Various reports suggest that L2- Empuraan’s new version will hit theaters today (April 1) after 3 pm. The controversial film underwent re-editing following a series of controversies related to the ‘Gujarat Riot’ content. According to a Malayala Manorama Online report, the film providers informed theaters that they will deliver the new version with major cuts at 3 pm today. As per the report, providers including Cube and UFO informed theaters about the new version a few hours ago. The providers have stated that they received the edited first-half file and will deliver the film to theaters as a single file after receiving the second half.
Not 17 But The Film Underwent 24 Cuts
The revised version of Empuraan has undergone 24 cuts instead of 17. The authorities have released the updated censor certificate confirming these edits. The filmmakers have changed the main villain’s name from Balraj Bajrangi to ‘Baldev.’ They have also omitted Union Minister Suresh Gopi’s name from the thank-you card, as he had asked the crew to remove it.
The filmmakers have released the re-edited version of the film following widespread protests. They have removed the scene where a vehicle passes in the background of religious symbols, as well as the conversation between the main villain and the co-villain. They have muted the reference to the NIA in the film and removed the board in the car.
Additionally, they have cut scenes depicting violence against women in the opening part, along with the scenes of the dead body and the conflict. They have also removed the conversation between the child playing Prithviraj’s younger self and his father at the beginning. Furthermore, they have edited out some references to actor Nandu’s character as a minister.
Will The Film Release In All Theatres Across Kerala?
According to the report, Some theater owners believe that even if the edited version of the film arrives at 3 PM, screening it for today’s first show will be challenging. The film’s length means downloading it will take a significant amount of time. However, some theater owners claim that they could complete the download in just half an hour with high-speed internet. If the download happens during showtime, it will cause delays, so theaters prefer to download it when no show is running. Since there is a midnight show, many theaters have scheduled the first show for 5:30 PM.
If you take the extra time and download the content during show time, you can screen the new version for the second show or midnight show today itself. However, some theater officials have clarified that it would be safer to screen the new version for tomorrow morning’s show as the content needs to be verified. Some theaters will receive copies via hard disk. In these places, the new version will be screened only tomorrow.
Will The Updated Version Be Released Across India?
Until now, there is no official confirmation on the availability of new version pan India.
Controversy Revolving The Film
The movie, which is a sequel to Lucifer (2019), allegedly portrayed the Gujarat riots in a manner that a particular section was the only responsible people which killed 790 people of the other religion. critics along with the BJP, alleges that the movies is to white wash a particular group and to push anti-Hindu narrative. Among other controversial scenes, there is reportedly a scene in the movie where a Muslim family is shown as being brutally killed by Hindu right-wing extremists. Sukumaran, playing second fiddle to Mohanlal’s character in the movie, portrayed a character named Zayed Masood. The CBFC has reviewed the movie and found certain sequences depicting Gujarat riots to be sensitive. A a result the board mandated 17 cuts and modifications which includes trimming of some scenes as well.
The controversial scenes depicting the Godhra riots are shown as part of the backstory of Prithviraj Sukumaran’s character in the film. Besides, the movie allegedly portrays how the BJP, led by then-Gujarat CM Narendra Modi, misused central agencies during the riots.
