Fri Mar 28 07:11:24 UTC 2025: **Malayalam Film “Empuraan” Sparks Online Boycott Over Alleged Depiction of 2002 Gujarat Riots**
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, March 28, 2025 – The highly anticipated Malayalam film “Empuraan,” starring Mohanlal and directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, has ignited a firestorm of online criticism and calls for a boycott. The controversy centers around the film’s opening sequences, which critics claim depict the 2002 Gujarat riots, sparking outrage among right-wing supporters.
The film’s 15-minute-long opening sequence, described as a fictional account of communal violence, reportedly includes imagery reminiscent of the burning of the Sabarmati Express and events surrounding the Bilkis Bano case. The antagonist, Baba Bajrangi, bears a striking resemblance to the convicted Naroda Patiya massacre mastermind, Babu Bajrangi.
Following the film’s release on March 27th, social media platforms were flooded with messages demanding a boycott, with users sharing images of cancelled tickets. Many accused the film of being “Hindu-bashing propaganda.” While the film’s makers claim the events are fictional, the visual parallels have proven too much for many viewers.
The backlash has primarily targeted director Prithviraj Sukumaran, lead actor Mohanlal, and screenwriter Murali Gopy. Even staunch Mohanlal fans have expressed their disappointment and declared they will not watch future films.
However, not all responses have been negative. BJP Kerala State president Rajeev Chandrasekhar, despite receiving criticism from his supporters, wished the film’s team well. BJP leader M.T. Ramesh urged viewers to treat the film as fiction, asserting that the people of Kerala possess the common sense to do so. Conversely, Bineesh Kodiyeri, son of former CPI(M) Kerala State secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, praised the filmmakers’ courage for depicting the sensitive events in a big-budget film. The controversy highlights the sensitive nature of the 2002 Gujarat riots and their continued impact on Indian society.
First Piper 