Debate Over 'Empuraan' Highlights Cinematic Freedom Amidst Political Tensions

The Malayalam film 'Empuraan' has ignited discussions on freedom of expression in cinema, as senior Congress leader KC Venugopal emphasizes the role of films in reflecting political realities. Despite controversy over its portrayal of the 2002 Gujarat riots, the movie thrives at the box office, surpassing previous success records.

In the midst of heated discussions over the Malayalam political thriller 'Empuraan', senior Congress leader KC Venugopal stressed the significance of freedom of expression in cinema. Venugopal highlighted that films serve as vital platforms for exploring current political narratives, whether they critique or praise political parties. He cited past films like 'The Accidental Prime Minister' as examples of the BJP embracing cinema despite controversial content.

While Venugopal admitted he hasn't watched 'Empuraan', he acknowledged criticism of Congress within the film and emphasized the importance of tolerance towards dissenting viewpoints. He referred to a Supreme Court verdict affirming that freedom of expression is crucial to human life, advocating for its application in this scenario.

'L2: Empuraan', directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran and starring Mohanlal, has become a topic of contention, particularly among right-wing supporters criticizing its depiction of the 2002 Gujarat riots during Narendra Modi's tenure. Nonetheless, the film is breaking box office records despite calls for investigations into alleged anti-national themes, as claimed by BJP leaders.

(With inputs from agencies.)