CBFC Orders 17 Changes to Mohanlal’s ‘Empuraan’ Amid Controversy Over Gujarat Riots Depiction

Kochi, 30th March 2025: The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has directed 17 modifications to the Malayalam film Empuraan, starring Mohanlal, following criticism over its depiction of the 2002 Gujarat riots. The move comes after strong objections from BJP and RSS leaders in Kerala, who alleged that the film portrayed Hindus as aggressors during the riots.

Released on March 27, the film reportedly surpassed the ₹100 crore mark at the box office within days. However, the controversy surrounding its content intensified after Organiser, a publication affiliated with the RSS, accused the film of pushing a divisive narrative. The article claimed that Empuraan was “deliberately crafted to project Hindus as the primary perpetrators of the 2002 violence.”

CBFC’s Intervention and Filmmakers’ Response

Sources suggest that the CBFC office in Kerala reviewed the film after intervention from the central government. Following the review, the board proposed several edits and is expected to approve the revised version if the changes are submitted by Monday.

The film’s producers have agreed to implement the modifications. Producer Gokulam Gopalan stated, “If any scenes or dialogues have unintentionally hurt sentiments, I have asked director Prithviraj Sukumaran to make the necessary changes.”

Political Reactions to the Controversy

The controversy has drawn mixed reactions from political circles. While the Congress party in Kerala has praised the film, stating that it presents the “real picture of the Gujarat riots,” BJP leaders have distanced themselves from any organized opposition. The Kerala Congress unit even posted on X (formerly Twitter): “Like Grok, Empuraan has exposed the truth behind the Sangh narrative!”

BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar, who initially wished the film success, has refrained from commenting further. Meanwhile, Hindu Aikyavedi and Bharatiya Yuvamorcha, both affiliated with the Sangh Parivar, have strongly criticized the film’s content.

However, BJP state secretary P. Sudheer denied reports that the party’s core committee had formally discussed the issue. Senior BJP leader M.T. Ramesh downplayed the controversy, stating, “Films should be seen as artistic creations. There is no need for the party to oppose a movie.”

As the debate rages on, the CBFC’s final decision on the revised version of Empuraan is expected in the coming days, shaping the future of its theatrical run.