Empuraan Producer Discusses Collective Decision on Re-edit
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Synopsis
Antony Perumbavoor, co-producer of the film Empuraan, clarified that the recent re-edit of the film was a collective decision made to address viewer concerns. The film experienced a two-minute edit and will be updated across screening platforms, as Perumbavoor emphasized the importance of audience satisfaction.
Key Takeaways
- Collective Decision: The re-edit was a joint choice by the production team.
- Viewer Concerns: The changes address specific audience feedback.
- Director Not Blamed: Prithviraj Sukumaran is not singled out for the edits.
- Industry Journey: Antony Perumbavoor's rise from driver to producer.
- Widespread Acceptance: The film has been generally well-received.
Thiruvananthapuram, April 1 (NationPress) Just five days post the much-awaited release of the film Empuraan and the ensuing controversy, co-producer Antony Perumbavoor clarified on Tuesday that the choice to re-edit the film was made collectively.
The film has seen a two-minute re-edit and is set to be updated on all screening platforms.
"We don’t create a film based on a mistake. The film has been broadly embraced, and there’s no necessity for any controversy," stated Perumbavoor.
He emphasized that the re-edit was not a response to external pressures but a proactive measure to address concerns from certain viewers.
"After we perceived that some segments of society were dissatisfied, we chose to reassess and reached this decision together," he continued.
Addressing the rumors of blame towards director Prithviraj Sukumaran—who also stars in the film—Perumbavoor made it clear that everyone, including superstar Mohanlal, was fully aware of the filmmaking choices.
"There’s no justification for singling out Prithviraj," he explained.
The controversy surfaced when Empuraan was criticized by Organiser, an RSS-tied publication, which initially focused on Mohanlal and subsequently on Prithviraj. In light of the backlash, the filmmakers decided on last-minute edits.
With Perumbavoor confirming the re-edit, speculation is rife that audiences may flock back to theaters to witness the alterations. The revised version is currently being handled by Qube Cinema, which will distribute the new digital print to all theaters and screening locations.
In the meantime, the quietness of Empuraan's scriptwriter Murali Gopy has garnered attention, with sources indicating he is significantly impacted by the controversy. However, Perumbavoor minimized concerns, stating that his silence is not unusual.
Interestingly, Perumbavoor began his journey in the Malayalam film industry as Mohanlal's driver. After gaining the superstar's trust, he secured a date for his first production, Narasimham (1999), which became the highest-grossing Malayalam film of its time. Today, his production house, Aashirvad Cinemas, stands as the largest in the Malayalam film sector.
