'L2: Empuraan': Why right-wing groups are slamming Mohanlal-Prithviraj film

L2: Empuraan has been met with backlash from right-wing groups on social media on account of its negative portrayal of the Sangh Parivar. 

The film, which throws in references to a 'train burning' incident and the resultant 2002 riots and genocide in Gujarat, shows two Hindu perpetrators of the violence against a Muslim family rising to power and leading a nationalist party that, in a surprise twist, joins hands with a character introduced in the film's first part. 

The backlash intensified after Bineesh Kodiyeri, son of veteran CPM leader Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, voiced support for the film and urged people to see it. Some have argued that it's difficult to see a film as a film when it spreads "anti-Hindu" propaganda. 

Some right-wing social media handles have shared screenshots of cancelled tickets. One of the detractors of the film is Pratheesh Vishwanath, founder of Hindu Seva Kendram, who accused Prithviraj of being an agenda-driven filmmaker. One portal called TheCommuneMag compared the film to Pa. Ranjith's Kaala and said both films "stooped low" to "peddle anti-Hindu, anti-BJP, anti-Modi propaganda."

But the voices weren't all negative.

BJP State General Secretary MT Ramesh stated that a film should be seen as a film, that the Kerala public has the sense to make out what is what, and that they are free to make the choice to see it or not.

Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Kerala's recently appointed BJP chief, extended his wishes to the Empuraan team, next to a picture of him with Mohanlal and a caption expressing his wish to see the film.