The Mohanlal-starrer L2: Empuraan has found itself at the centre of a heated debate, with reports suggesting that the filmmakers are planning to voluntarily remove seventeen scenes from the film. However, no official confirmation has been made regarding the exact changes or whether the re-censored version will be submitted to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for approval.
L2: Empuraan, directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran and penned by Murali Gopi, has faced criticism from various quarters, including the RSS-affiliated publication Organiser, for its portrayal of certain political ideologies. In response to the backlash, the producers have reportedly decided to make minor edits, including the removal of riot scenes, depictions of violence against women, and certain dialogues that have sparked controversy. Additionally, speculation suggests that the name of the antagonist (Bajrangi) may be altered, although this remains unconfirmed.
A spokesperson for the production team clarified that the decision was made by the producers and was supported by the director. “These will be minute modifications that will not impact the overall content of the film,” the spokesperson stated. The revised version is expected to be finalised by Monday and could be released in theatres by Wednesday or Thursday. The Kerala Film Producers Association (KFPA) has confirmed that the changes are being made voluntarily and not due to any directive from the censor board. “The CBFC has not requested any modifications. This is an internal decision by the filmmakers,” said a KFPA official. However, as of now, the censor board has not received any formal request for re-certification, which is a necessary step if significant changes are made post-release.
The controversy surrounding L2: Empuraan gained momentum following its release on March 27. Right-wing groups, particularly those affiliated with the Sangh Parivar, have accused the censor board of failing to scrutinise the film adequately. Specific objections were raised regarding a brief scene depicting violence against women and certain dialogues referencing the national flag. In response, BJP's Kerala State president Rajeev Chandrasekhar announced via Facebook that he would not be watching the film, despite initially expressing interest. Amidst the political storm, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his family attended a screening of L2: Empuraan, further fuelling discussions on the film’s ideological stance. Meanwhile, the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) has organised an event in solidarity with the film and its makers.
While the producers are moving ahead with the proposed edits, the final decision on re-submitting the film to the CBFC remains pending. If the request is made, the censor board will conduct a review before approving the revised version for theatrical release. For now, audiences await clarity on whether the much-discussed 17 cuts will indeed be implemented and how they may impact the film’s overall narrative.