‘Criticism shouldn’t turn into abuse, threats or defamation’: FEFKA extends support to ‘Empuraan’

FEFKA (Film Employees Federation of Kerala) has issued a statement days after the controversy surrounding Empuraan escalated, including cyberattacks on lead actor Mohanlal and director Prithviraj. In a Facebook post, FEFKA clarified that all the film's crew members are united in their efforts for the project. The attacks on Prithviraj and Mohanlal via social media are unfortunate and deserving of protest, FEFKA said.

The post further emphasised that while criticism is welcome, it should never cross into abuse, threats or personal attacks. "The purpose of any meaningful dialogue is not to silence the opposing side, but to allow them to speak," the post read. 

As Hemingway's character, Santiago, once said, "You can destroy a man, but you can't defeat him." The post concluded by stating that art and artists continue to convey this message to the world.

Full FB Post:
The controversies surrounding Empuraan and the attacks on director Prithviraj and lead actor Mohanlal via social media are unfortunate and deserving of protest. We welcome criticism of the film's form and content without compromise. Creative criticism is the only way for an art form to evolve. However, such criticism should not turn into personal attacks, threats or abuse. We urge everyone, regardless of political or religious affiliation, to refrain from this kind of behaviour. The aim of any meaningful dialogue is not to silence others, but to allow them to speak.

We stand united with all the film workers involved in Empuraan. As Hemingway's character, the elderly Santiago, once said, ‘You can destroy a man, but you can't defeat him’. Art and artists have always conveyed this message to the world.