RSS intensifies criticism of 'Empuraan' director
Hyphen Web Desk
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The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh publication, Organiser, has escalated its critique of Malayalam actor-director Prithviraj Sukumaran, labelling him the "voice of anti-nationals" in connection with his latest film, Empuraan.
The magazine asserts that Prithviraj's involvement in the 'Save Lakshadweep' campaign and his cinematic choices reflect an alignment with narratives opposing national interests.
Empuraan, directed by Prithviraj, has been under scrutiny for its portrayal of right-wing politics, with allegations that the film promotes anti-Hindu and anti-national sentiments. The controversy centers on the depiction of events reminiscent of the 2002 Gujarat riots, particularly through a character named Baba Bajrangi, which some interpret as a reference to Bajrang Dal leader Babu Bajrangi, convicted for his role in the Naroda Patiya massacre. Organiser contends that the film uses the Gujarat riots to advance an anti-Hindu political agenda.
In response to the backlash, the production team of Empuraan announced 17 voluntary cuts to the film. These edits include modifying riot sequences, altering the portrayal of violence against women, changing the antagonist's name, and muting certain dialogues. The revised version is slated for theatrical release next week. Actor Mohanlal, who stars in the film, expressed regret over the inclusion of political and social themes, emphasizing his commitment to ensuring his work does not foster hatred toward any political movement, ideology, or religious group.
Organiser has also criticised Prithviraj's past projects, notably his involvement in a proposed film about Variyamkunnan, a figure associated with the 1921 Malabar rebellion. The magazine suggests that Empuraan continues a pattern of promoting anti-Hindu narratives.
Prithviraj's support for the 'Save Lakshadweep' campaign has further fuelled the controversy. In 2021, he publicly opposed administrative reforms in Lakshadweep, which included banning non-vegetarian food in schools and dismantling structures aiding the fishing community. Organiser argues that his advocacy against these measures, aimed at modernising the islands, portrays them in a communal light and aligns him with anti-national voices.
Empuraan, directed by Prithviraj, has been under scrutiny for its portrayal of right-wing politics, with allegations that the film promotes anti-Hindu and anti-national sentiments. The controversy centers on the depiction of events reminiscent of the 2002 Gujarat riots, particularly through a character named Baba Bajrangi, which some interpret as a reference to Bajrang Dal leader Babu Bajrangi, convicted for his role in the Naroda Patiya massacre. Organiser contends that the film uses the Gujarat riots to advance an anti-Hindu political agenda.
In response to the backlash, the production team of Empuraan announced 17 voluntary cuts to the film. These edits include modifying riot sequences, altering the portrayal of violence against women, changing the antagonist's name, and muting certain dialogues. The revised version is slated for theatrical release next week. Actor Mohanlal, who stars in the film, expressed regret over the inclusion of political and social themes, emphasizing his commitment to ensuring his work does not foster hatred toward any political movement, ideology, or religious group.
Organiser has also criticised Prithviraj's past projects, notably his involvement in a proposed film about Variyamkunnan, a figure associated with the 1921 Malabar rebellion. The magazine suggests that Empuraan continues a pattern of promoting anti-Hindu narratives.
Prithviraj's support for the 'Save Lakshadweep' campaign has further fuelled the controversy. In 2021, he publicly opposed administrative reforms in Lakshadweep, which included banning non-vegetarian food in schools and dismantling structures aiding the fishing community. Organiser argues that his advocacy against these measures, aimed at modernising the islands, portrays them in a communal light and aligns him with anti-national voices.
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