Title: Mohanlal should be ashamed of big propaganda film: Pai on Empuraan
The recent controversy surrounding the Mohanlal-starrer film L2: Empuraan has taken a new turn with former Infosys CFO Mohandas Pai jumping into the fray. In a scathing criticism, Pai has accused the film of being a “big propaganda film based on fake narratives” and has directed his ire at Mohanlal for sharing a post celebrating the film’s success. The controversy surrounding the film has been brewing for some time, with many critics and viewers expressing outrage over scenes in the film that refer to the 2002 Gujarat riots.
Pai’s criticism of the film and Mohanlal’s involvement is not new. The former Infosys CFO has been vocal about his disapproval of the film, which he believes is a blatant attempt to manipulate public opinion. In a statement, Pai said, “Big shame…Mohanlal should be ashamed not gloat.” He further added, “They are running fake narratives, and people should not be fooled.”
The controversy surrounding L2: Empuraan began when scenes from the film were released, showing characters referring to the 2002 Gujarat riots. The riots were a violent and deadly event that saw over 1,000 people killed, mostly Muslims, and were widely condemned by human rights organizations and governments around the world. The inclusion of these scenes in the film has been widely criticized, with many calling it an attempt to trivialize the events and whitewash the role of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the riots.
Mohanlal, one of India’s most popular and respected actors, has been accused of being complicit in this attempt to manipulate public opinion. His decision to share a post celebrating the film’s success, which crossed ₹100-crore collection globally in a day, has been widely criticized. Many have pointed out that by sharing this post, Mohanlal is tacitly endorsing the film’s message and perpetuating the false narratives that it presents.
The controversy surrounding L2: Empuraan is just the latest in a long line of issues that have plagued the film industry in India. The industry has been criticized for its lack of diversity and representation, with many calling for more films that showcase the experiences of marginalized communities. The controversy surrounding L2: Empuraan has also highlighted the need for greater accountability and transparency in the industry.
In recent years, there have been several instances of films being criticized for their portrayal of sensitive issues. For example, the 2019 film Uri: The Surgical Strike was criticized for its portrayal of the Indian army’s actions in Kashmir. Similarly, the 2020 film Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior was criticized for its portrayal of the 17th-century Maratha warrior Tanhaji Malusare.
The controversy surrounding L2: Empuraan is a stark reminder of the need for greater sensitivity and responsibility in the film industry. Filmmakers have a significant platform and a responsibility to use it wisely. They must be aware of the impact that their films can have on society and strive to create works that are accurate, nuanced, and respectful.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding L2: Empuraan is a stark reminder of the need for greater accountability and transparency in the film industry. Filmmakers must be aware of the impact that their films can have on society and strive to create works that are accurate, nuanced, and respectful. Mohanlal and the team behind L2: Empuraan have a responsibility to address the concerns raised by critics and viewers and to ensure that their film does not perpetuate false narratives.
