April 1, 2025: Mohanlal’s highly anticipated film L2: Empuraan, a sequel to the blockbuster Lucifer, has undergone significant edits following a backlash from right-wing groups. The movie, which was released on March 27, 2025, faced widespread criticism for its controversial references to the 2002 Gujarat riots. In response, the filmmakers have made 24 voluntary cuts, reducing the film’s runtime by 2.08 minutes, as confirmed by sources close to the production team.
The re-edited version of the movie, which was granted a fresh certification by the regional officer of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), is expected to appear in most theatres across India by April 2, 2025. These changes are seen as an attempt to placate the political tensions surrounding the film’s content, particularly certain character names and plot elements that were deemed controversial.
One of the significant changes in the re-edit is the renaming of the film’s antagonist, Balraj, who was originally named Baba Bajrangi. The name change is believed to be a direct reference to Babu Bajrangi, a prominent figure associated with the Bajrang Dal, who was sentenced to life imprisonment for his role in the 2002 Naroda Patiya massacre during the Gujarat pogrom. The character’s name has been changed to Baldev in the revised version, and the reference to “India 2002” has been altered to a more neutral “a few years ago.”
Despite the controversy, the movie’s performance at the box office remains impressive, though it has seen a slight dip. On its opening Monday, L2: Empuraan earned ₹11 crore, bringing its total domestic collection to approximately ₹70 crore. On its opening day, the film grossed ₹21 crore, proving the film’s commercial appeal despite the ongoing political storm.
L2: Empuraan, Mohanlal express regrets, Movie Gets 2-Minute Trim After Right-Wing Uproar
In a statement posted on his social media accounts, Mohanlal expressed regret over the distress caused by the film’s content. The actor issued an apology, emphasizing his commitment to ensuring his films do not promote hatred or disrespect any political movement, ideology, or community. He wrote, “I have come to know that some of the political and social themes that have come into play in the film Empuraan have caused great distress to many of my loved ones. As an artist, it is my duty to ensure that none of my films harbor hatred towards any political movement, ideology, or sect.”
Mohanlal also confirmed that the production team had decided to remove several references that had sparked outrage, including those connected to the Gujarat riots. “The responsibility lies with all of us behind the film. Therefore, the Empuraan team and I are deeply sorry for the distress caused, and we have decided together to remove such subjects from the film,” the actor stated.
Adding to the controversy, a writ petition has been filed in the Kerala High Court by V. V. Vijesh, a member of the BJP Thrissur District Committee. The petition calls for the suspension of the movie’s screenings, citing concerns that the film’s depiction of the post-Godhra communal riots could potentially incite communal violence.
The ongoing controversy surrounding L2: Empuraan highlights the fine line filmmakers walk when addressing sensitive historical and political themes in Indian cinema. The backlash over the film’s portrayal of the 2002 Gujarat riots and its potential impact on social harmony has sparked intense debate about freedom of expression versus the need for responsible filmmaking.
With the re-edited version scheduled for release in theaters by April 2, Mohanlal’s L2: Empuraan is poised to continue its box-office success, albeit with a slightly altered narrative. As the film industry grapples with the ongoing issue of censorship and political sensitivity, L2: Empuraan remains a case study in the balancing act between creative expression and social responsibility.