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A still from ‘Empuraan’
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In the wake of ongoing controversy, the makers of L2: Empuraan have removed Union Minister and actor Suresh Gopi’s name from the film’s “Special Thanks” section following a series of voluntary cuts. The Mohanlal-starrer, which was released on March 27, underwent re-editing after right-wing backlash, resulting in 24 cuts amounting to a total of 2 minutes and 8 seconds.
The updated version of the film, certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), has altered multiple elements, including muting dialogues, trimming intense sequences, and modifying references that had sparked outrage. Alongside Suresh Gopi’s name, the film also removed IRS officer Jyothis Mohan from its list of acknowledgments.
While the exact reason for Suresh Gopi’s removal remains unclear, the decision coincides with the broader changes aimed at addressing political sensitivities. The most significant modification involved renaming the antagonist Balraj, originally believed to be a reference to Bajrang Dal leader Babu Bajrangi, to Baldev. The timeline card that read “India 2002” was also changed to the more ambiguous “a few years ago.”
Despite the edits, the film has seen a surge in demand, with theaters across Kerala witnessing sold-out shows. The global box office collections have reportedly crossed ₹200 crore as of March 31. The original, uncut version continues to be screened internationally, while its OTT release is expected to incorporate the edited version.
Producer Anthony Perumbavoor addressed the media, asserting that the re-editing was not a result of political pressure. He also confirmed that the franchise’s next installment, L3: The Beginning, remains in the pipeline.
Published – April 03, 2025 12:53 pm IST
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Suresh Gopi’s name removed from ‘L2: Empuraan’ credits after mass edits
