17 Cuts to be Made in ‘Empuraan’ After Being Called ‘Anti-Hindu’
The film industry is no stranger to controversy, and the latest uproar surrounding the upcoming movie ‘L2: Empuraan’ is a perfect example. The film, starring Mohanlal and directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, has been accused of being ‘anti-Hindu’ by some right-wing groups. In response, producer Gokulam Gopalan has asked the director to make 17 edits to the film and even rename the antagonist, whose name has sparked controversy.
The controversy surrounding ‘Empuraan’ began when some Hindu groups raised objections to certain scenes and dialogues in the film. The main point of contention is the depiction of the 2002 Gujarat riots, in which several people lost their lives. The film’s script is said to have been written with the intention of highlighting the trauma and suffering faced by the victims of the riots. However, some groups have taken issue with the portrayal of the riots, claiming that it is biased and anti-Hindu.
As a result, the makers of ‘Empuraan’ have decided to make some changes to the film to address the concerns of these groups. According to reports, the film will undergo 17 cuts, including the removal of certain dialogues and scenes that have been deemed offensive. The antagonist of the film, who is currently named ‘Baba Bajrangi’, will also be given a new name.
It is worth noting that a Bajrang Dal leader named Babu Bajrangi was sentenced to life imprisonment in connection with the 2002 Gujarat riots. The name ‘Baba Bajrangi’ has sparked controversy, with some claiming that it is insensitive to use the name of a convicted criminal as the name of the antagonist in a film.
The decision to make changes to the film has been met with a mixed reaction from fans and critics. While some have praised the makers for taking steps to address the concerns of the Hindu groups, others have expressed disappointment and frustration at the changes that are being made.
One of the main concerns is that the changes being made to the film may compromise its artistic integrity. The film’s director, Prithviraj Sukumaran, has stated that the changes are being made to ensure that the film is released without any controversy, but some critics argue that the changes may alter the film’s tone and message.
Another concern is that the changes being made to the film may send a wrong message to the audience. By censoring certain scenes and dialogues, the film may appear to be bowing to pressure from right-wing groups, rather than standing up for artistic freedom.
Despite these concerns, the makers of ‘Empuraan’ are keen to ensure that the film is released without any controversy. Producer Gokulam Gopalan has stated that the changes are being made to ensure that the film is “acceptable to all sections of society”.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding ‘Empuraan’ is a complex issue that raises important questions about artistic freedom, censorship, and the role of films in society. While the changes being made to the film may be seen as a necessary step to ensure its release, they also raise concerns about the impact on the film’s artistic integrity and message.
As the film industry continues to grapple with the challenges of censorship and controversy, it is important to remember that films have the power to inspire, educate, and entertain. Rather than bowing to pressure from right-wing groups, filmmakers should be encouraged to take risks and push boundaries, as long as they do so in a responsible and respectful manner.
