Empuraan Manufactured Outrage and Tragic Surrender

Prithviraj Sukumaran, Mohanlal, Murali Gopy, and Gokulam Gopalan, key figures in the Malayalam film industry, have found themselves at the center of national news for the wrong reasons. While they would have been thrilled by the massive success of their film L2: Empuraan (Overlord), which grossed over Rs 100 crore globally within two days, an unexpected twist thrust them into an unnecessary conflict stirred by a few BJP supporters in Kerala. These self-proclaimed defenders of Hinduism spotted sinister motives in the film and claimed it posed a threat to the country’s stability.

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BJP’s Shifting Stance and the Online Outrage Over Empuraan Alleged Controversies

Initially, the state BJP, already struggling with internal issues and a newly appointed leader, brushed off the controversy, calling L2: Empuraan “just a film. However, recent reports suggest that, due to mounting pressure, the party is now attempting to distance itself from its earlier stance. For the online protectors of culture and community, this became an opportunity they couldn’t miss: a high-profile target involving renowned figures like Prithviraj Sukumaran and Mohanlal, along with the prominent left-leaning scriptwriter Gopy and influential producer Gopalan. References to Gujarat, a main antagonist who despises Muslims, and hints at political and economic power struggles involving Kerala, all fueled the outrage.

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Empuraan’s Modifications Misunderstood Intent and the Film’s True Message

In response to this online pressure, the L2: Empuraan team has caved in, agreeing to about 17 changes and producing a modified, re-censored version. However, anyone who has seen the film knows that it is not a propaganda piece. The film emphasizes empathy and humanity, with scenes like a Hindu matriarch sheltering a Muslim family. The film then moves on to grand action sequences and delves into some political aspects of Kerala. Its supposed vilification of Hinduism and portrayal of Hindus as aggressors is unfounded. The filmmakers’ goal was to elevate Kerala to the global cinematic stage with Mohanlal as its star.

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The State of Cinema and Culture: Conformity to Online Pressure and Unchecked Absurdities

The realms of cinema, art, and culture have reached this point. Artists and performers are now forced to conform to the predictable demands of an unseen online mob. Meanwhile, we continue to promote the soft power of our films and entertainment on international platforms that are striving to become developed. The Hindi film industry churns out mindless, cringe-worthy storylines that are heavily communal and cater to extreme, fundamental ideologies. One such film even set in Kerala remember that one? We cheer, clap, and whistle as this absurdity unfolds day after day. As this farce grows bigger, more polished, and harsher, let’s not forget to amplify our applause, even for future projects that may suffer the same fate.

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