Mohanlal addresses ‘L2: Empuraan’ controversy, apologizes for distress caused

KOCHI March 30: Superstar Mohanlal has responded to the growing controversy surrounding his recently released movie ‘L2: Empuraan,’ the second installment in the Lucifer franchise, after the film faced widespread backlash for its political and social themes. Taking to social media, the actor expressed regret for the distress caused to fans and loved ones, acknowledging the impact of the film’s content.

In light of the concerns raised, Mohanlal announced that the production team has decided to remove contentious references from the movie. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has reportedly ordered 17 cuts, including edits to scenes related to the Gujarat riots and violence against women.

‘L2: Empuraan’ has faced criticism from various groups, including the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BYJM), who called for an investigation into the filmmakers’ “foreign connections.” The film, directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran and starring Mohanlal, has been a box office success despite the controversy, becoming the biggest Malayalam film opener with a worldwide gross of Rs 67.5 crore.

In a heartfelt statement posted online, Mohanlal wrote, “I know that some of the political and social themes that have been introduced in the making of the film ‘Empuran’, the second part of the ‘Lucifer’ franchise, have caused great distress to many of my loved ones. As an artist, it is my duty to ensure that none of my films is hostile to any political movement, ideology or religious group. Therefore, the team of ‘Empuraan’ and I sincerely regret the distress caused to my loved ones, and with the realisation that the responsibility for it lies with all of us who worked behind the film, We have decided together to remove such themes from the film.”