After months of speculation and allegations related to the Malayalam film ‘L2:Empuraan’, actor and filmmaker Prithviraj Sukumaran has spoken for the first time, clarifying the situation around the film’s script narration and recent controversies. The discussion intensified following comments from director Major Ravi, who suggested that the film’s leading actor, Mohanlal, was not involved in the script process before the film’s release. The controversy has prompted significant debate within the Malayalam film industry and among fans.
Prithviraj confirmed that both Mohanlal and the film’s producer were fully briefed on the script before the production, aiming to dispel rumours that he had “kept them in the dark.” He stated in an interview that transparency has always been maintained with the principal cast and crew throughout the filmmaking process.
In an interview with Manorama News done as part of ‘Vilaayath Buddha’ promotion, the actor addressed the allegations that his films serve as vehicles for political messages, Prithviraj firmly stated, “If what I say is honest, there is nothing to fear,” reiterating his stance that he does not use his films to promote his political views and would express such opinions openly if needed.
In the same interview, Prithviraj commented on the shifting landscape of public discourse, asserting that “Social media has been weaponised” and now plays a significant role in shaping narratives around public figures and creative works.
He elaborated on the polarised nature of responses on social platforms, saying, “When someone comments on politics, one group paints them as a villain while another portrays them as a hero. Both extremes are dangerous,” highlighting the risks of public dialogue becoming divisive.
Prithviraj also reflected on the challenges of communicating in the current climate, noting, “Your words can be taken far away from their original meaning. In such times, staying silent is not wrong.” He suggested that silence can sometimes be a necessary response to avoid misinterpretation and escalation of controversy.
The actor further addressed the issue of online harassment, stating, “People have cried to me about this. Those attacking them know it’s wrong, yet they derive pleasure from it,” describing the negative impact that social media harassment has had on industry colleagues and the broader film community.
Major Ravi, who sparked the recent debate, had commented that “Mohanlal had only watched the full movie after its release.” This statement was perceived by some as an indirect criticism of Prithviraj’s approach to filmmaking and has contributed to ongoing discussions about collaboration transparency in the industry.
‘L2: Empuraan’ is the second instalment in a planned trilogy that began with Lucifer (2019), marking Prithviraj’s directorial debut.
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