Indian superstar's latest film faces right-wing backlash

Mohanlal, a prominent figure in the Indian film industry, has recently faced significant backlash regarding his latest film, L2: Empuraan. This film, which is a sequel to the highly successful 2019 movie Lucifer, has garnered both praise and criticism since its release. While many fans have flocked to theaters to watch the film, certain Hindu nationalist groups, including members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), have expressed their discontent with specific scenes in the movie. These scenes are perceived to reference the tragic anti-Muslim riots that occurred in Gujarat in 2002. In response to the criticism, Mohanlal took to social media to apologize and announced that some scenes would be removed from the film. He emphasized his commitment to ensuring that his work does not offend any political or religious group. Mohanlal's statement reflects his understanding of the responsibility that comes with being an artist, and he expressed regret for any distress caused to viewers. The film has been performing well at the box office, reportedly earning around 1. 5 billion rupees during its opening weekend. However, the critical reception has been mixed. Some reviews have pointed out that the film struggles with pacing and narrative coherence, while others have praised Mohanlal's performance as a highlight. The controversy surrounding L2: Empuraan has ignited a broader conversation about artistic freedom in India. The opposition parties, including Congress and the Left, have accused the BJP of exerting pressure on filmmakers to conform to certain narratives. In contrast, BJP leaders have maintained that they did not initiate a public campaign against the film, asserting that individuals have the right to voice their opinions on social media. The film's plot revolves around the character Zayed Masood, portrayed by director Prithviraj, who experiences a traumatic past during the riots. The film's depiction of violence and its implications for contemporary politics have raised eyebrows among viewers and critics alike. Rajeev Chandrasekhar, the state president of the BJP, initially wished the film well but later expressed concern over the content, stating that movies should not distort historical truths. Some BJP leaders have echoed this sentiment, labeling the film as containing 'anti-national themes. ' The Organiser Weekly, a publication associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), criticized the film as a divisive narrative disguised as entertainment. Despite the backlash, there has not been a significant organized protest against the film, although calls for a boycott have emerged on social media. In light of the controversy, producer Gokulam Gopalan has urged director Prithviraj to consider making changes to the film if any scenes have offended viewers. Following this, Mohanlal confirmed that certain scenes would be cut, although the specifics of these changes remain unclear. Reports suggest that the film may undergo as many as 17 cuts, while others indicate that a three-minute scene will be removed. The film had previously received clearance from India's Central Board of Film Certification, which reviews films for public viewing. However, filmmakers have the option to resubmit their work for further cuts if necessary. Amidst the ongoing debate, L2: Empuraan has also received support from political parties such as the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the Congress party, both of which have a strong presence in Kerala. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan condemned the hate campaign against the film and its creators, emphasizing the importance of creative freedom in a democratic society. He stated that undermining artistic expression through threats and intimidation is deeply concerning. Congress leader VD Satheesan echoed these sentiments, arguing that altering a work of art due to fear is not a triumph. The situation surrounding L2: Empuraan highlights the delicate balance between artistic expression and societal sensitivities, raising important questions about the role of cinema in reflecting and shaping political discourse.