BJP leader files petition in Kerala HC to ban 'Empuraan'
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Kochi: A district level BJP leader has filed a writ petition in the Kerala High Court demanding to stop the screening of the Malayalam film 'Empuraan'.
V. V. Vijesh, a member of the BJP Thrissur District Committee, raised objection to the portrayal of the 2002 communal riots in Gujarat dfollowing the burning of a passenger compartment in Godhra. He argued that this would create a risk of inciting communal violence, Livelaw has reported.
The big-budget Mohanlal-starrer 'Empuraan', which as per reports has already created a record Rs 200 crore collection by this time, has become a centre of controversy following criticisms by right-wing groups about the depiction of the riots. However, subsequently, Mohanlal expressed regret through a Facebook post and said that the objectionable portions would be removed. As per reports, the makers have re-edited the movie.
The petitioner has described Mohanlal's statement a marketing agenda to compel the public to watch the movie.
The petitioner stated that there were comments about the Ministry of Defence in the movie that would undermine its credibility and integrity.
The petition also also cited multiple rumors and controversies which erupted following its release and stated that if screening is continued, it carried the risk of inciting communal violence and disturbing public order.
The petitioner further alleged that the director of the movie Prithviraj had a habit of targeting the NDA government through his movies to tarnish its reputation.
The petition also dragged in the name of producers of the movie, Antony Perumbavoor and Gokulam Gopalan as persons who were under ED investigation for foreign funding.