Despite ‘voluntary cuts,’ Empuraan makers continue to face the heat

Verbal attacks on L2: Empuraan makers by right-wing groups continue despite voluntary cuts, sparking controversy and support.

Despite making “voluntary cuts” to L2: Empuraan, the makers of the film continue to face verbal attacks from right-wing organisations and leaders.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) State vice-president B. Gopalakrishnan stirred up a controversy after he called film producer Supriya Menon, filmmaker Prithviraj’s spouse, an “urban naxal.”

Meanwhile, Communist Party of India (Marxist) State secretary M.V. Govindan, Minister for Cultural Affairs Saji Cherian and Congress general secretary K.C. Venugopal watched the uncut version of the film on Monday. The hastily re-edited version, with less than 3 minutes of content removed, is expected to be uploaded in all cinemas by Tuesday.

Mr. Cherian lauded Prithviraj’s courage in making the film. The makers should also show the courage to screen the entire film without re-editing.

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh‘s mouthpiece Organiser published yet another article against the film, this time specifically targeting Prithviraj, calling him the “voice of the anti-nationals.” The article said showcasing the events from Gujarat in the movie is not a coincidence and clearly indicates that Prithiviraj’s aim was to make “a propaganda movie” which “would advance the sinister motives of the leftists, anti-Indians.”

“This is evident from the fact that he was among the prominent figures behind the Save Lakshadweep campaign which sought to oppose the progressive measures introduced by the Union government to modernise the islands, portraying them in a communal light. He was also very vocal during the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) agitation, urging those opposed to the CAA to ‘rise.’ He was the one who backed Jamia students during the CAA protests and had stated ‘revolution is homegrown. Always. #Rise’,” said the Organiser article.

Speaking to the media, Prithviraj’s mother and actor, Mallika Sukumaran, lashed out at the RSS and the Organiser and lauded the Left Democratic Front government and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for standing up for freedom of expression.