‘L2 Empuraan’ Breaks Box Office Records with ₹80 Crore Opening Amid Controversy
Actor-director Prithviraj Sukumaran’s latest release, L2: Empuraan, starring Mohanlal, is setting new records at the box office. It has become the first Malayalam film to achieve a worldwide opening gross of ₹80 crore.
However, the film has also sparked political controversy, facing backlash from right-wing groups over its portrayal of the 2002 Gujarat riots. The film’s writer, Murali Gopy, has now addressed the growing criticism.
Box Office Success and Political Backlash
L2: Empuraan, the second installment in Prithviraj Sukumaran’s planned trilogy that began with Lucifer in 2019, opened to massive commercial success.
It grossed ₹22 crore on its first day in Kerala alone — the highest opening for any Malayalam film in the state. Despite the box office success, the film has been targeted by right-wing groups who claim it promotes anti-Hindu sentiments.
The controversy stems from the film’s depiction of the 2002 Gujarat riots, which occurred during Narendra Modi’s tenure as Chief Minister.
In the movie, the leader of a Hindutva outfit is portrayed as the mastermind behind the mass murder of Zayed Masood’s family, the character played by Prithviraj.
Right-wing groups, including the Sangh Parivar, have accused the film of being “anti-Hindu” and engaging in “Hindu-bashing propaganda.”
Conversely, the Left and Congress parties have praised the film for its bold portrayal of right-wing extremism. Kerala’s ruling Left Front and the opposition Congress have united in supporting the filmmakers, claiming that the film exposes the political agenda of the Sangh Parivar.
Murali Gopy Responds to the Controversy
Murali Gopy, the film’s writer, responded to the growing criticism, maintaining a neutral stance. “I will keep total silence on the controversy. Let them fight it out. Everyone has the right to interpret the film in their way. Let them interpret it. I will keep mum,” he said during an interview with PTI.
Interestingly, Gopy also criticized the Left, saying, “The Left is non-existent now. They are there on the extreme right.” His statement reflects his view that political ideologies are becoming increasingly polarized.
Political Reactions to the Film
Despite the uproar, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state unit has refrained from openly criticizing the film.
The BJP’s state general secretary, P. Sudheer, stated, “The film will go its way and the party will do its work. The party will not be affected by any film. Activists have the right to express their views and let the audience decide if it is good or bad.”
Congress leaders have been vocal in their support for the film. Rahul Mamkoottathil, the Congress’ Kerala youth unit chief and Palakkad MLA, praised Empuraan as a “pan-Indian film” and condemned the hate campaign against Mohanlal and Prithviraj.
“The same people who advocated freedom of expression for films based on unfounded lies and religious hatred, like Kashmir Files and Kerala Story, have now come out against Empuraan,” Mamkoottathil said.
The Congress’ state unit also took a swipe at right-wing critics, posting on social media, “People who never stepped foot on Kerala’s soil were saying a ‘c-grade propaganda movie’ they released tax-free was ‘the real Kerala story’… Now a world-class Malayalam movie exposes the Sangh agenda and the division they plan in Kerala to capture control of our vast coastline and two major ports… they started crying.”
The post referenced The Kerala Story, a 2023 film about forced religious conversions that sparked significant political controversy. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had called The Kerala Story “propaganda” orchestrated by the Sangh Parivar.
Star-Studded Cast and Trilogy Plans
L2: Empuraan features an ensemble cast, including Mohanlal, Prithviraj Sukumaran, Manju Warrier, Abhimanyu Singh, Tovino Thomas, Andrea Tivadar, Jerome Flynn, and Indrajith Sukumaran. It is the second part of a planned trilogy, with Prithviraj directing all three installments.
The success of Empuraan has heightened anticipation for the final installment, with fans eager to see how the story concludes. The film’s political undertones and social commentary have added an extra layer of intrigue to the trilogy’s narrative arc.
Upcoming Political Impact
The political storm surrounding Empuraan is unfolding as Kerala prepares for its next Assembly election.
In the 2021 election, the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) secured a comfortable victory, winning 99 out of 140 seats, while the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) won 41 seats.
The BJP, which had won a single seat in 2016, was wiped out in 2021, with its vote share dropping from 14.96% to 12.41%.
The current controversy surrounding Empuraan could further influence voter sentiment in the upcoming election, particularly as political narratives around the film continue to evolve.
Future Prospects and Legacy
As L2: Empuraan continues its box office dominance, its impact extends beyond cinema.
The film has ignited political debates and sparked conversations about freedom of expression, political influence on cinema, and the role of art in shaping public discourse.
Prithviraj Sukumaran and Mohanlal have solidified their status as industry powerhouses, with the success of Empuraan reinforcing the growing global recognition of Malayalam cinema.
The film’s political undertones and its ability to challenge dominant narratives are likely to keep it at the center of public and political discourse for some time.
