Mohanlal's Empuraan to have 17 edits after disagreement over riot depiction: Source

The Malayalam film "L2: Empuraan", directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran and starring Mohanlal, has sparked significant controversy due to its depiction of sensitive historical events. The filmmakers have announced plans to implement approximately 17 voluntary cuts to address concerns raised by various groups. These cuts will focus on scenes portraying violence against women and certain riot sequences. Additionally, the antagonist's name, Baba Bajrangi (portrayed by Abhimanyu Singh), is likely to be changed, and specific dialogues may be muted. These revisions will undergo re-censorship by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) before the updated version is screened. citeturn0search2

Producer Gokulam Gopalan has emphasized the filmmakers' intent to address any content that may have inadvertently hurt sentiments, stating that they have no political affiliations. citeturn0search5

The controversy primarily stems from the film's portrayal of incidents reminiscent of the 2002 Gujarat riots, focusing on the backstory of the character Zayed Masood, played by Prithviraj Sukumaran. The narrative has been criticized by right-wing factions, including the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), for allegedly pushing an "anti-Hindu political agenda." citeturn0search0

Despite the ongoing debates, "L2: Empuraan," the sequel to the 2019 film "Lucifer," was released in cinemas on March 27 and has achieved significant box office success, becoming the highest-grossing Malayalam film of 2025. citeturn0search19

The filmmakers' decision to implement these cuts reflects their commitment to addressing audience sensitivities while preserving the film's artistic integrity.