After previously criticizing Mohanlal, the RSS-affiliated publication Organiser has now taken aim at actor-director Prithviraj Sukumaran over his highly anticipated film Empuraan.
Allegations of ‘Anti-National’ Leanings
In a fresh article, Organiser has accused Prithviraj of aligning with “anti-national” voices, citing his involvement in the Save Lakshadweep campaign, which opposed certain policies of the Union government in the islands.
The publication also called out his “double standards,” alleging that while he actively criticizes the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), he has remained silent on local issues like the Munambam case, where Christian families allegedly face eviction by the Waqf Board. Additionally, the article claims he has ignored the persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh.
Criticism Over Film’s Portrayal of 2002 Godhra Incident
The controversy extends to Empuraan’s storyline, with Organiser accusing the film of depicting the 2002 Godhra train incident in a biased manner. Another point of contention is the film’s antagonist, named Bajrangbali—a title traditionally associated with Lord Hanuman—who is portrayed as the Union Home Minister.
Filmmakers Rush to Modify Scenes
Amid the backlash, the Empuraan team has opted for last-minute changes. According to industry sources, a revised version of the film, expected to be released by Monday evening or Tuesday, will remove a controversial three-minute sequence showing an attack on a pregnant woman. Additionally, the antagonist’s name may either be altered or muted in dialogue.
These edits are being processed by Qube Cinema, which will distribute the updated digital version to theatres nationwide.
Silence from Scriptwriter Raises Questions
Meanwhile, Empuraan’s scriptwriter Murali Gopy has remained silent on the issue, sparking speculation that he is deeply affected by the controversy.
A Kerala minister, speaking anonymously to IANS, expressed concern over the growing intolerance towards criticism of certain political parties and leaders. “We are reaching a point where even voicing dissent is becoming impossible. This is not a healthy sign for democracy,” he remarked.
Prithviraj’s Mother Defends Him
Veteran actressMallika Sukumaran, Prithviraj’s mother, has come to his defense, asserting that she raised her sons with strong values. “He would never do anything to hurt anyone,” she said, while also commenting on Mohanlal’s response to a previous controversy, suggesting he could have reacted sooner.
“I also wonder if vested interests are fueling this issue,” she added.
Audience Support Remains Strong
Despite the ongoing controversy, Empuraan continues to draw massive crowds. Theatres across Kerala are reporting houseful shows, signaling that the backlash has not dampened public enthusiasm for the film.