Empuraan to Undergo 17 Cuts and Re-Certification Amid Political Heat

In a dramatic turn of events, the makers of Empuraan, starring Mohanlal and Prithviraj Sukumaran, have decided to voluntarily alter the film following growing political and public pressure. According to sources close to the production team, around 17 cuts will be made to the film, including scenes related to violence against women and riot sequences that have triggered controversy post-release.

One of the major changes involves the antagonist’s name—Baba Bajrangi, portrayed by Abhimanyu Singh. Reports suggest the name is likely to be changed or muted, as it bears close resemblance to a real-life figure involved in the 2002 Gujarat riots. This portrayal reportedly offended several political and right-wing groups, including the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

The film was originally cleared by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) with only minor changes. However, after its release on March 27, criticism intensified, particularly over alleged parallels drawn with real events like the Godhra incident and the depiction of Hindutva leaders in a negative light.

The backlash reached a tipping point when RSS’s magazine Organiser published a scathing article condemning the film, accusing it of pushing an anti-Hindu narrative. While the BJP leadership in Kerala distanced itself from any official protest, insiders confirm that informal pressure from certain quarters led the producers to reconsider the content.

The newly altered version of Empuraan is expected to be re-submitted to the CBFC for fresh certification and will likely hit theatres next week. Until then, the original uncut version will continue running in cinemas.

This episode has reignited debates around creative freedom, political sensitivities, and the role of the censor board in India. While the filmmakers aim to strike a balance, the controversy underscores how politically charged content in cinema remains under constant scrutiny.

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