A leader of Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday moved the Kerala High Court on Tuesday seeking a ban on the Malayalam movie L2: Empuraan for its alleged controversial depiction of the 2002 Godhra riots. The BJP’s move comes after makers of the film made “voluntary” cuts to the film to pacify backlash from right-wing groups.
V.V. Vijesh, a leader of the party has moved the petition in the High Court and sought a ban on the film to avoid any potential unrest. In his petition, Vijesh claims the film, a sequel of Mohanlal starrer ‘Lucifer’, contains scenes referring to the 2002 Godhra riots and makes unwarranted remarks about the defence ministry, Bar and Bench reported. The petitioner also said the movie portrays central investigation agencies in a manner that affects its credibility and integrity.
“Since the film's release, multiple rumours and controversies have emerged, and its continued screening possesses a potential risk of inciting communal violence and disturbing public order,” Live Law reported quoting the petition. The BJP leader sought a ban on the film to avert any communal unrest.
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The petitioner reportedly alleged the film’s producers – Antony Perumbavoor of Aashirvad Cinemas and Gokulam Gopalan of Gokulam Movies are facing the Enforcement Directorate’s probe for foreign funding. The film’s director Prithviraj Sukuraman has constantly taken a stand against the Centre, the petitioner alleged.
The BJP leader’s move comes after the makers of the film voluntarily edited about two minutes from the film following protests from Sangh Parivar. The film directed by actor Prithviraj Sukumaran released on March 27 and faced backlash from Hindutva outfits for its alleged distorted portrayal of the 2002 Godhra riots in Gujarat. Reportedly, the antagonist's name in the film has also been changed following protests. The re-censored film is likely to be screened in theatres from Tuesday. Following the protests, actor Mohanlal expressed regret through social media and said the objectionable scenes would be removed.
