Vaiko Calls for Total Ban on Mohanlal's L2: Empuraan in TN Over Controversial Mullaperiyar Dam Depiction
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Synopsis
On April 2, Vaiko requested a ban on Mohanlal's film L2: Empuraan, citing concerns over its portrayal of the Mullaperiyar Dam and its potential dangers. The film underwent extensive edits after facing backlash, including 24 cuts, as it was criticized for instilling fear among the public regarding dam safety.
Key Takeaways
- Vaiko demands a ban on L2: Empuraan in Tamil Nadu.
- The film underwent 24 cuts due to backlash.
- Concerns raised over portrayal of Mullaperiyar Dam.
- Critical dialogues advocating for dam bombing removed.
- Supreme Court committee confirms dam’s safety.
Chennai, April 2 (NationPress) Following considerable backlash from right-wing factions and stern critiques in the RSS-affiliated Organiser, Malayalam icon Mohanlal's recent film L2: Empuraan has undergone substantial re-editing, with a total of 24 cuts prior to additional screenings. Now, MDMK General Secretary and Rajya Sabha MP, Vaiko is urging a complete prohibition of the film in Tamil Nadu.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Vaiko claimed the movie presents the Mullaperiyar Dam as perilous, inciting fear among the residents of Kerala.
He highlighted a particular mention in the film regarding a dam in “Nedumpally,” along with a contentious dialogue that insinuates its potential destruction.
This dialogue suggests that the Travancore monarch was compelled by the British to lease the land for 999 years, and even though the British and the monarchy are no longer in power, the dam remains, posing a risk to Kerala.
Vaiko also pointed out a line from the film advocating 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 be devastated.”
The MDMK leader further condemned the film for undermining the safety of check dams, quoting another line: “It is secure 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 in the public.
He also referenced the Supreme Court-appointed expert committee that has confirmed the dam’s safety.
It’s important to note that the filmmakers had already implemented 24 voluntary cuts — totaling 2.08 minutes — after the film faced ongoing criticism following its release on March 27, 2025.
The revised version, certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), is set to be shown in most Indian theatres starting Wednesday, April 2.
Among the notable modifications, the villain Balraj — originally named Baba Bajrangi, seemingly alluding to Bajrang Dal leader Babu Bajrangi, who was convicted for the 2002 Naroda Patiya massacre — has been renamed Baldev.
A display card that initially stated ‘India 2002’ has been changed to “a few years ago.”
Numerous riot-related visuals, including those depicting vehicles near religious buildings, violence against women, and deceased individuals, have been omitted.
A significant dialogue 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), shown in the film as being exploited by the ruling party to target political adversaries, have either been muted or cut entirely.
