Major Ravi backs Mohanlal, says actor is not responsible for 'L2: Empuraan' controversy

The release of 'L2: Empuraan', starring Mohanlal and directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, has led to a controversy in Kerala. The film has been accused by right-wing groups of promoting an anti-Hindu and anti-BJP narrative due to its depiction of communal violence resembling the 2002 Gujarat riots. Despite carrying a disclaimer stating that the events are fictional, the movie has faced backlash from sections of the audience and political groups.
Amid calls for Mohanlal's Lieutenant Colonel rank to be revoked over his association with the film, retired army officer Major Ravi defended the actor. Ravi stated that Mohanlal was not involved in scripting or editing decisions and had not even watched 'Empuraan' before its release. He shared that Mohanlal's role in the film does not include scenes depicting riots and urged critics not to mix his honorary military rank with this controversy.


As per The News Minute report, Major Ravi said, "I received many calls from my friends in the Army, expressing their anger. They want Mohanlal’s Lieutenant Colonel rank to be revoked. But I request you all not to mix his rank with this issue. He has done nothing wrong in this movie while wearing an Army uniform".

However, Ravi criticized Prithviraj Sukumaran and writer Murali Gopy for their handling of sensitive subjects. He suggested that depicting the full context of events leading to communal violence could have prevented backlash. In response to the uproar, the filmmakers announced plans to edit and re-censor the movie. Approximately 26 scenes are being removed, including changes to the antagonist’s name and toning down depictions of violence against women.

The opening credits of 'Empuraan' depict a tragic train fire resulting in the deaths of passengers, including women, children, and sanyasis. Critics argue that the film fails to show the origins of the fire, portraying it as an accident rather than an act of violence. This selective depiction has led to accusations of bias, with some alleging that the film vilifies Hindu organizations like the BJP and RSS.