Hyderabad: Superstar Mohanlal on Sunday issued a statement, days after the release of ‘L2: Empuraan’, addressing concerns over the film’s political and social themes. The actor acknowledged that certain aspects of the film have upset some of his fans and assured that the team has decided to remove such references.
Today, on March 30, Mohanlal posted a post on Facebook about L2 Empuraan, writing, “I know that some of the political and social themes that have been included in the making of ‘Empuraan’, the second part of the ‘Lucifer’ franchise, have caused great pain to many of my fans.”
He wrote in Malayalam, “As an artiste, it is my duty to ensure that none of my films promote hatred towards any political movement, ideology or religious group. Therefore, the team of ‘Empuraan’ and I sincerely regret the pain caused to our fans, and with the realisation that the responsibility lies with all of us who have worked behind the film, we have collectively decided to remove such themes from the film. I have lived my film career as one of you for the last four decades. Your love and trust is my only strength. I believe there is no greater Mohanlal than you.’
The statement comes in response to the growing controversy surrounding the film, which released on March 27. Actor-filmmaker Prithviraj Sukumaran, who directed the film, shared Mohanlal’s Facebook post.
Earlier today, senior Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Assembly VD Satheeshan took to social media to urge the public to boycott the film and cancel tickets. Meanwhile, the production team of ‘Empuraan’ has announced that modifications will be made to the film in response to the controversy. According to reports, 17 scenes, including scenes of riots and violence against women, will be edited.
Despite the criticism, ‘Empuran’ has achieved remarkable success at the box office. The film, which hit the theatres on March 27, has become the first Malayalam film to gross Rs 80 crore worldwide in its first weekend.
