Apart from its great star cast and grand production, the film Empuraan has lately attracted a lot of attention because of the major controversy around it. The reaction mostly revolves on the delicate topic of the Gujarat riots.
Many individuals believe the movie touches a nerve, and conversations about it have dominated political debates, news channels, and social media. Here is a basic justification for Empuraan’s generating of so much debate.
Empuraan covers what?
Starring Mohanlal, Empuraan is a much awaited Malayalam film directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran. Published in 2019, it is the second segment of the blockbuster Lucifer.
While Lucifer concentrated on political games and power battles, Empuraan explores the past of the main character and portrays his path from an ordinary guy to a strong figure in charge of vast worldwide networks.
Some leaks and sources, however, also indicate that portions of the narrative also touch on actual Indian political events.
Some sequences allegedly subtly allude to the 2002 Gujarat riots, one of the worst events in recent Indian history. This link has made the movie quite divisive even before it was ever released.
Why are the Gujarati riots sensitive?
Following an attack on a train carrying Hindu pilgrims and set on fire, killing many, the Gujarat riots in 2002 resulted from violent conflicts between Hindus and Muslims breaking out.
Mostly from the Muslim community, almost a thousand people died during the riots. The violence was severe, and the state government of the day came under fire for their inactivity and handling of the matter.
The riots have stayed a tremendously political and emotional issue in India over years. Political speeches, documentaries, and court rulings abound that have maintained the memory of the riots alive.
Any movie or narrative that even gently addresses this topic runs the danger of inciting significant emotions from many spheres of life.
How Empuraan Linked to the Riots
Though Empuraan’s creators have not formally verified anything regarding the Gujarat riots being part of the narrative, rumors and leaks indicated that a few sequences in the movie reflect the main character’s involvement or rise to power during a period of communal violence, much to the Gujarat riots.
Early observers who saw private screenings or read stolen scripts felt that these sequences subtly condemned particular political figures or parties for the bloodshed. This set forth indignation, particularly among political supporters who felt the movie aimed at unfairly attacking specific figures or rewriting history.
Reactions in Politics
Political groups entered the debate rapidly as soon as these stories got out there. While some politicians defended Empuraan’s right to artistic freedom, others charged the creators of seeking to discredit the reputation of well-known political individuals.
In a nation like India, where politics and movies are closely entwined, political groups can pressure films. Empuraan turned into yet another illustration of how a film may straggle between political sensitivity and artistic narrative.
Demand has come for the movie to be banned, specific scenes to be edited, or disclaimers before distribution.
Public Opinion
The public has responded rather differently. Many of the viewers agree with the filmmakers since they feel that artists should be free to share stories without regard for consequences. Though it is difficult, they think movies should depict reality.
Conversely, another segment of the society believes that films like Empuraan should refrain from depicting tragic events like the Gujarat riots, particularly if they are dramatized or shown without complete background. Such depictions, they contend, might sour attitudes, incite resentment, and throw off social peace.
Social media has become a battlefield for these debates; hashtags both supporting and opposing Empuraan trending practically daily.
The Stand of The Makers
Saying that Empuraan is entirely fictional and not based on actual events, director Prithviraj Sukumaran and actor Mohanlal have tried to defuse the crisis. They asked the people to wait for the whole movie before forming opinions.
Prithviraj said in interviews that although effective narrative often touches actual feelings and experiences, it does not mean it targets any one person or group. Empuraan’s objective, he underlined, is to entertain and provoke thought, not to start political disputes.
The most important issue is movies and censorship.
The Empuraan debate brings attention to a more general issue artists nowadays deal with. Movies that explore political or religious themes can run against legal lawsuits, censorship demands, or threats. This reduces artistic flexibility and can deter directors from sharing audacious narratives.
Several Indian movies have now experienced similar issues. Many films, like Padmaavat, The Kashmir Files, and The Kerala Story, have come under criticism since they touch delicate subjects. Just the most recent moniker on this long list is Empuraan.
This results in a concerning trend whereby directors may completely avoid tackling important subjects, therefore depriving significant and provocative movies of existence.
Future Events for Empuraan
Empuraan still generates great excitement among its supporters notwithstanding the debate. The advance bookings for the film are solid and its teaser exceeded records. Many think the debate has actually generated more interest and exposure for the movie.
Whether the directors will alter the last edit to please censors or political organizations is yet unknown. Some sources claim that behind the doors conversations are occurring in order to prevent more issues.
Fans are excited to see if Empuraan can live up to the expectations and convey its narrative free from compromise.
Final Thought
The debate around Empuraan highlights how difficult it may be to combine history, politics, and movies. Artists should be conscious of the emotions and memories connected to actual occurrences even while they should be free to tell strong and forceful stories.
Simultaneously, society needs to learn to embrace many points of view and stories without reacting with censorship or wrath right away. Cinema can only really be a place for creation, introspection, and communication then.
All eyes are on how the public and political groups will finally react once the whole narrative is revealed as Empuraan gets ready for its big debut. Whatever comes of course, the movie has already had a strong influence even before it opens theatres.
