Filmmakers forced to cut several scenes following Hindutva outrage
Team Clarion
HYDERABAD – The makers of the highly anticipated Malayalam film L2: Empuraan have been compelled to delete 24 scenes, including a 29-second depiction of violence against Muslim women and references to the 2002 Gujarat riots, after facing intense backlash from Hindutva groups.
The film, a sequel to the 2019 blockbuster Lucifer, was released on March 27 after obtaining clearance from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). However, soon after its release, supporters of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched a campaign against the movie, claiming it promoted an “anti-Hindu political agenda.” The RSS-affiliated publication Organizer accused the filmmakers of using the Gujarat riots to push a biased narrative.
The filmmakers have reportedly removed a total of 2 minutes and 8 seconds from the movie. The censored content includes a scene depicting the Godhra train burning incident, graphic depictions of violence against Muslims during the Gujarat riots, and the name of the antagonist “Baba Bajrangi,” which was loosely based on Bajrang Dal leader Babu Bajrangi.
Bajrangi had previously confessed on camera to participating in brutal violence against Muslims, including ripping a woman’s foetus from her womb. Mentions of Union Minister Suresh Gopi and IRS officer Jyothis Mohan, references to Sangh Parivar politics and the National Investigation Agency (NIA), and conversations between key Muslim characters, Masood and Zayed Masood, played by Prithviraj Sukumaran, have also been removed.
The backlash against L2: Empuraan raises concerns about increasing political influence over creative expression in the country. Several filmmakers and industry experts argue that the forced deletions set a dangerous precedent. “This is not just about one film; it is about artistic freedom being curtailed under political pressure,” said a senior industry analyst on condition of anonymity.
Under mounting pressure, Malayalam superstar Mohanlal, who plays a key role in the film, issued a public apology on March 30. In a Facebook post, he expressed regret over the “emotional distress” caused by the film and confirmed that the controversial scenes would be removed. “I understand that certain socio-political themes introduced in Empuraan have caused considerable mental distress among some of my loving fans. As an artist, it is my duty to ensure that none of my films harbour hatred towards any political movement, ideology, or religious group,” wrote Mohanlal. He further added, “We, the Empuraan team and I, sincerely regret the distress caused to our beloved viewers. We acknowledge our collective responsibility and have decided to remove the objectionable content from the film.”
The deletion of crucial scenes from L2: Empuraan has sparked debates on social media, with many questioning whether filmmakers in India are being coerced into self-censorship to avoid political backlash. Activists and film critics have condemned the move, arguing that it sets a worrisome precedent. “If filmmakers have to alter their content under pressure constantly, it will ultimately stifle creativity and honest storytelling,” said a Mumbai-based director.
While the controversy surrounding L2: Empuraan continues, the larger question remains: How much artistic freedom can Indian cinema afford in the face of rising political influence?
