Mohanlal was aware of the story of L2: Empuraan from the outset, and the decision to edit certain scenes was made voluntarily and not due to fear or pressure, the film’s co-producer Antony Perumbavoor said on April 1, Tuesday. After the Prithviraj Sukumaran directorial became controversial over the depiction of 2002 Gujarat riots, the makers had made 24 cuts to the film. The deletions, which followed a massive campaign by Hindutva supporters against the film, were approved by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Speaking to the media, Antony Perumbavoor said that the team wanted to ensure no one was hurt by the film’s content, which is why the changes were made.
“Mohanlal knew the story, as did all of us. None of us have ever denied that. The decision to make the edits was mutual—there was no external pressure,” Antony said. He also reassured that actor Prithviraj Sukumaran would not be left to face the backlash alone. “We are all together in this. We discussed the film extensively and firmly believed in its release. The edits were not made due to threats, and there should be no controversy, as audiences worldwide have accepted the film.”
Antony was responding to queries regarding director Major Ravi’s claim that Mohanlal had not watched the film. In a Facebook Live session on March 29, Major Ravi said he had received numerous calls from Army friends expressing anger over the film’s content. “They want Mohanlal’s Lieutenant Colonel rank to be revoked. But I request you all not to mix his rank with this issue. He has done nothing wrong in this movie while wearing an Army uniform,” Ravi said.
Defending Mohanlal, he added, “He never interferes with the script. He listens to the story once and does not ask for corrections. I swear he hasn’t watched Empuraan yet, just like he hadn’t seen Keerthichakra before its release. You should trust me when I say he is deeply pained by this controversy.” He also mentioned that Mohanlal was not present in the scenes depicting riots.
Meanwhile, when asked to weigh in on the matter, Union Minister and actor Suresh Gopi dismissed the controversy outright. “What is the controversy? Who has raised it? This is all business—screwing up people’s psyche and making money,” he said.
The film has drawn criticism for its depiction of communal violence, which closely resembles the 2002 Gujarat riots. Though the film carries a disclaimer stating that all events are fictional, right-wing Hindutva elements, including a section of Mohanlal’s fan base, have accused the filmmakers of vilifying the BJP and the RSS.