Right-Wing Fury Fails To Dent Box Office, L2: Empuraan Crosses Rs 100 Crore
Malayalam superstar Mohanlal’s latest film L2: Empuraan has stormed the box office, surpassing Rs 100 crore in less than 48 hours despite a backlash from right-wing groups. The political thriller, directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran and written by Murali Gopy, has been accused by some social media users of being anti-BJP and anti-Hindu due to its depiction of political figures and historical events.
Mohanlal, celebrating the film’s success, shared a post on Instagram that read: “The Cicada himself. L2E: Empuraan surpasses 100 crore at the box office worldwide in less than 48 hours, setting new benchmarks in cinematic history. A heartfelt thanks to all of you for being part of this extraordinary success! Your love and support made this possible.”
In a related development, as per the makers, the movie has also touched another milestone as it crossed $5 million sales overseas. Now, Empuraan holds the record for biggest opener for a Malayalam movie in overseas market.
The Political Controversy
Even before its release, L2: Empuraan attracted attention as the highly anticipated sequel to Lucifer (2019). However, after its debut on 27 March, right-wing critics took issue with the film’s portrayal of a Hindu politician, Balraj, later known as Baba Bajrangi, whose rise to power was linked to a 2002 riot. The character, depicted as a ruthless leader attempting to establish his party’s dominance in Kerala, was seen by some as a veiled critique of real-world political figures.
One outraged X user, claiming to be a devoted Mohanlal fan, wrote: “This isn’t just creative liberty. This feels like an ideological attack. A carefully crafted piece that paints Hindus as savages, nationalists as villains, and the idea of political assertion by Hindus as something dangerous. This will be the last Mohanlal movie I ever watch.”
The controversy deepened due to a subplot involving the film’s antagonist, Zayed Masood, who is shown as a survivor of the 2002 riot orchestrated by Balraj’s men. The film depicts graphic violence, including the murder of Zayed’s family and the rape of a pregnant woman, echoing real-life events. As the plot unfolds, Zayed seeks revenge, aided by protagonist Stephen/Khureshi Abram, when Bajrangi attempts to expand his political influence in Kerala.
A particular scene where Bajrangi discusses plans to destroy a dam, endangering millions, further fuelled claims that the film was an attack on right-wing politics. However, the script also takes jabs at Kerala’s left-wing political factions, portraying corruption and opportunism across the spectrum.
Defending the Film
Amidst the backlash, several political figures have come forward in support of L2: Empuraan. Kerala MLAs Rahul Mankootathil and T Siddique defended the film’s narrative, calling out what they described as a targeted hate campaign.
Rahul Mankootathil criticised the double standards of those attacking the film. “When KGF and Pushpa made waves across Kerala, the response was one of awe. But when Empuraan arrived, some voices began to express jealousy, questioning why we couldn’t have a movie like this,” he wrote on Facebook. He argued that the film sheds light on communal agendas without glorifying any ideology.
T Siddique, MLA for Kalpetta, accused right-wing factions of attempting to stifle creative freedom. “In a democratic country like India, if we are not allowed to criticise the ruling government through our art, then what right do we have to criticise nations like Taliban-controlled Afghanistan or Iran?” he questioned.
Former MP TN Prathapan and former MLA PC Vishnunath also expressed their solidarity online, condemning what they saw as an attempt to curb artistic expression.
