Enforcement Directorate Conducts Raids on 'Empuraan' Producer Gokulam Gopalan
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Synopsis
The Enforcement Directorate has launched raids on multiple locations connected to Gokulam Gopalan, producer of the controversial Malayalam film 'Empuraan,' amid allegations of financial irregularities and political backlash.
Key Takeaways
- ED conducts extensive raids related to Empuraan.
- Raids linked to alleged FEMA violations exceeding Rs 1,000 crore.
- Political figures decry the raids as political vendetta.
- Mohanlal issues public apology over film's content.
- Controversy surrounds the film's depiction of historical events.
Chennai, April 4 (NationPress) In light of the ongoing controversy surrounding the Malayalam film 'Empuraan', featuring superstar Mohanlal, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) initiated raids at various locations associated with the film’s producer Gokulam Gopalan on Friday. The operations are taking place at the headquarters of Gokulam Chits and Finance situated in Kodambakkam, Chennai.
As per sources within the ED, two teams from the Kochi and Chennai divisions are conducting these operations. The raids are believed to be a continuation of investigations into supposed breaches of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), allegedly exceeding Rs 1,000 crore.
Alongside the company’s headquarters, searches are being carried out at Gokulam Gopalan’s residence in Neelankarai, Chennai, his hotel Gokulam Grand in Kozhikode, and the Gokulam Mall.
This series of raids has sparked political reactions, with CPI(M) Kerala leader and Left Front convenor T.P. Ramakrishnan labeling it as an act of “political vendetta.”
In a press statement in Madurai, Ramakrishnan suggested that the raids are tied to the production of Empuraan, a film that has faced criticism from right-wing factions, including the Sangh Parivar.
The film’s controversy originates from its portrayal of the 2002 Gujarat riots and its negative depiction of central investigative bodies like the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Intelligence Bureau (IB), and ED.
Previously, the RSS-affiliated publication Organiser issued a harsh critique of the film, accusing it of disseminating false information. In response to the backlash, the producers, including Gopalan, sought a voluntary re-edit of the film from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
The lead actor, Mohanlal, also shared a public apology on Facebook, voicing regret for the “emotional distress” some scenes may have caused.
“I acknowledge that specific socio-political elements in Empuraan, the sequel to the Lucifer franchise, have resulted in mental anguish for viewers,” Mohanlal stated.
“As an artist, I bear the responsibility to ensure that none of my films propagate hatred towards any political, ideological, or religious group. The Empuraan team sincerely regrets any distress caused and has decided to eliminate the contentious content.”
Directed by actor-filmmaker Prithviraj Sukumaran, the film premiered on March 28 and initially saw a robust box office performance.
BJP Kerala President and former Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar publicly condemned the film, stating he would refrain from watching it due to its “distortion of facts.”
Notable RSS leaders, including J. Nandakumar and A. Jayakumar, have also expressed their disapproval on social media, while various RSS-backed digital platforms in Kerala have amplified the criticism.
Despite its financial success, ‘Empuraan’ remains embroiled in controversy due to its political undertones and portrayal of national agencies.
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