Mohanlal addresses L2: Empuraan controversy; confirms edits to film

Directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, the film also features the actor-director himself along with Tovino Thomas and Manju Warrier in key roles.

By Bollywood Hungama News Network -

March 30, 2025 - 6:12 PM IST

Veteran Malayalam actor Mohanlal has broken his silence over the controversy surrounding his latest film, L2: Empuraan, the sequel to Lucifer. In a social media statement, the actor expressed regret over the unintended distress caused by certain political and social themes in the movie and assured fans that necessary changes would be made.

Mohanlal addresses L2: Empuraan controversy; confirms edits to film

Mohanlal shared the note in Malayalam which loosely translates to, “I have learned that some of the political-social themes that have emerged in the expression of the movie Empuraan, the second part of the Lucifer franchise, have caused a lot of depression for many of my lovers. As an artist, it is my duty to ensure that none of my movies harbors hatred towards any political movement, idea, or religion. Therefore, myself and the Empuraan team sincerely regret the mental pain caused to my loved ones, and with the realization that the responsibility lies with all of us who worked behind the film, we have decided together to compulsorily remove such topics from the cinema. I have lived my cinema life as one of you for the last four decades. Your love and faith is my only strength. I believe there is no Mohanlal greater than that... With love, Mohanlal.”

The controversy surrounding L2: Empuraan erupted following its release, with objections raised over its depiction of Hindu figures and its references to the 2002 Gujarat riots. Certain groups alleged that the film contained indirect portrayals of prominent political figures, while others criticized the use of names associated with known terrorists. Additionally, Hindu Thiyyar groups objected to the film’s title, Empuraan, claiming it misrepresented their deity, Vayanatt Kulavan.

In response to the backlash, the filmmakers voluntarily implemented edits, modifying or removing contentious scenes and dialogues. Mohanlal’s statement reaffirmed the team’s commitment to ensuring that the film does not cause division or distress among audiences.

Directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran and written by Murali Gopy, L2: Empuraan is the second installment in the Lucifer trilogy. It features a star-studded cast including Mohanlal, Prithviraj, Manju Warrier, Tovino Thomas, Indrajith Sukumaran, and international actors Jerome Flynn and Eriq Ebouaney. Jointly produced by Antony Perumbavoor, Gokulam Gopalan, and A. Subaskaran, the film released in theatres on March 27.

Also Read: Mohanlal starrer L2: Empuraan sparks controversy; Kerala CM backs film amid BJP’s censorship allegations