RSS Mouthpiece Criticizes Mohanlal's 'Empuraan' for Alleged Anti-Hindu Bias

The Malayalam film *Empuraan*, starring Mohanlal and directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, has ignited controversy following its release on March 27. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh publication, *Organiser*, has accused the film of promoting an anti-Hindu narrative by depicting the 2002 post-Godhra riots with a perceived bias.

According to *Organiser*, *Empuraan* is not merely entertainment but serves as a medium to advance a divisive political agenda. The publication asserts that the film distorts historical events, portraying Hindus as the sole aggressors during the riots. A particularly contentious scene depicts Hindu men committing acts of violence against Muslims, which *Organiser* argues misrepresents history and fosters communal discord.

The film's depiction of a character named Baba Bajrangi, portrayed by Abhimanyu Singh, has also drawn criticism. The character's name mirrors that of Babu Bajrangi, a Bajrang Dal leader convicted for his role in the 2002 Naroda Patiya massacre during the Gujarat riots. In *Empuraan*, Baba Bajrangi is depicted as a Hindu nationalist politician involved in communal violence, leading some viewers to draw parallels to real-life events.

In response to the backlash, the filmmakers have decided to implement 17 cuts to the movie, including edits to riot sequences and the portrayal of violence against women. Additionally, the antagonist's name will be altered, and certain dialogues will be muted. These modifications are expected to be completed by Monday, with the revised version slated for re-release in theaters next week.

Superstar Mohanlal addressed the controversy by issuing an apology on social media. He expressed regret for any distress caused by the film's political and social themes and emphasized his responsibility as an artist to ensure his work does not promote hatred toward any political movement, ideology, or religious group. Mohanlal stated that the production team acknowledges their responsibility and has collectively decided to remove the contentious elements from the movie.

Despite the controversies, *Empuraan* has achieved significant box office success. However, the film's reception has been polarized, with some audiences praising its narrative and performances, while others criticize its political undertones. The debate surrounding *Empuraan* underscores the challenges filmmakers face when portraying historical events, especially those as sensitive as communal riots.

The Central Board of Film Certification had initially cleared the movie with minor cuts. However, in light of the recent uproar, the filmmakers voluntarily submitted a revised version for re-censorship. Once the CBFC approves the modifications, the updated film will be re-released in theaters.

The controversy has also sparked discussions within the film industry and among political groups. While the RSS and its affiliates have voiced strong opposition to the film's content, the Kerala unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party has distanced itself from the controversy, stating that it is just a film. Writer Murali Gopy, associated with the film, commented on the backlash, suggesting that the differing opinions should be debated openly. Open URL