When Cinema Challenges Power: The Dark Politics Behind a Film’s Fight for Survival

Something very disturbing is happening in our country right now. And no, this is not just about a movie. This is about freedom of expression, creative liberty, and most importantly, how powerful governments crush anyone who dares to speak a different truth.

Recently, a movie directed by Prithviraj, acted by Mohanlal, and written by the razor-sharp Murali Gopy, entered theatres with fire in its belly. The film dared to show a fictional story about a Hindu politician ordering the massacre of a Muslim family, with one boy surviving and later returning to take revenge. The survivor, named Syed, represents generations of rage, loss, and resistance.

But this bold narrative instantly triggered political storms. BJP leaders, RSS groups, and their supporters screamed “anti-Hindu propaganda!”, calling for bans and boycotts. Articles, hate speeches, and threats followed. And as expected, the pressure worked.

💥 The result? More than 25 scenes were cut, the villain’s name “Bajrangi” was changed, and a new, softer version was pushed into theatres.

But the real story hides behind the curtains.

🎥 Why Did Lyca Leave? The Silence Says It All.

Lyca Productions, one of the most powerful film production companies in India, had initially backed the movie. But suddenly, they backed out. No official explanation. No clarification. Just silence.

Sources close to the film suggest that political pressure and fear of backlash from the central government pushed Lyca out of the project. They didn’t want to risk their empire, face raids, or be blacklisted by government-run institutions.

It’s a clear example of how even rich, powerful corporates bow down when the BJP machinery comes knocking.

🛡️ Enter Gokulam Gopalan: The Brave Producer Who Refused to Let Art Die

At this point, the movie was stranded. Actors, crew, technicians — all left hanging. That’s when Gokulam Gopalan, owner of Gokulam Movies and Sree Gokulam Group, stepped in.

He said openly — a film with such talented artists must not die midway. He funded the remaining part of the movie, released it under his banner, and made sure it reached audiences. But he also instructed the filmmakers to cut scenes that could damage the film’s survival.

Many saw this as a balanced move — save the film, yet avoid a full ban.

But did the central government like it? Of course not.

🚨 ED Raids — Coincidence or Political Revenge?

Fast forward to this week.

Gokulam Gopalan’s offices in Kerala and Tamil Nadu are under massive raids by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Headlines scream “₹1000 crore frauds”, “business irregularities”, and whatnot.

But let’s ask a simple question:

❓ Where were these ED raids all these years?

❓ Why now — just after he backed this politically sensitive movie?

❓ Is this how the central government takes revenge — not directly, but by crushing the livelihoods and businesses of those who stand against them?

This isn’t an investigation. This is intimidation. Plain and simple.

The same ED that moves slowly against real scamsters becomes lightning-fast when someone helps a film that dares to question the majority narrative.

🤐 The Message Is Loud and Clear

Support the government — you’ll get awards and funding.

Question the government — your offices will be raided, your films will be censored, and your business will be burned to the ground.

We are not living in a democracy anymore. We are living in a land where the ruling party decides what story can be told, which character can be named what, and which family has the “right” to be shown as victims.

🔥 We Must Not Stay Silent

This is not just an attack on a film, or on Gokulam Gopalan.
This is an attack on freedom, creativity, and the right to question power.

And if we, the people, stay silent today — tomorrow, no artist will dare to tell the truth.
No writer will write, no actor will act, no director will direct — unless it’s something that makes the government smile.

Let us be honest — this is dictatorship in disguise.

So, to the people in power:
You may censor scenes.
You may crush producers.
You may raid businesses.
But you can’t erase the idea that was born.
Because stories — once told — don’t die. They rise. Again. And again. 🔥

Comments

comments