Isabella Mariam

A writ petition has been filed before the Kerala High Court seeking to stop the screening of the Malayalam film Empuraan. The petitioner is V. V. Vijesh, a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Thrissur District Committee.

The petitioner has objected to the depiction of the post-Godhra communal riots in the movie and submitted that the film carries a risk of inciting communal violence. According to the petition, “Since the film's release, multiple rumors and controversies have emerged, and its continued screening possess a potential risk of inciting communal violence and disturbing public order.”

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The film Empuraan, also referred to as Empuraan: L2, is a sequel to the 2019 Malayalam film Lucifer. It stars Mohanlal and is directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, who also plays a role in the film. The petition states that the movie includes scenes that refer to the 2002 Godhra riots and raises concern over the similarities between the primary antagonist and a Bajrang Dal leader.

The petitioner submits that the film contains comments about the Ministry of Defence that would undermine its credibility and integrity. The petition also states that central investigation agencies are portrayed in a manner that, according to the petitioner, undermines their credibility and integrity.

The petition alleges that the film has the potential to provoke communal unrest and that its screening should be halted. The petitioner has requested the Court to issue directions to immediately stop the further exhibition of the film to prevent further controversy and avert any potential communal unrest.

The petition further alleges that the director of the film, Prithviraj Sukumaran, had a habit of targeting the NDA government through his movies to tarnish its reputation. It is also alleged that the producers of the movie, Antony Perumbavoor and Gokulam Gopalan, are persons under Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigation for foreign funding.

Following objections raised by certain right-wing groups over the portrayal of the 2002 Gujarat riots in the film, Mohanlal issued a public apology through a Facebook post. He said that the objectionable portions would be removed. According to reports, the filmmakers have agreed to voluntarily make cuts to the film, which are expected to take effect in screenings this week. Mohanlal also apologised to his fans “for the distress caused.”

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The petitioner has described Mohanlal’s statement as a marketing agenda to compel the public to watch the movie.

The filmmakers, including writer Murali Gopy and producer Antony Perumbavoor, who also played a minor role in the film, have come under criticism following the release of the movie.

The matter is yet to be listed before the Kerala High Court.

Advocates Representing the Parties

For the Petitioner: Advocate K. P. Prasanth

Case Title: V. V. Vijesh v. The Secretary and Others
Case Number: WP(C) 13500/2025