The controversy around the Malayalam film Empuraan has taken a new twist, with pediatrician and social media influencer Dr. Soumya Sarin entering the fray.
In a candid Facebook post, she claimed the film would have been a flop if not for the storm of debate and attention it stirred.
Dr. Sarin credited director Prithviraj Sukumaran for what she described as a brilliantly executed marketing strategy.
“If there weren’t any of these uproars, Empuraan would have been a flop movie,” she wrote.
Referencing a line from the film — where the character Baiju tells Sumesh that a political leader’s third-best quality should be their ability to create excitement — she drew a parallel to cinema, suggesting that generating buzz is just as crucial for a film’s success.
She also drew comparisons with Lucifer, the first and widely acclaimed installment in the trilogy. “What swag Lalettan had in it! Every dialogue — especially those eyes — was more than enough. From that perspective, Lucifer truly stood out.”
Was it all a masterstroke?
Soumya didn’t hold back in praising Prithviraj’s tactical brilliance in keeping Empuraan in the spotlight.
“Dear Prithviraj, your mind is a national treasure—such sharp marketing intelligence! Anyway, our money has safely landed in their box office collections. Now, you all can keep fighting it out. Who cares anymore?”
Her post quickly went viral, sparking lively discussions online. While some praised her candidness, others questioned whether the film’s controversies were genuine or part of a calculated PR move.
The Controversy
For those unfamiliar, Empuraan — the much-anticipated sequel to Lucifer — has been mired in controversy for its alleged critique of right-wing politics and supposed indirect references to the Gujarat riots.
While some viewers applauded the film’s bold narrative choices, others saw them as politically charged and unnecessary provocations.
With debates raging on social media and in film circles, one thing is certain: Empuraan isn’t fading from the spotlight anytime soon.