HC refuses stay on screening; BJP leader shunted for filing plea

The Kerala high court on Tuesday refused to stay the screening of Malayalam film L2: Empuraan, which has been mired in controversy over its alleged critique of right-wing politics.

- HT Correspondent

KOCHI: The producers of controversial Malayalam movie, L2: Empuraan, mired in controversy for its depiction of right-wing politics and covert references to the 2002 Gujarat riots, made 24 cuts including changing the name of the main antagonist from Baba Bajrangi to Baldev, people aware of the details said on Tuesday.

The re-edited version will be released in cinemas on Wednesday to replace the earlier version released on March 27.

According to officials, the re-censor certificate of the film showed that 24 cuts, totaling two minutes and eight seconds.

The right-wing groups have taken strong objection to the name of the main antagonist as Baba Bajrangi, who was seen in the movie as leading a mob of rioters.

Other changes included removal of the name of Union MoS and BJP leader Suresh Gopi from the "thanks" credits, visual of a convoy of vehicles passing by a religious structure, references to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and elimination of scenes showing sexual violence against women, according to the re-release certificate.

The film, starring Mohanlal and directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran as the second installment in the Lucifer franchise, had drawn the ire of several right-wing activists and social media handles for its scenes alluding to the riots of 2002, the portrayal of a right-wing party and certain dialogues.