No stay on Empuraan: Kerala High Court slams BJP leader's plea against the film; refuses early hearing

synopsis

The Kerala High Court on Tuesday denied to entertain BJP leader VV Vijeesh’s plea for an immediate ban on the Malayalam film Empuraan: L2. The court refused both interim relief as well as an early hearing.

Justice CS Dias expressed doubts about the petitioner's intentions, suggesting that it appeared to be driven by publicity rather than any genuine concern. According to a report in Bar and Bench, the High Court questioned BJP leader's objections, pointing out that the film had already been cleared by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

The state’s lawyer further emphasized that no crimes had been reported due to the movie. The court declined to prioritize the matter and set the hearing for after the summer holidays.

The sequel to Lucifer, Empuraan, has drawn significant controversy following accusations that it contains scenes alluding to the 2002 Godhra riots. BJP leader VV Vijeesh filed a plea, claiming the film undermines India’s Ministry of Defence and portrays central investigative agencies in a negative light. 

He argued that the film could incite communal unrest and called for an immediate halt to its screening. The controversy intensified after some right-wing commentators criticized the movie's portrayal of the riots, accusing the filmmakers of presenting an incomplete narrative. 

In response to the backlash, the filmmakers, including actor and film's director Prithviraj Sukumaran and writer Murali Gopy, agreed to voluntarily edit certain scenes, with cuts expected to be implemented in screenings this week. Actor Mohanlal, who stars in the film, issued a public apology for any distress caused and assured fans that the controversial content would be removed.

Meanwhile, Union Minister and actor Suresh Gopi called the controversy surrounding film Empuraan as nothing more than a business matter. Dismissing the controversies, he stated that they were merely a result of stirring up crowds for profit. When asked about the film, Gopi emphasized, "Talk about good things," steering the conversation away.