The recently released Malayalam film L2 Empuraan, starring Mohanlal and directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, has drawn sharp criticism from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) mouthpiece Organiser.
Released on March 27, the film has sparked backlash from right-wing circles, with Organiser accusing it of promoting an “anti-Hindu political agenda” by using the 2002 post-Godhra riots as its backdrop.
In a strongly worded article, Organiser alleges that Empuraan is more than just a movie — it is "a medium for spreading an anti-Hindu, anti-BJP narrative that threatens to further divide an already fractured India."
The publication claims the film deliberately distorts historical events, depicting Hindus as the sole aggressors in the Gujarat riots while portraying Muslims as victims.
A particularly controversial scene highlighted in the article shows Hindu men engaging in brutal violence against Muslims.
Organiser argues that such portrayals incite communal hatred and misrepresent historical realities.
“The film uses violence to vilify an entire Hindu community, presenting Hindus as villains even in situations where they might otherwise be seen as saviours,” the article states, accusing the film of crossing the line from storytelling to political propaganda.
The publication further slams the filmmakers for omitting the Godhra train burning incident — where 59 Hindu pilgrims were killed — suggesting that this selective narrative undermines the broader context of the riots.
The article criticises writer Murali Gopy for allegedly scripting a divisive storyline instead of promoting communal harmony.
Organiser also raises concerns over the film’s portrayal of a pro-Hindu political faction, which it claims closely mirrors the BJP.
Characters believed to resemble BJP supporters are shown as power-hungry figures willing to go to dangerous extremes.
One scene in particular — where a pro-Hindu group suggests destroying a dam to wipe out entire populations in two districts — has been labelled by the publication as a deliberate attempt to demonise Hindu nationalist ideologies.
Director Prithviraj Sukumaran faces personal criticism in the article, which highlights his earlier attempt to make a film on Variyamkunnan, a controversial figure linked to the 1921 Malabar Hindu genocide.
That project was shelved following public backlash, but Organiser argues that Empuraan continues his alleged pattern of pushing anti-Hindu narratives.
The article further accuses Prithviraj of taking “anti-national” stances, citing his support for protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and his opposition to the Indian government’s policies in Lakshadweep.
It also claims he has supported activists with radical affiliations and has used his platform to challenge nationalist ideologies.
Finally, Organiser expresses disappointment over Mohanlal's association with the film, calling it a “betrayal” of his broad fanbase.
Once admired for uniting audiences across religious and political lines, the actor is now being criticised for endorsing a film that, according to the publication, sows division.