Mohanlal-starrer 'Empuraan' likely to undergo modifications amid Godhra riots row

Thiruvanthapuram: Amid strong criticism from BJP and Sangh Parivar outfits against the Mohanlal-starrer Empuraan, the producers of the film are reportedly initiating modifications to the movie.

Film industry sources say that the filmmakers are planning to modify at least 17 parts of the film, and the name of the character 'Baba Bajrangi' could also be changed. It is expected that the filmmakers will submit the modified version to the censor board by next week.

However, there has been no official confirmation from the filmmakers on this.

Murali Gopy, who wrote the script, refused to comment on the recent developments. "I prefer to remain silent now," he told DH.

In addition to the strong criticism from various BJP and Sangh Parivar forums, the RSS mouthpiece Organiser also strongly criticized the film.

According to an article in Organiser, the film is not just another movie but a medium for spreading an anti-Hindu and anti-BJP narrative that threatens to further divide "an already fractured" India. The film delves into the "sensitive subject" of the post-Godhra riots in Gujarat with a "clear and alarming bias," the article alleged.

It also criticized Mohanlal for choosing such a "propaganda story" and said his decision to star in a film promoting such a "divisive and politically charged narrative" was a "betrayal" of his loyal fanbase. The article claimed that director Prithviraj Sukumaran had long been known for his political leanings, but those leanings were presented with "little subtlety" in Empuraan.

Some BJP leaders in Kerala were also reported to have raised the issue in the BJP core committee meeting held in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday, criticizing the censor board for allowing the film. The BJP leadership, however, decided not to make any public comments.

Rajeev Chandrasekhar, who recently took over as BJP state president, also faced embarrassment when he wished the best for the film on social media. He reportedly clarified that it was due to his personal relationship with Mohanlal that he offered the wishes.

(With PTI inputs)