Amid row, three minutes of footage removed from Mohanlal, Prithviraj’s Empuraan; writer Murali Gopy refrains from sharing superstar’s apology

Prithviraj Sukumaran’s Mohanlal-led Empuraan's re-edited version has already received a green light from the CBFC and is expected to be screened in all theatres from Monday onwards.

By: Entertainment Desk

Kochi | Updated: March 31, 2025 03:12 PM IST

2 min read

Empuraan box office collection day 14: Mohanlal's film maintains steady momentum.(Credit: Facebook/@AashirvadCinemasOfficial)

Amid controversy surrounding its content, particularly the depiction of scenes set against the backdrop of the 2002 Gujarat riots, actor-director Prithviraj Sukumaran’s Mohanlal-led L2: Empuraan has undergone cuts, with about three minutes of footage removed from the version currently being screened in theatres worldwide. The re-edited version of the film has already received a green light from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and is expected to be screened in all theatres from Monday onwards.

Although the board initially sought the removal of about 20 minutes from the first act of the movie, Mathrubhumi reported, this was reduced to three minutes following deliberations. The removed visuals include a rape scene set against the backdrop of the Gujarat riots, which too had courted much controversy. The name of the main antagonist, Baba Bajrangi, will also be changed.

Also Read | Director Prithviraj Sukumaran’s mother Mallika hits back amid L2 Empuraan controversy: ‘My son is being made a scapegoat’

Meanwhile, amid the clamour, Mohanlal on Sunday apologised for the “emotional distress” caused by the “political and social themes” depicted in Empuraan. While director Prithviraj and co-producer Antony Perumbavoor shared the Malayalam superstar’s post, writer Murali Gopy refrained from doing so, hinting that he is not on board with the team’s U-turn. While he refused to comment on the ongoing controversy, Murali extended his Eid-ul-Fitr wishes to all, almost as if making a strong political statement. On Monday, he wrote on his Facebook wall: “Eid wishes to all…”

Before Mohanlal’s apology, Murali had dismissed the controversy, maintaining that people have the right to interpret the film in their own way. “I will keep total silence on the controversy. Let them fight it out. Everyone has the right to interpret the film in their way. Let them interpret it. I will keep mum,” Murali said during a chat with news agency PTI. Tearing into Leftist organisations, he said: “The Left is non-existent now. They are there on the extreme right.”

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