L2: Empuraan Faces CBFC Heat Over Gujarat Riots Depiction, Ordered to Make 17 Cuts

After political backlash, CBFC asks for significant edits to riot and violence scenes in Mohanlal-Prithviraj Sukumaran’s film; makers agree to comply.

March 30, 2025: Amid rising controversy over its depiction of the 2002 Gujarat riots, L2: Empuraan, starring Mohanlal and directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, has come under scrutiny from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). As per a report in the Times of India, the CBFC has ordered 17 cuts to the film following intervention from the Centre.

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The film, which hit theatres on March 27, had initially been cleared for release, but a review by CBFC’s Kerala office has now mandated changes, particularly in scenes depicting communal violence and sensitive content involving violence against women.

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What Led to the Cuts?

The film features a detailed sequence on the 2002 Gujarat riots, with one of the perpetrators portrayed as a central antagonist. This sparked political uproar in Kerala, with calls for censorship citing the film’s handling of a “sensitive historical issue”.

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According to sources close to the production, edits will involve trimming riot sequences and toning down violent visuals. Producer Gokulam Gopalan confirmed that he has asked director Prithviraj Sukumaran to implement the changes “if any scenes or dialogues in the movie had hurt anyone.”

What Happens Next?

If the edited version is submitted by Monday, it could be re-approved for screenings in the coming days. The CBFC is expected to expedite the process given the film’s already active theatrical run.

Despite the controversy, L2: Empuraan continues to break records. It has crossed ₹100 crore globally within just two days and is now the highest-grossing Malayalam film overseas.

A sequel to 2019’s Lucifer, the film features a star-studded cast including Prithviraj, Tovino Thomas, Manju Warrier, Abhimanyu Singh, Jerome Flynn, and Eriq Ebouaney.

The political storm surrounding the film has only heightened public interest, making it one of the most talked-about films of the year.

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L2 Empuraan, Mohanlal, Prithviraj Sukumaran, Gujarat riots, CBFC cuts, Malayalam cinema, censorship controversy, political backlash, Gokulam Gopalan, Kerala news, Indian films controversy