**Title:** Kerala CM Criticizes RSS Over Film Controversy
**Meta Description:** Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan condemns RSS for acting as a censor board amid the L2: Empuraan film controversy.
**URL Slug:** kerala-cm-vijayan-criticizes-rss-film-controversy
**Headline:** Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan Condemns RSS for Censoring L2: Empuraan
In a recent address, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan criticized the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and its affiliates for attempting to act as a self-appointed censor board in the ongoing controversy surrounding the Malayalam film L2: Empuraan. The film, featuring prominent actors Mohanlal and Prithviraj Sukumaran, has faced backlash for sequences that some claim depict the 2002 Gujarat riots.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the CPI(M)’s 24th Party Congress, Vijayan emphasized that L2: Empuraan is a commercial film, not a political statement. He stated, “The Sangh Parivar is positioning itself as a censor board that supersedes the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), ensuring that only their ideologies are disseminated in society.” He highlighted the importance of the film industry, which employs thousands, and noted that achieving commercial success is a rare feat.
Vijayan defended the film against accusations of promoting minority communalism, asserting, “It is not a communist film, nor does it propagate minority communalism. It is a work of popular fiction.” He lamented that the filmmakers were pressured to remove certain scenes and references, which he believes undermines the livelihoods of those who contributed to the film’s production. “When a film’s wings are clipped, it directly impacts the workers who dedicated their efforts to its creation,” he remarked.
Last month, Vijayan attended a special screening of L2: Empuraan and reiterated the necessity of protecting freedom of expression. The film, a sequel to the 2019 release Lucifer, premiered in theaters on March 27. Right-wing groups, including those associated with the RSS, have criticized the film for allegedly promoting an “anti-Hindu” narrative, with the Organiser, an RSS publication, accusing it of glorifying terrorism.
In response to the backlash, the filmmakers voluntarily made 24 cuts, totaling over two minutes, which included the removal of references to the Gujarat riots and the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding L2: Empuraan highlights the ongoing tensions between artistic expression and ideological censorship in India, raising important questions about the future of creative freedom in the film industry.
**FAQ Section:**
**Q: What is the controversy surrounding L2: Empuraan?**
A: The controversy involves accusations from right-wing groups, including the RSS, claiming the film promotes an “anti-Hindu” narrative, leading to demands for censorship and the removal of certain scenes.
