindu Aikya Vedi, claiming that the film has done injustice to the victims of that tragedy.
Despite the backlash, the BJP's Kerala unit has taken a surprisingly lenient stance. BJP state secretary P Sudheer stated, "The party will not go for any campaign against Empuraan. Cinema will be treated as cinema and individuals can air their views as an audience. We do not oppose any movie." This marks a notable departure from the typical hardline responses often associated with the party, particularly in the context of films that touch upon sensitive political issues.
In contrast, both the ruling Left Front and the opposition Congress have rallied behind the film, celebrating it as a significant critique of right-wing politics. Youth Congress state president Rahul Mamkoottathil praised Empuraan as a "pan-Indian film" and condemned the hate campaign against Mohanlal and Sukumaran. He remarked, "The same people who advocated freedom of expression for films based on unfounded lies and religious hatred, like 'Kashmir Files' and 'Kerala Story,' have now come out against Empuraan." This sentiment was echoed by Bineesh Kodiyeri, son of the late CPI(M) veteran Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, who lauded the film for its courage in addressing the contentious issue of the Gujarat riots.
As the debate rages on, the film's narrative has also drawn the ire of right-wing activists on social media. Many took to platforms like X (formerly Twitter) to express their outrage, with one user stating, "Mr. @Mohanlal, This is betrayal. This isn’t just creative liberty. This feels like an ideological attack. This will be the last Mohanlal movie I ever watch." Such sentiments reflect a growing divide in public opinion regarding the representation of Hindu-Muslim relations in Indian cinema.
Additionally, the film's references to real-life incidents, such as the Bilkis Bano case and the Naroda Patiya massacre, have further fueled discussions about its implications. Critics argue that the film's depiction of Hindus as perpetrators of violence may perpetuate negative stereotypes, while supporters contend that it highlights the need for accountability and acknowledgment of historical injustices.
In light of the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections, the controversy surrounding Empuraan is likely to intensify political rivalries. The Left Democratic Front (LDF), which secured a significant victory in the 2021 elections, is expected to leverage the film's narrative to bolster its stance against the BJP and its affiliates. The LDF won 99 out of 140 seats in the last election, while the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) secured only 41 seats, and the BJP was left with no representation after losing its sole seat.
As Kerala prepares for the Assembly election next year, the implications of Empuraan extend beyond the realm of cinema. The film's ability to influence public sentiment and political discourse will be closely monitored by all parties involved. The BJP, which has struggled to gain a foothold in the southern state, may find itself navigating a complex landscape shaped by the film's reception.
In conclusion, Empuraan stands at the intersection of art, politics, and social commentary, prompting discussions that resonate deeply within the current socio-political climate of India. Whether it will serve as a catalyst for change or merely fuel further polarization remains to be seen, but its impact on Kerala's political landscape is undeniable.
