Mohanlal-starrer 'Empuraan' Alleged to Spread Anti-Hindu, Anti-BJP Narrative: RSS-linked Magazine

# **Mohanlal-starrer 'Empuraan' Alleged to Spread Anti-Hindu, Anti-BJP Narrative: RSS-linked Magazine** ## **Introduction** The upcoming Malayalam film *Empuraan*, starring superstar Mohanlal and directed by Priyadarshan, has sparked controversy even before its release.

An article in *The Organiser*, a magazine linked to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), has accused the film of being a medium to propagate an "anti-Hindu and anti-BJP narrative." The claims have stirred debates in political and cultural circles, with supporters and critics of the film weighing in on the allegations. ## **Background of 'Empuraan'** *Empuraan* is the sequel to the 2019 blockbuster *Lucifer*, which marked the directorial debut of actor Prithviraj Sukumaran. The film, produced by Lyca Productions, follows the story of Stephen Nedumpally (played by Mohanlal), a powerful political figure with shades of grey. Given the success of *Lucifer*, expectations for *Empuraan* are high, with fans eagerly awaiting its release. However, the film has now found itself embroiled in controversy after *The Organiser* published an article suggesting that *Empuraan* might carry subtle or overt anti-Hindu and anti-BJP themes. The magazine alleges that certain elements in Malayalam cinema have been consistently critical of right-wing politics and Hindu culture, and *Empuraan* could follow the same trend. ## **The Organiser’s Allegations** The RSS-linked magazine claims that Malayalam cinema, particularly films backed by certain production houses and filmmakers, has a history of promoting left-liberal ideologies while marginalizing Hindu and nationalist perspectives. The article points to previous films like *The Kerala Story* and *The Kashmir Files* (both of which were praised by right-wing groups) as examples of cinema that "exposed anti-national forces," while accusing mainstream Malayalam films of ignoring such narratives. Specifically, *The Organiser* suggests that *Empuraan* might portray Hindu characters or BJP-affiliated politicians in a negative light while glorifying its protagonist, Stephen Nedumpally, who could be depicted as a secular strongman fighting against "Hindutva forces." The magazine also raises concerns about the involvement of certain writers and crew members who have previously expressed left-leaning political views. ## **Reactions from the Film Industry and Political Circles** ### **1. Supporters of the Film Defend Creative Freedom** Many from the Malayalam film industry have dismissed the allegations as baseless, arguing that *Empuraan* is a work of fiction and should not be politicized. Supporters of Mohanlal and Priyadarshan emphasize that the film is an action-political thriller and not a propaganda tool for any ideology. Filmmaker Priyadarshan, known for his commercially successful films across multiple Indian languages, has previously avoided overt political messaging in his movies. His supporters argue that *The Organiser*’s claims are speculative and premature, given that the film is still in production. ### **2. BJP and Right-Wing Outbacks Voice Concerns** On the other hand, BJP leaders and right-wing commentators have expressed skepticism, citing a pattern in Malayalam cinema where Hindu characters are allegedly stereotyped or vilified. Some have drawn parallels to the backlash against films like *Pathaan* and *Laal Singh Chaddha*, which were accused of promoting "anti-India" sentiments by certain groups. A BJP spokesperson in Kerala stated, *"There is a trend in Malayalam cinema where only one side of the political spectrum is represented. If *Empuraan* indeed follows this pattern, it will be unfortunate."* ### **3. Mohanlal’s Stance and Past Controversies** Mohanlal, one of India’s most respected actors, has largely stayed away from political controversies. However, his association with films like *Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham* (which faced criticism from right-wing groups for its portrayal of historical figures) has occasionally drawn scrutiny. Fans of the actor argue that he chooses roles based on cinematic merit rather than political agendas. They point out that Mohanlal has also acted in films with patriotic themes, such as *Pulimurugan* and *Kirti Chakra*, which were well-received across the political spectrum. ## **Broader Debate on Politics in Malayalam Cinema** The controversy surrounding *Empuraan* is part of a larger debate on whether Malayalam cinema leans disproportionately towards leftist or anti-right-wing narratives. Critics argue that the industry often ignores or misrepresents Hindu and nationalist perspectives, while supporters counter that cinema should reflect diverse viewpoints, including criticism of political ideologies. ### **1. Allegations of Leftist Dominance** Some observers claim that the Malayalam film industry is dominated by individuals with leftist leanings, leading to a lack of ideological balance. Films like *Virus* (2018), which depicted the Nipah virus outbreak, and *Jana Gana Mana* (2022), which touched on student politics and police brutality, have been praised for their social commentary but also criticized for allegedly favoring left-wing narratives. ### **2. Counterarguments: Artistic Expression vs. Propaganda** Defenders of Malayalam cinema argue that filmmakers have the right to critique any political ideology as part of artistic expression. They cite examples like *Uyare* (women’s empowerment) and *Great Indian Kitchen* (gender inequality) as films that address social issues without overt political bias. Moreover, they point out that not all Malayalam films follow a particular ideological line—movies like *Abrahaminte Santhathikal* (2018) and *Madhura Raja* (2019) were commercial entertainers without political undertones. ## **Conclusion: Will 'Empuraan' Fuel Further Polarization?** The allegations by *The Organiser* have added an unexpected political dimension to *Empuraan*’s hype. Whether the film indeed carries an "anti-Hindu" or "anti-BJP" narrative remains to be seen, but the controversy highlights the growing intersection between cinema and politics in India. As the debate continues, several questions arise: - **Will *Empuraan* face protests or boycotts from right-wing groups?** - **How will Mohanlal and Priyadarshan respond to the allegations?** - **Does the criticism reflect genuine concerns or an attempt to preemptively discredit the film?** Until the film’s release, the discourse around *Empuraan* will likely remain polarized, with political commentators and cinema lovers interpreting its content through their own ideological lenses. One thing is certain—the controversy has already ensured that *Empuraan* will be one of the most talked-about films of 2025. --- ### **Final Thoughts** While *The Organiser*’s claims are yet to be substantiated, the controversy underscores the heightened sensitivity around political representation in Indian cinema. Whether *Empuraan* will be a neutral political thriller or a film with ideological undertones, its reception will depend on how audiences perceive its narrative—beyond the pre-release speculation. For now, all eyes are on Mohanlal and Priyadarshan as they navigate this unexpected storm ahead of their magnum opus’s release.