The much-anticipated Malayalam film Empuraan has sparked a major controversy, leading to significant changes before its re-release. Initially, reports suggested that 17 cuts would be made, but now, co-producer Antony Perumbavoor has confirmed a staggering 24 edits! But what exactly was removed, and why did the filmmakers decide to re-edit the film after its release?
Key Changes in the New Version:
- Violent scenes involving a pregnant woman have been removed.
- The villain’s name has been changed from Bejarangi to Baldev.
- A controversial sequence showing the NIA (National Investigation Agency) in a negative light has been muted.
- A vehicle displaying religious symbols has been edited out.
This drastic move comes after objections from various groups, including members of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The film initially received criticism for scenes that were believed to reference the 2002 Gujarat riots. As a result, the filmmakers decided to take a second look at the content and make necessary alterations.
Why the Last-Minute Cuts?
Antony Perumbavoor stated that the decision was not due to external pressure but rather a proactive step to ensure the film was acceptable to a wider audience. “We don’t make films with the wrong intentions. The film was widely accepted, but we felt some sections were unhappy, so we decided to revise it,” he explained.
There were also speculations that director Prithviraj Sukumaran was being blamed for the controversy. However, Perumbavoor clarified that both Prithviraj and superstar Mohanlal were fully aware of the creative choices, and no single person was responsible for the edits.
The re-edited version of Empuraan is now being processed and will be available in theaters soon. Fans are eagerly waiting to see if these changes impact the film’s storytelling or if it will still deliver the intense action and drama they expected. Will the revised version put an end to the controversy, or will it spark new debates? Only time will tell.
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