🎬 BJP Leader's Move to Ban 'Empuraan' Backfires! 🚫🔥
- MediaFx
- Apr 1
- 2 min read
TL;DR: A BJP leader from Thrissur, Kerala, filed a petition to ban the Malayalam film 'Empuraan', alleging it could incite communal violence. However, this move led to his suspension from the party for violating discipline.
In a dramatic twist of events, V.V. Vijeesh, a member of the BJP Thrissur District Committee, approached the Kerala High Court seeking a ban on the screening of the Malayalam film 'Empuraan'. He claimed that certain scenes, especially those depicting the 2002 Gujarat riots, could stir communal tensions. Vijeesh also pointed fingers at the film's director, Prithviraj Sukumaran, accusing him of consistently portraying the NDA government negatively in his movies. Additionally, he alleged that producers Antony Perumbavoor and Gokulam Gopalan were under investigation for foreign funding.
However, this legal maneuver didn't sit well with the BJP's state leadership. Vijeesh was promptly suspended from the party for breaching party discipline. Thrissur City District President Justin Jacob announced the suspension, emphasizing the importance of adhering to party protocols. Despite the suspension, Vijeesh stood by his decision, stating that his move to the High Court was personal and that he would continue with the legal proceedings.
The controversy surrounding 'Empuraan' isn't new. Upon its release, the film faced backlash from certain right-wing groups over its portrayal of the 2002 Gujarat riots. Responding to the uproar, lead actor Mohanlal expressed regret and assured that the contentious portions would be edited out. Reports confirm that the filmmakers have since re-edited the movie to address these concerns.
In a related development, the Censor Board implemented 24 cuts to the film. Notable changes include renaming the antagonist from Balraj Bajrangi to Baldev, removing Central Minister Suresh Gopi’s name from the thank-you card, and muting references to the NIA. These edits were voluntarily made by the filmmakers to ensure communal harmony and respect sentiments.
MediaFx Opinion: This incident underscores the delicate balance between artistic expression and societal sensitivities. While filmmakers have the right to creative freedom, it's essential to be mindful of the diverse fabric of our society. Conversely, political entities should exercise restraint and seek dialogue over legal confrontations. The working class and common people deserve art that enlightens without inflaming, educates without offending.
