Kerala BJP's Stance on 'Empuraan': Distortion vs. Creativity in Cinema

The storm surrounding the Malayalam film ‘L2 Empuraan’ unfurled this weekend, placing Kerala’s BJP leadership in a spotlight of disapproval. Standing against a creative work that tangled with political elements, newly appointed BJP Kerala unit president Rajeev Chandrasekhar expressed sheer disenchantment about the film’s approach to history.

A Sequel in the Spotlight

As the sequel to the well-loved ‘Lucifer’, ‘Empuraan’ set high expectations. It instantly gained attention due to its alleged narrative connection to the tumultuous 2002 Gujarat riots. This topic, according to RSS-affiliated critiques, distorted historical truth for a divisive political agenda—shaping a battleground between creativity and realism in cinema.

The Cinematic Controversy

Chandrasekhar’s poise turned somber as he acknowledged the movie’s makers had to enforce 17 amendments followed by a new censorship process. “A movie should be watched as a movie; it can’t be seen as history,” he noted, reflecting an opinion shared by those concurring with the view that falsified narratives are a cinematic downfall.

Creative Amendments and Censorship

In response, producer Gokulam Gopalan revealed steps to mitigate backlash. Words were muted, and scenes altered, denying political affiliations amidst growing dissatisfaction. “We are not involved in any politics,” Gopalan asserted, insisting changes were voluntarily implemented to bridge the taste of cinema with public acceptance.

A Political Discourse Unfolds

Even BJP’s state vice-president and filmmaker, Major Ravi, predicted an apology from Mohanlal, the film’s lead actor, further muddying the waters. His possible remorse over the film’s handling may yet quench or inflame public scrutiny.

The Box Office Paradox

Amidst the chaos, nearly ₹50 crores in pre-sales speaks volumes. The film’s earnings illustrate its bittersweet success—challenged yet thriving as a controversial art form.

The Artistic vs. Literal Dispute

As discourse rages on, cinema stands as an intersection of narratives—tested by politics, viewer bias, and creative expression. What remains uncertain is whether movies shaped by political controversies can sustain a universal appeal or remain as mere reflections of fleeting controversies. As stated in Business Today, ‘Empuraan’s journey may serve as a blueprint for the future relationship between arts and political perception.