Political slugfest in Kerala over 'L2: Empuraan' movie

The BJP should introspect whether it is right to show intolerance only when they are criticised KC VENUGOPAL, AICC general secretary

- HTC and agencies [e-mail]

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The makers of L2: Empuraan have agreed to make 17 changes to the Mohanlal-starrer film amid an intensifying political controversy over its alleged critique of right-wing politics.

People familiar with the development said the changes include muting several dialogues in the movie, which has become a flashpoint between political parties in Kerala.

The political row over the Prithviraj-directed film triggered reactions in Kerala on Saturday, with the Congress accusing the BJP of showing intolerance, citing the intense criticism being raised against it on right-wing social media handles.

The film, the second part of the Lucifer trilogy planned by the Prithviraj-Mohanlal team, critiques right-wing politics and includes covert references to the Gujarat riots.

Congress general secretary KC Venugopal alleged that the BJP's criticism of the movie was part of the "intolerance of Sangh Parivar." Pointing to recently released movies like The Accidental Prime Minister and Emergency, he said such films were critical of the Congress, but the BJP welcomed them.

"These are all part of freedom of expression. The BJP should introspect whether it is right to show intolerance only when they are criticised," he told reporters in front of the Secretariat.