🕊️ Superstar Responds to Gujarat Riots Uproar, Team Agrees to 17 Cuts in Controversial Sequel
March 30, 2025: In the wake of a growing political firestorm over his blockbuster film L2: Empuraan, veteran actor Mohanlal has issued a heartfelt apology to audiences and critics, acknowledging the controversy around certain political and social depictions in the film. He assured fans that the production team has decided to remove scenes and references that may have caused discomfort or hurt sentiments.
Also Read: ‘L2: Empuraan’ To Undergo 17 Cuts Amid Controversy Over Sensitive Scenes
“As an artist, it is my duty to ensure that none of my movies harbours hatred towards any political movement, idea, or religion,” Mohanlal posted on Facebook, adding that he “regrets the mental pain caused” and that the film will be trimmed accordingly.
🎥 What’s Being Changed in L2: Empuraan?
- 17 voluntary cuts ordered by the makers after CBFC intervention.
- Removal of riot scenes, especially those resembling the 2002 Gujarat violence.
- Muted dialogues, altered names (e.g., antagonist Baba Bajrangi to be renamed).
- Edits to scenes involving violence against women.
Producer Gokulam Gopalan said that while the film had passed CBFC clearance, cuts were made to avoid hurting public sentiments.
🗳️ Politics vs Cinema: The Fallout
The film’s riot references have sparked a massive political debate:
- BJP leaders like Rajeev Chandrasekhar expressed disappointment but refrained from formal protest.
- Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) called for an investigation into director Prithviraj Sukumaran’s “foreign links”, labelling the content “anti-national.”
- RSS, via its Organiser publication, accused the film of spreading a “divisive narrative disguised as cinema.”
Also Read: L2: Empuraan Faces CBFC Heat Over Gujarat Riots Depiction, Ordered to Make 17 Cuts
🗨️ Voices of Support
- Congress leaders defended the film as an exercise in freedom of speech, pointing out that BJP supported politically charged films like The Accidental Prime Minister and Emergency.
- CPM minister V Sivankutty stated, “The Gujarat riots are part of Indian history. Even if scenes are cut, generations will know the truth.”
🌍 Box Office Success Amid Controversy
Despite the backlash, L2: Empuraan continues its record-breaking box office run, crossing ₹100 crore globally within just two days. A revised version of the film with the suggested cuts is expected to release in theatres next week.
Mohanlal concluded his post with an emotional note to his fans:
“I have lived my cinematic life as one of you for the last four decades. Your love and faith are my only strength. Mohanlal is not greater than that.”
As the political heat rises, the incident reignites conversations around creative freedom, political sensitivity, and where cinema should draw the line.
Tags: Mohanlal, L2 Empuraan, Gujarat riots, Prithviraj Sukumaran, film censorship, political controversy, BJP, Congress, RSS, freedom of expression, Kerala cinema, box office success, Indian politics, Bollywood controversy