The Kerala High Court on Tuesday refused to stay the screening of Malayalam film L2: Empuraan and said the petition filed by a local BJP leader seemed to be a publicity oriented move.
Justice C.S. Dias raised doubts on the petitioner's bonafides and declined to list the matter on priority.
"Have you watched this movie Empuraan? What is your objection? It was certified by censor board right?...I am suspecting your bona fide. Show me one complaint on incitement of violence due to this movie. Show me an FIR registered by police. These are all publicity oriented petitions, nothing else," the court said, reported bar and bench.
The matter will be heard after the summer holidays.
The petition was filed by V.V. Vijesh, a BJP leader from Thrissur, who sought a ban on the film to avoid any potential unrest.
He alleged that the movie contains scenes referring to the 2002 Gujarat riots and makes unwarranted remarks about the defence ministry. He also alleged that the movie had put the central investigation agencies in bad light.
Interestingly, the BJP on Tuesday suspended Vijesh from the party’s primary membership, saying he had acted against the BJP’s policies.
L2: Empuraan, a sequel of Mohanlal-starrer Lucifer, hit the cinemas on March 26 and is running successfully at the box office. The film has become a topic of hot debate over its critique of right-wing politics and the covert mention of the Gujarat riots.
On March 27, the day of the movie's release, the Sangh Parivar vehemently criticised the film on social media, while the Congress and Left platforms celebrated the film for portraying the right-wing politics as "villainous".
On Tuesday, Antony Perumbavoor, one of the producers of the movie, said little over two minutes of scenes have been deleted from the movie. He, however, added that the decision to carry out the edit was a joint one of all the producers and actors, including Mohanlal and Prithviraj Sukumaran, and it was not out of fear of anyone.
"There is no question of being afraid. We live in a society. We never intended to do anything which would hurt the sentiments of anyone. If someone is unhappy with the film, then as producers, directors and actors of the movie, we all have the responsibility to address that grievance,” he said.