HC refuses to stay Empuraan screening, calls BJP leader’s plea ‘publicity stunt’
The Kerala High Court, on Tuesday, April 1, refused to stay the screening of the big-budget Malayalam film L2: Empuraan, starring Mohanlal, which hit theaters on March 27. The court dismissed the plea filed by BJP leader VV Vijeesh, who had sought a ban on the movie, citing concerns over its depiction of the 2002 Gujarat riots. Justice CS Dias, while declining interim relief, questioned the petitioner’s motives of the petitioner and labeled the plea a “publicity interest litigation.” “Was it not certified by the Censor Board…Before the release of the movie, the statute contemplates it has to be certified by the censor board. It has come out. What is the subsequent objection that is being raised...You are unnecessary giving publicity to such things… I am suspecting your bonafides…All publicity-oriented litigation,” the judge had orally remarked, according to LiveLaw.The court further asked the BJP leader if he could cite any incidents of violence caused by the film, which had been running in theaters for nearly a week. In response, the Government Pleader informed the court that no cases had been registered indicating any law-and-order problems due to the movie. Further, the government pleader also argued that once a film receives certification from statutory authorities, it is presumed fit for exhibition. The court accepted this argument and refused to grant any urgent relief, stating that the matter would be heard after the court’s summer vacation. L2: Empuraan, directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, has been at the center of controversy for its alleged references to the 2002 Godhra riots and its depiction of certain right-wing groups. While critics argue that the film portrays central investigative agencies in a poor light, the filmmakers have denied any malicious intent. In light of the backlash, the filmmakers agreed to make voluntary cuts to the film, which are expected to be implemented in screenings this week. Mohanlal also issued a public statement, assuring them that “controversial subjects would be removed from the film.”
THE Kerala High Court on Tuesday, April 1, refused to stay the screening of the big-budget Malayalam film L2: Empuraan, starring Mohanlal, which hit theaters on March 27.
The court dismissed the plea filed by BJP leader VV Vijeesh who had sought a ban on the movie, citing concerns over its depiction of the 2002 Gujarat riots. Justice CS Dias, while declining interim relief, questioned the petitioner’s motives and labelled the plea a “publicity interest litigation.”
“Was it not certified by the Censor Board…Before the release of the movie, the statute contemplates it has to be certified by the censor board. It has come out. What is the subsequent objection that is being raised...You are unnecessary giving publicity to such things… I am suspecting your bonafides…All publicity-oriented litigation,” the judge orally remarked, according to LiveLaw.
The court further asked the BJP leader if he could cite any incidents of violence caused by the film, which had been running in theatres for nearly a week. In response, the Government Pleader informed the court that no cases had been registered indicating any law-and-order problems due to the movie.
Further, the government pleader also argued that once a film receives certification from the statutory authorities, it is presumed fit for exhibition. The court accepted this argument and refused to grant any urgent relief, stating that the matter would be heard after the court’s summer vacation.
L2: Empuraan, directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, has been at the centre of controversy for its alleged references to the 2002 Godhra riots and its depiction of certain right-wing groups.
While critics argue that the film portrays central investigative agencies in a poor light, the filmmakers have denied any malicious intent. In light of the backlash, the filmmakers agreed to make voluntary cuts to the film, which are expected to be implemented in screenings this week.
Mohanlal also issued a public statement, assuring them that “controversial subjects would be removed from the film.”
