Fri Mar 28 13:13:04 UTC 2025: ## Kerala’s Ruling & Opposition Parties Unite in Support of Controversial New Film

**Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala –** The new Malayalam film, *L2: Empuraan*, has sparked a major political clash in Kerala, pitting the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the Congress-led opposition against right-wing groups. The film, the second in the *Lucifer* trilogy, reportedly alludes to the 2002 Gujarat riots and criticizes the misuse of central investigative agencies. Its opening day gross of ₹22 crore set a new record for Malayalam cinema.

While the LDF and Congress have lauded *Empuraan* for its depiction of right-wing politics, right-wing groups have condemned it, with one calling it “anti-Hindu” and another “Hindu-bashing propaganda.” This has led to unusual political bedfellows, with the Congress Kerala youth unit chief, Rahul Mamkoottathil, praising the film as a “pan-Indian” production and denouncing the hate campaign against the film’s star, Mohanlal, and director, Prithviraj Sukumaran.

The Congress party took a pointed swipe at critics on X, referencing the controversy surrounding the 2023 film *The Kerala Story*, which sparked a major political row. The party highlighted the hypocrisy of those who championed freedom of expression for films like *The Kashmir Files* and *The Kerala Story*, while criticizing *Empuraan*. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has previously denounced *The Kerala Story* as Sangh Parivar propaganda.

Interestingly, the BJP’s Kerala unit has distanced itself from the criticism, stating it will not be affected by the film and that activists have the right to express their views. The film’s release comes ahead of the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections, adding a layer of complexity to the already charged political landscape. The LDF’s strong performance in the 2021 elections, winning 99 out of 140 seats, is a stark contrast to the BJP’s struggles in the state, where its vote share dropped to 12.41% in 2021. The ongoing controversy surrounding *L2: Empuraan* is certain to further fuel political tensions in the state as it heads toward the next election cycle.

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