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Although two weeks have passed since actor-director Prithviraj Sukumaran’s Mohanlal-starrer L2: Empuraan hit the screens and eventually emerged as the highest-grossing Malayalam film of all time, grossing about Rs 257 crore worldwide so far, the controversy surrounding it has yet to subside. After the movie became a hot topic, even in Parliament, Kerala’s first female IPS officer, R Sreelekha, has now stepped forward to share her opinion on the film. Claiming that the movie sends a harmful message to society, Sreelekha — who retired as the Director General of the Kerala Fire and Rescue Service in 2020 and joined the BJP in 2024 — argued that Empuraan glorifies violence and criminal behaviour, making it unsuitable for children.
“While watching, I wondered many times if I should just walk out in the middle. When the movie Marco (2024) was released, people mainly criticised it for its violence. However, this movie also has similar levels of violence throughout, yet I haven’t heard anyone seriously speak out about it,” she said, Mathrubhumi reported.
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“The film has a lot of flaws with an excessive amount of violence, rendering it not suitable for children to watch,” she stated, while also questioning why Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan took his grandson, who is in his early to mid teens, watch the movie carrying a UA 16+ certificate (which suggests parental guidance for children under 16).
She also tore into the blockbuster actioner for suggesting that the rise of the BJP or other saffron parties would harm Kerala. “The film seems to be intentionally trying to mislead or confuse the political beliefs of its audience, particularly those regarding Kerala’s politics. The film presents many situations, dialogues, and contexts that suggest the BJP or saffron forces should not enter Kerala. The narrative implies that if they do, Kerala will be destroyed,” she opined.
“The film felt like a major blow to the BJP workers and those who support the BJP ideology. Every narrative context, the dialogues, and the conversations within the film all seem to convey the message that the BJP is not needed here. The film suggests that only someone like Khureshi Ab’raam, who is portrayed as the leader of the biggest mafia, has the power to save the state,” Sreelekha, the first woman IPS officer of DGP rank in Kerala, added. She also expressed disappointment that celebrated figures like Mohanlal and Prithviraj were involved in what she called a “deeply troubling film”.
It’s worth noting that Empuraan has been embroiled in political controversy ever since its release on March 27, particularly over scenes set against the backdrop of the 2002 Gujarat pogrom. These parts of the film sparked backlash from right-wing groups, leading the makers to make “voluntary modifications” to Empuraan.
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