ED Completes Searches at Gokulam Gopalan's Properties Linked to 'Empuraan'

Chennai, April 5 (NationPress) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) wrapped up its search operations at the locations tied to Gokulam Gopalan, a well-known businessman and film producer, recognized for funding the contentious Mohanlal film Empuraan.

As per sources within the agency, the ED has confiscated Rs 1.5 crore in cash along with numerous documents pertaining to financial dealings.

These documents will undergo meticulous examination in the upcoming days, and Gopalan may face another summons based on the discoveries.

The operation was spearheaded by the Kochi unit of the ED, with assistance from its Chennai division.

This investigation is reportedly connected to the production of Empuraan, a film that has faced intense backlash from Right-wing factions due to its depiction of central investigative bodies such as the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Intelligence Bureau (IB), and the ED itself.

The focus of the probe is on alleged infringements of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) totaling Rs 1,000 crore, involving suspected transactions with certain NRIs and unauthorized financial activities.

In addition to the FEMA violations, the agency is also exploring several accusations of fraud against Gokulam's business for potential breaches under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Gokulam Gopalan, who heads the Gokulam Group with interests in chit funds, finance, film production, and sports, has been under the ED's scrutiny since 2023, having already faced multiple questioning sessions.

The ED's actions have elicited strong political responses. CPI(M) leader and Left Democratic Front convenor T.P. Ramakrishnan, during a CPI(M) Party Congress in Madurai, accused the ED of being motivated by political vendetta.

He suggested that the raids were directly associated with the film's controversial themes. Directed by actor-director Prithviraj Sukumaran, Empuraan—a sequel to Lucifer—was released on March 28 and initially achieved considerable box office success.

However, criticism soon emerged. The RSS mouthpiece Organiser published a harsh review, accusing the film of disseminating misinformation regarding the Gujarat riots and damaging national institutions.

In response to the uproar, the film's producers voluntarily sought to amend the film with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

Lead actor Mohanlal also issued a public apology on Facebook, stating, “I acknowledge that some socio-political themes in Empuraan have caused mental distress among viewers.”

“As an artist, it is my duty to ensure that none of my films incite hatred towards any political, ideological, or religious group. The Empuraan team sincerely regrets the distress caused and has resolved to eliminate the objectionable content.”

Despite the re-edits and the apology, criticism from Right-wing groups continues unabated.

BJP Kerala President and former Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar publicly criticized the film, declaring he would not view it due to its “distortion of facts.”

RSS leaders J. Nandakumar and A. Jayakumar also expressed their disapproval on social media, and several RSS-affiliated digital platforms in Kerala have heightened the criticism.

As the ED intensifies its investigation, Empuraan remains at the heart of a burgeoning political and legal controversy—underscoring the increasingly fraught intersection of cinema, politics, and law enforcement in India.