Controversial scenes were removed after backlash
In response to widespread controversy, Malayalam film producer Antony Perumbavoor confirmed on Tuesday that over two minutes of scenes have been removed from the recently released movie, 'L2: Empuraan'. The announcement came just two days after superstar Mohanlal had assured audiences that the contentious portions would be edited out.
Speaking to reporters in Kochi, Perumbavoor clarified that the decision was collective, involving all producers and actors, including Mohanlal and director-actor Prithviraj Sukumaran. He emphasized that the edits were made out of responsibility rather than fear of backlash or political threats.
"There is no question of being afraid. We live in a society. We never intended to do anything that would hurt the sentiments of anyone," Perumbavoor stated. "If someone is unhappy with the film, then as producers, directors, and actors, we have the responsibility to address that grievance."
Union Minister Suresh Gopi labels edits as "commercial drama"
Reacting to the developments, Union Minister of State for Petroleum, Natural Gas and Tourism, Suresh Gopi, termed the film's edits as a "commercially motivated drama." Speaking to a Malayalam news channel from Delhi, he remarked:
"It's a drama. Commercially motivated drama. No one asked them to carry out the deletions. They did it voluntarily."
Producers deny political or external pressures
Addressing speculations about political pressures or directions from specific groups influencing the edits, Perumbavoor strongly refuted any such claims. He affirmed that the production team would continue to responsibly address grievances related to their films, irrespective of political affiliations or external pressures.
"Not just for any party, but even if people are affected, we will take the same steps," he stressed, adding that there was no necessity to attack director-actor Prithviraj Sukumaran over the issue.
Perumbavoor also confirmed that a re-edited version of the movie is expected to be released shortly, reassuring fans that the edits are minimal, totaling only slightly over two minutes.
Excise Minister M B Rajesh puzzled by right-wing criticism
Meanwhile, Kerala’s Excise Minister M B Rajesh expressed surprise over the vehement opposition from the Sangh Parivar. After viewing the film, he argued that the movie included political criticism against multiple groups and notably condemned communalism and terrorism.
"We should not be so intolerant. Sangh Parivar's opposition to the film shows their lack of sense," Rajesh said, adding that if the version he viewed was unedited, it did not require any deletions.
Political reactions divided
The film received polarized reactions from political figures across Kerala. BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar expressed disappointment and declared that he would not watch the movie. Conversely, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Leader of the Opposition V D Satheesan supported the film and its portrayal of right-wing politics as problematic.
Background of the controversy
The controversy primarily revolves around scenes in 'L2: Empuraan', the second installment in the highly popular 'Lucifer' trilogy, helmed by Prithviraj Sukumaran and starring Mohanlal. The film sparked intense criticism from the Sangh Parivar for perceived critiques of right-wing politics and indirect references to the Gujarat riots.
Upon its release on March 27, the movie generated a heated debate on social media, with right-wing platforms criticizing it fiercely, while Congress and Left-leaning groups praised its political narrative.
Perumbavoor further stated that all involved parties, including superstar Mohanlal, had full knowledge of the film’s content prior to its release, countering recent claims by director Major Ravi, who suggested Mohanlal had not watched the film beforehand.
Despite the controversies, Perumbavoor confirmed that a third sequel in the 'Lucifer' series is still planned, hinting at continued confidence in the franchise’s future.
