Controversy Surrounds Empuraan: Kerala BJP Leader Labels Prithviraj’s Spouse as 'Urban Naxal'
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Synopsis
A Kerala BJP leader has sparked controversy by labeling Prithviraj Sukumaran's wife as an 'Urban Naxal' amidst backlash against their film Empuraan. The film, facing criticism and last-minute edits, continues to draw audience interest, highlighting tensions in the region's cinematic landscape.
Key Takeaways
- BJP leader B. Gopalakrishnan criticized Prithviraj's wife.
- The film Empuraan has faced significant backlash.
- Producers are making last-minute cuts to appease critics.
- Support for the film is growing among local politicians.
- Controversy may have inadvertently boosted audience attendance.
Thiruvananthapuram, March 31 (NationPress) In a heated exchange, the RSS publication Organiser launched a vehement attack on both Mohanlal and Prithviraj Sukumaran regarding their latest film Empuraan. Kerala BJP leader B. Gopalakrishnan criticized Sukumaran’s spouse, calling her an Urban Naxal.
On Monday, Gopalakrishnan urged Prithviraj’s mother, Mallika Sukumaran, to control her daughter-in-law, Supriya.
His frustration stemmed from a social media statement by Sukumaran, where she claimed her son was being targeted by people with ulterior motives.
“The BJP in Kerala has just one message for Sukumaran: to manage her daughter-in-law, as she is an Urban Naxal,” Gopalakrishnan remarked.
Supriya, a former journalist known for producing programs for the BBC, met Prithviraj in 2006, and they later married; since then, she has been his staunch supporter.
Despite the film's remarkable success, with tickets nearly sold out, Mohanlal apologized on Sunday following the Organiser's report, while Prithviraj simply shared Mohanlal’s apology on social media but has yet to respond personally.
The BJP in Kerala, alongside leaders like Gopalakrishnan and the RSS, has fiercely criticized the film and its creators. To mitigate backlash, producers have decided to implement last-minute edits to the movie.
Industry insiders indicate that the revised version, set to release shortly, will exclude a three-minute scene depicting violence against a pregnant woman.
There may also be alterations to the villain's name or muting of dialogue related to it.
Meanwhile, the film continues to garner support, as Saji Cherian, the State’s Minister for Cinema and Culture, praised it, stating it is a project uniquely suited for Kerala.
“Prithviraj deserves full credit for the film, and it should be appreciated as such,” Cherian noted.
Actor Asif Ali expressed confusion over why some people fail to view the film for what it is.
“The film runs for approximately two and a half hours and is designed for entertainment. I don’t understand the reluctance to view it this way. Those afraid to voice their opinions publicly resort to throwing stones from a distance, which mirrors the social media commentary we see,” Ali said.
Award-winning director Aashiq Abu described the current situation as unfortunate and fueled by fear.
“This controversy surrounds one of the largest films in Malayalam cinema. It’s well-known that Prithviraj has been closely monitored by Sangh Parivar adherents,” Abu added.
Actor Jagadish, who attended the film's premiere, found it difficult to avoid media inquiries about his thoughts on the film, responding with his trademark smile.
State Agriculture Minister K. Krishnankutty, while entering a theater in his native Palakkad district, mentioned that he could not recall the last time he watched a film in cinemas.
“I’m here now, and as a public figure, I must first see the film, given the ongoing discussions. So I’ll go watch it,” Krishnankutty remarked.
On Monday evening, CPI-M state secretary M.V. Govindan and his wife were seen at a movie hall in the state capital just before the screening.
In summary, the controversy has seemingly benefitted the producers, as news of impending cuts to pacify Sangh Parivar critics has led to increased audience numbers.
“I’ve seen it once, and this is my second viewing since I’m curious about the new version. I’ll return once the edited release is available,” an excited young viewer said.
