Veteran actor and Prithviraj Sukumaran's mother Mallika Sukumaran has broken her silence over the ongoing controversy surrounding L2: Empuraan, issuing a strongly worded statement in defence of her son, who directed the film. In a social media post on Sunday, she expressed anguish over what she described as a targeted attack against her son, dismissing allegations that he had deceived the film's lead actor Mohanlal and co-producer Antony Perumbavoor.
The controversy erupted following accusations from right-wing groups that the film portrayed communal violence in a way that allegedly vilified the BJP and RSS. As backlash mounted, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, opposition leader V D Satheesan, and several other politicians—excluding right-wing leaders—voiced their support for the film before Mohanlal issued a statement expressing regret. In his statement, Mohanlal acknowledged that the socio-political themes of the film had hurt certain sections of the audience and assured that the team had decided to remove contentious elements. While Prithviraj later shared Mohanlal’s statement, Empuraan’s scriptwriter Murali Gopy has yet to do so.
Mallika has refuted claims that Prithviraj misled the film’s team or made unauthorised changes to the script. She asserted that every scene had been shot with Mohanlal and Antony’s full knowledge and approval. “Not a single shot in Empuraan was filmed without Mohanlal’s knowledge. He was aware of everything, and neither he nor Antony will ever claim otherwise,” she stated. The veteran actor also criticised attempts to single out her son, stating that if there were issues with the film, the responsibility lay with the entire team. “Everyone involved in Empuraan—including the scriptwriter, producers, and actors—approved the script and scenes collectively. How can Prithviraj alone be blamed after the film’s release?” she questioned.
She also took aim at the false narratives being spread. “Why are some people, who claim to support Mohanlal and Antony, spreading misinformation? Perhaps they believe they can gain something by doing so. Let them pursue their gains, but do not make my son a scapegoat,” she wrote. She also dismissed claims that Prithviraj had begged the censor board not to modify the film, clarifying that his presence at the time of certification was merely procedural. Furthermore, Mallika expressed dismay at Major Ravi, a retired army officer and filmmaker, for his critical stance towards Prithviraj. She stated, “That was unnecessary, Major Ravi.” She questioned why Ravi, who defended Mohanlal, felt the need to single out Prithviraj when Mohanlal and Antony themselves had never accused him of betrayal.
Mallika also warned those targeting her son that divine justice would prevail. “No one should think they can benefit from scapegoating Prithviraj. He has the protection of the Almighty. We do not fear humans; we fear God. And He will not let those who conspire against my son go unpunished,” she declared. The Empuraan controversy continues to stir debate, with the film’s makers under scrutiny for how they choose to address concerns.