The Mohanlal-Prithviraj film ‘Empuraan’ is set to undergo modifications following growing protests against its content. According to reports, the changes, requested by the producers themselves, will focus on specific scenes and references. The modifications are expected to be completed by Monday, with the unmodified version of the film continuing its theatrical run in the meantime.
Sources indicate that more than 17 changes will be made, including alterations to riot sequences, depictions of violence against women, and the villain’s name. Some references will also be muted. However, the revisions are classified as voluntary modifications rather than re-censorship.
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The controversy surrounding ‘Empuraan’ intensified after the RSS and its mouthpiece openly criticised the film. The organisation accused Mohanlal of betraying his fans and claimed that Prithviraj had taken an anti-Hindu stance. A leaked document revealed that the Censor Board had initially suggested only two cuts—reducing the duration of scenes portraying violence against women and removing a dialogue referencing the national flag.
The RSS has also criticised the board, alleging that its nominated members did not sufficiently intervene in the review process. Some RSS leaders believe the film’s narrative, which they perceive as critical of the Sangh Parivar, should have undergone more edits.
As ‘Empuraan’ surpasses ₹100 crore in just two days, the political controversy surrounding it continues to escalate. The RSS has taken a strong stance against the film, branding it an ‘anti-India agenda movie’ in its affiliated publication. Senior leaders A Jayakumar and J Nandakumar have also publicly condemned the film.
Meanwhile, the BJP’s state leadership has distanced itself from any organised campaign against ‘Empuraan.’ However, a statement from national council member C Raghunath has hinted at internal differences within the party over the issue.
