Empuraan controversy: 'What about propaganda films from North?' Prithviraj, Mohanlal film gains support as right-wing parties attack 'its anti-Hindu agenda'

Mohanlal-starrer Empuraan finds itself in the middle of a raging controversy as right-wing parties have strongly objected to the film, alleging that it shows the Hindu community in a poor light. Ever since the Lucifer sequel hit theatres on March 27, 2025, social media has been divided over the incidents from Gujarat portrayed in the film.

In the latest instance, RSS mouthpiece Organiser has slammed the Mohanlal-starrer, accusing it of ‘pushing an anti-Hindu political agenda’. However, a section of the audience has also rallied behind the sequel to the 2019 Lucifer, questioning why nobody objected when ‘propaganda films from North’ were shown in Kerala. Here's a low-down on the controversy and the counter-argument that have taken the Kerala media space by storm.

Empuraan controversy

Empuraan, starring Mohanlal and directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, opened to mixed reviews on Thursday, that especially panned the plot. However, the film is now the topic of heated discussions and debates over its portrayal of the violent scenes from Gujarat. Even as right-wing supporters objected to the film, RSS mouthpiece Organiser has published a scathing article

“The film uses the backdrop of the 2002 Post-Godhra riots to push a divisive, anti-Hindu narrative that poses a serious threat to societal harmony,” the article said.

Also read - L2 Empuraan movie review: Prithviraj Sukumaran elevates the stakes with an ambitious but less nuanced follow-up to Lucifer 

It also raised allegations against the L2E director, alleging, “Prithviraj’s consistent alignment with anti-government protests has made him a deeply polarising figure.”

Questioning Mohanlal’s involvement in the film, the article said that the Malayalam superstar’s decision to star in this film is ‘a betrayal to his fanbase’.

The Organiser article comes even as several Lalettan fans said they were disappointed with their star idol and shared screenshots of ‘cancelled tickets’ of Empuraan online.

‘What about propaganda films from north?’

Even as right-wing supporters raise a hue and cry over the scenes depicted in Empuraan, many fans have voiced their support for the Mohanlal-starrer.

Also read - Empuraan: Censor Board sought only two cuts in Mohanlal-Prithviraj Sukumaran film, details out 

In a recent TV channel debate, Sai Krishnan, who goes by the name Secret Agent on social media, questioned why the same people did not object to the ‘propaganda films from north’.

“When propaganda films from North were released here, the same Sangh Parivar members had said 'this is a movie and only be viewed as one', (it is) a creative space,” he pointed out.

While stating that he has seen the movie, Sai Krishnan said that all three parties (in Kerala) have been targeted and even has portions against the Chief Minister. So why only the right-wing is objecting, he sought to know.

Actor-turned-politician KB Ganesh Kumar too backed Empuraan. “Films criticise several films and political fronts, no need to take that seriously. That is the subject of that film,” he opined.

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