Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan defends freedom of expression amidst Mohanlal’s ‘L2: Empuraan’ political controversy | Malayalam Movie News

The release of ‘L2: Empuraan‘, directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran and starring Mohanlal, has sparked heated debates following allegations of political bias. Right-wing groups criticised the film, particularly for its depiction of the 2002 Gujarat riots, labelling it as “anti-Hindu” and calling for its ban. As tensions mounted, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan took a stand in favour of artistic freedom.
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CM Vijayan, who watched the film on Saturday (29 March), expressed his concerns regarding the backlash. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he denounced what he termed a “communal hate campaign” against the film and its creators. He warned that such incidents were part of a troubling pattern aimed at intimidating artists.
“The communal hate campaign against Empuraan and its creators is deeply disturbing. This is yet another example of a growing pattern where coercion and intimidation are used to silence dissent—tactics that have always been hallmarks of authoritarianism. Undermining creative freedom through fear and threats strikes at the very core of democracy. Freedom of expression is a fundamental right; we must stand united to defend it,” Vijayan wrote.
The Chief Minister had previously commented on the controversy, pointing out that opposition to the film stemmed from its reference to a tragic chapter in India’s history. “I watched the movie at a time when widespread hate campaigns were being unleashed by Sangh Parivar communal forces against the film, its actors, and its crew. What seems to have infuriated the architects of the Sangh Parivar is the film’s reference to one of the most brutal genocides the country has witnessed. Not only the cadres but even leaders of the BJP and RSS have openly issued threats,” he stated.

Meanwhile, reports have emerged that the filmmakers were pressured into re-submitting the film for censorship revisions.
Amidst the uproar, Mohanlal addressed concerns from his audience and assured them that the team had taken their sentiments into account. In a Facebook post, he acknowledged that some aspects of Empuraan had caused distress.
“I have come to know that some political and social themes included in the unveiling of Empuraan, the second part of the Lucifer franchise, have caused considerable distress among many of my loved ones,” the actor wrote.
“As an artist, it is my duty to ensure that none of my films promote hatred towards any political movement, ideology, or religious group. Therefore, both I and the Empuraan team express our sincere regret for the distress caused to my dear ones, and we all take responsibility for it, with the realisation that such issues must be removed from the film,” he added in Malayalam.
The veteran actor further reassured his fans, stating, “For the past four decades, it is you, the audience, who have been a part of my cinematic journey. Your love and trust are my strength. I believe there is no Mohanlal beyond that.”
Prithviraj Sukumaran, the film’s director, later shared Mohanlal’s statement on social media, indicating his support for the actor’s sentiments.