Mohanlal apologises after BJP, RSS voice anger over Empuraan theme; 17 cuts to be made in movie

"As an artist, I have a responsibility to ensure that none of my films incite hatred against any political movement, ideology, or religious community. With that in mind, both I and the Empuraan team deeply regret any distress this may have caused my well-wishers," he stated.

Hyderabad: Veteran Malayalam actor Mohanlal has posted an apologetic statement on social media after a few right leaning sections voiced their opposition to some political and social themes in his latest movie, Empuraan.

The actor said in a Facebook post he had come to know that certain aspects of the film had caused distress to some of his fans and assured that the team had decided to remove such references.

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“As an artist, it is my duty to ensure that none of my films promote hatred toward any political movement, ideology, or religious community. With that in mind, both I and the Empuraan team sincerely regret any distress this may have caused my well-wishers,” he said.

“I have come to know that certain political and social themes portrayed in Empuraan, the second part of the Lucifer franchise, have caused deep distress to many who love me. As an artist, it is my duty to ensure that none of my films express hatred toward any political movement, ideology, or religious group.

“Therefore, both I and the Empuraan team sincerely regret the distress caused to my dear ones. We also acknowledge that the responsibility for this rests with all of us who worked behind the film. With this realisation, we have collectively decided to remove such elements from the movie. For the past four decades, I have lived my cinematic life as one among you. Your love and trust are my only strength. I firmly believe that there is no Mohanlal beyond that,” he wrote.

The controversy erupted over the alleged depiction of the 2002 Gujarat riots in the film, leading to backlash from BJP-RSS leaders in Kerala. RSS mouthpiece Organiser is also said to have published an article accusing the movie of vilifying Hindus.

It is also learned that following pressure from the BJP-led Centre, the Centre Board for Film Certification has asked the makers to make about 17 changes in the movie.

The film’s director and actor Prithviraj Sukumaran has also shared Mohanlal’s post.