MDMK Leader Vaiko Advocates for Film Ban in Tamil Nadu Over Controversial Mullaperiyar Dam References
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Synopsis
MDMK leader Vaiko is demanding a complete ban on Mohanlal's film L2: Empuraan in Tamil Nadu due to its negative portrayal of the Mullaperiyar Dam. Following criticism and backlash, the film has undergone significant edits.
Key Takeaways
- Vaiko calls for a ban on L2: Empuraan in Tamil Nadu.
- The film has faced backlash for its portrayal of the Mullaperiyar Dam.
- 24 cuts were made before further screenings.
- Critics claim it instills fear among the public.
- Changes were made to the antagonist’s name and riot-related visuals.
Chennai, April 2 (NationPress) Following severe backlash from Right-wing factions and pointed criticism in the RSS publication Organiser, the latest film by Malayalam superstar Mohanlal, L2: Empuraan, has been subject to extensive re-editing, resulting in 24 cuts prior to its subsequent screenings. MDMK General Secretary and Rajya Sabha MP, Vaiko, has now called for a complete prohibition of the film in Tamil Nadu.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Vaiko claimed that the film depicts the Mullaperiyar Dam as hazardous and incites anxiety among the residents of Kerala.
He noted a particular reference in the movie to a dam supposedly located in Nedumpally, coupled with a contentious dialogue suggesting its destruction.
This dialogue suggests that the Travancore king was coerced by the British into leasing land for 999 years, and although the British and the monarchy have long been absent, the dam remains, endangering Kerala.
Vaiko further emphasized a dialogue in the film that advocates for the bombing of the dam, stating, “If we bomb the dam, which endangers lives even when just two shutters are opened, the entire state of Kerala will face devastation.”
The MDMK leader also condemned the film for undermining the safety of check dams, quoting another line from the film: “It is safe only if there is no dam.”
Demanding the removal of all such contentious scenes and dialogues, Vaiko accused the filmmakers of having ulterior motives aimed at instilling fear among the populace.
He also referenced the expert committee appointed by the Supreme Court that has verified the dam’s safety.
It is important to note that the filmmakers had already implemented 24 voluntary cuts — totaling 2.08 minutes — after facing ongoing criticism following its release on March 27, 2025.
The revised version, approved by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), is anticipated to be screened in most Indian theaters starting Wednesday, April 2.
Among the significant alterations, the antagonist's name, originally Baba Bajrangi — seemingly alluding to Bajrang Dal leader Babu Bajrangi, convicted for the 2002 Naroda Patiya massacre — has been modified to Baldev.
A display card that initially read ‘India 2002’ has been changed to “a few years ago.”
Numerous visuals related to riots, including those depicting vehicles near religious sites, violence against women, and deceased individuals, have been excised.
A crucial exchange between a young Zayed Masood (portrayed by director Prithviraj Sukumaran) and his father during the riots has also been removed.
Furthermore, references to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), illustrated in the film as being misused by the ruling party to target political adversaries, have either been muted or eliminated.
