Amidts Hindutva Hate Campaign, 17 Cuts To Make In L2: Empuraan
After Prithviraj’s film L2: Empuraan, starring Mohanlal released, the film has been the talking point. The mention of 2002 Gujarat riot, and Naroda Patiya massacre in the film did not sit well with many. The film faced a massive hate campaign by Hindutva social media handles, Sangh Parivar leaders, and right-wing outlets, which led the producers of the film to be instructed to remove scenes, especially which mentions Gujarat genocide from the film, as per media report.
As per the report, the film’s producers have decided to implement 17 cuts, along with muting certain dialogues. Additionally, the name of the antagonist, Baba Bajrangi, will also be altered. The edit is expected to be completed by Monday, and until then the uncut version of the film is continuing its theatrical run.
Several Malayalam media outlets reported that L2: Empuraan producer Gokulam Gopalan has said that he has asked director-actor Prithviraj to make changes to the film.
The move came as the most hyped Malayalam film ever has sparked fierce hate campaigns from Hindu right-wing handles, who find the perceived political undertones of the film difficult to handle. The film reportedly include incidents referring to the 2002 Gujarat riot, which is also called as Gujarat Muslim Genocide (though it was not named). The Hindutva forces’ attempts to gain a foothold in Kerala, and the misuse of government agencies to silence opponents, which was followed by the launching of hate campaign against the film.
Also Read: Right-Wing Fury Fails To Dent Box Office, L2: Empuraan Crosses Rs 100 Crore
The hate campaign includes mass ticket cancellations of the movie, which has set a new record for Malayalam cinema. The film has created history by becoming the first film in the industry to sell over 1 million advance tickets on the online ticketing platform BookMyShow. The film has also surpassed Rs 100 crore in just two days, as claimed by the producers.
India’s ruling party, BJP’s youth wing, Yuva Morcha, accused Prithviraj of having links with international terrorist organisation ISIS. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) mouthpiece Organiser criticised the Malayalam film and accused it of using the backdrop of the 2002 Gujarat genocide to push an “anti-Hindu political agenda.” It also stated that Prithviraj was a deeply polarising figure.
The most unsettling part for the Hindutva group is taken to be the featuring of character named as Baba Bajrangi, portrayed by Abhimanyu Singh, who has sparked discussion about possible real-life inspirations. Babu Bajrangi, whose real name is Babubhai Patel, was a Bajrang Dal leader convicted for his role in the 2002 Naroda Patiya massacre.
Also Read: Kerala Politicians Rally Behind Empuraan As Right Wing Attacks Mohanlal’s Political Thriller
In Empuraan, Baba Bajrangi is depicted as a Hindu nationalist politician involved in communal violence in 2002, which bears similarities to the Gujarat genocide. The character leads a mob responsible for significant bloodshed, including a subplot involving the massacre of a Muslim family, which many viewers link to the real-life events Babu Bajrangi was associated with.
Reportedly, as a response to the hate campaign, the filmmakers, including Aashirvad Cinemas, have voluntarily submitted a revised version of the movie for re-censorship. Once the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) gives its approval, the modified version will be re-released in theatres next week, said Manorama News.
