Empuraan re-edited version: 24 cuts including visuals of violence and religious structure removed from Mohanlal-starrer

The Empuraan row continues to make waves in Malayalam cinema. In the latest update, the film’s re-censoring details have surfaced online that reveal as many as 24 cuts have been made. The villain’s name has been changed, while visuals of violence against women and religious structure have also been removed. From the villain’s name change to the removal of actor-politician Suresh Gopi’s name from the Thanks card, here are the re-censoring details of Mohanlal-Prithviraj Sukumaran film. 

24 cuts in Empuraan

Empuraan, the sequel to Mohanlal-starrer Lucifer, has been making headlines ever since its release on March 27, 2025. After right-wing supporters raised a hue and cry, the makers decided to make ‘voluntary modifications’ in the film. As per the list shared online, two names, including BJP leader Suresh Gopi, have been removed from the Thanks card. Several visuals of violence against women have been removed. Visuals of vehicles passing in front of religious structures have been cut, while one visual of a religious structure was also removed. The word NIA was also muted. 

In a key change, the name of Belraj was replaced as Baldev. Some conversations between characters were removed or muted. A total of 24 changes have been made that come up to 2 minutes and 8 seconds. 

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Empuraan controversy

Empuraan landed in controversy after the right-wing groups objected to certain portions in the film. After the FDFS, social media too was divided over the Mohanlal-starrer with some people praising the makers, while certain others panning the film as ‘propaganda’. 

As the controversy gained national attention, Mohanlal put up a Facebook post, expressing regret, that was also shared by Prithviraj Sukumaran and producer Antony Perumbavoor. Notably, writer Murali Gopy did not share Mohanlal’s post or has not addressed the issue publicly yet. Earlier, Antony Perumbavoor had said that there was no disagreement within the Empuraan team about making changes.

Empuraan was released in theatres six years after Lucifer, which is one of Mohanlal's blockbuster thrillers. Lucifer was also the directorial debut of Prithviraj Sukumaran, among the most notable actors from Mollywood.

Also read - 6 Prithviraj Sukumaran movies on OTT that prove he is a stellar actor