Kerala High Court Today (April 1) denied BJP leader VV Vijeesh’s plea to stop the Malayalam film Empuraan: L2. The Court questioned the petition’s intent and said there was no legal reason to block the movie.
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KOCHI: The Kerala High Court said no to giving any temporary relief to BJP leader VV Vijeesh in his request to stop the release of the Malayalam movie Empuraan: L2 immediately. The Court made it clear that it was not ready to consider the matter urgently and had doubts about the real intention behind the petition.
Justice CS Dias asked the petitioner if he had even seen the movie and questioned the need for such a case when the film had already received clearance from the censor board.
“Have you watched this movie Empuraan? What is your objection? It was certified by censor board right?…I am suspecting your bona fide. Show me one complaint on incitement of violence due to this movie. Show me an FIR registered by police. These are all publicity oriented petitions, nothing else,”
-the Court said.
The Court also pointed out that the lawyer representing the State had informed the Court that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) had already approved the movie to be shown in theatres. This means the film was examined by official authorities, and they found nothing wrong with it.
Since there was no proof of any police case or any complaint filed against the movie, the Court said there is no reason to stop it from releasing. So, the judge decided not to give any temporary ban and also said that the case will be taken up only after the summer holidays of the Kerala High Court.
“Learned State Attorney draws attention to judgment in Sebin Thomas v. Union of India & Ors. to drive home the contention that once certification has been issued by statutory authorities, there is a presumption the movie is fit for certification. He also submitted that as of today, no crime has been registered by State police. In light of this submissions, the petitioner’s prayer for interim relief is declined. Matter to be heard after Kerala High Court vacation,”
-the Court said in its official order.
In the hearing, the Deputy Solicitor General of India (DSGI) appeared for the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, and the State Attorney appeared for the Director General of Police (DGP).
However, the Court decided that there was no need to send notices to the film’s actors and producers, including Mohanlal, Prithviraj, and others involved in the movie.
BACKGROUND
A petition has been submitted to the Kerala High Court asking for an urgent ban on the Malayalam movie Empuraan: L2. This film is the sequel to the 2019 movie Lucifer and stars popular actor Mohanlal.
It has recently become the center of a big controversy.
The controversy began after certain scenes in Empuraan appeared to refer to the 2002 Godhra riots. Some people also said that the main villain in the film looks and behaves very similar to a well-known leader of the Bajrang Dal, a right-wing Hindu group.
VV Vijeesh, who is a political leader from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has filed this petition. He believes that the film includes sensitive and objectionable scenes.
According to the petition, the movie not only makes indirect references to the Godhra riots but also includes “unwarranted remarks about India’s Ministry of Defence.”
It also shows central investigation agencies in a way that may “undermine their credibility and integrity.”
The petition also warns that the content of the movie could create tension between communities. It says the film has the potential to “provoke communal unrest.”
Because of this, the petitioner has requested the Kerala High Court to take quick action and stop the movie from being shown anymore. He believes this is necessary to prevent further problems and to “avert any potential communal unrest.”
As of now, the High Court has not yet listed the case for hearing.
Empuraan is a 2025 Malayalam movie directed by actor-director Prithviraj Sukumaran, who also acts in the film alongside superstar Mohanlal. It continues the story from Lucifer, in which Mohanlal played the lead role.
The film’s creators, including writer Murali Gopy and producer Anthony Perumbavoor (who also plays a small role in the film), are now facing criticism. Many right-wing voices on social media have claimed that the movie’s references to the Godhra riots are “incomplete” and one-sided.
After these complaints, the filmmakers agreed to make changes to the film. They confirmed that they would “voluntarily make cuts to the film,” and these changes will start appearing in movie theatres from this week.
Actor Mohanlal also came forward to speak about the issue.
He said that the “controversial subjects would be removed from the film.”
He also said sorry to his fans by stating, “for the distress caused.”
CASE TITLE:
Case Title: V. V. Vijesh v The Secretary and Others
WP(C) 13500/ 2025.
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