‘My son is made a scapegoat…’: Mallika Sukumaran slams ‘Empuraan’ criticism

Mallika Sukumaran, mother of director Prithviraj, has alleged that there is an attempt to scapegoat her son in the ‘Empuraan’ controversy. She expressed her deep sorrow over certain individuals trying to isolate her son without the knowledge of Mohanlal or the film’s producers. In a post shared on Facebook, Mallika stated that Prithviraj has never betrayed anyone associated with this film or any other project.

Full post: 

I have been closely observing the controversy surrounding the film ‘Empuraan’ over the past few days. Apart from the fact that its director is my son, Prithviraj, I have no connection to the film. That is why I chose not to respond to the ongoing controversies.

However, some individuals have been deliberately spreading false narratives, claiming that by directing ‘Empuraan,’ Prithviraj betrayed Mohanlal and producers, including Antony Perumbavoor. Certain media outlets have also picked up and amplified these baseless allegations. As someone who is well aware of what happened behind the scenes of this film, it deeply pains me to see people attempting to isolate and attack Prithviraj.

This is the anguish of a mother. And if I am speaking out about it now, no one should take it as an opportunity to mock me.

Neither Mohanlal nor the producers have ever stated that Prithviraj deceived them. I don’t believe they ever will. Mohanlal is like a younger brother to me. I have known him since childhood. He has praised my son on numerous occasions and in various forums. But now, I am extremely saddened to see that certain people are trying to scapegoat Prithviraj, without Mohanlal’s or the producers’ knowledge.

As a filmmaker, Prithviraj has never deceived anyone involved in this film—or any film for that matter—and he never will.

If you feel there is any issue with ‘Empuraan,’ then every member of the team is responsible for it. Everyone involved had read the script together. Every scene was reviewed collectively, and everyone had given their approval. If any scene needed changes during filming, the screenwriter Murali Gopy was always available to make the necessary adjustments. Then how can Prithviraj alone be held responsible after the film’s release?

Months ago, during a phone call, I asked my son where he was, and he replied that he was busy shooting in Gujarat. He said, "I’m caught up, Amma. Lalettan is here. I have to show him every scene we’ve shot so far. I also need to discuss things with Antony."

I want to make it clear that there isn’t a single shot in ‘Empuraan’ that Mohanlal and Antony were unaware of. There is nothing in the film that Mohanlal was not informed about. And they will never claim otherwise.

So why are some people—who claim to stand with them—spreading misinformation? Maybe they believe they can gain something by appeasing Mohanlal and Antony. Let them try. But spreading lies, such as claiming that things were added to the script without Mohanlal’s knowledge or that he did not watch the preview, is unacceptable.

Since the preview did not happen, even I watched the film for the first time on the day of its release, along with my daughters-in-law and grandchildren. So why are people spreading the false narrative that Mohanlal missed the preview?

No one should think that they can profit from scapegoating Prithviraj. God is with him. We do not fear people; we fear God. He has guided me and my children all our lives. Those who are trying to isolate and attack my son will not go unpunished by the divine.

"That was unnecessary, Major Ravi." This is what I want to say to Major Ravi and others trying to hunt down Prithviraj. Who was Major Ravi's statement meant to serve? Mohanlal and Antony have never, and will never, say that Prithviraj betrayed them. Then what benefit does Major Ravi gain by isolating Prithviraj? He told me that he was responding to certain discussions happening in military groups. But why should my son suffer for that?

Right now, fabricated stories are being circulated by certain people. Some politicians, organizations, so-called fans, and a few media outlets seem to be competing to bring Prithviraj down.

At the same time, many have stood by him, and I will not forget that. My husband and I raised our children to love and respect people, not based on their political party, caste, or religion. We have always shown love and respect to members of all political parties and organizations. And yet, in recent days, some of these very people have been leading the attack against Prithviraj. We suspect that even certain members of the film industry are involved in this conspiracy.

Neither I nor my children have any interest in seeking positions, honors, or recognition from political power centers or organizations. If that is the reason behind this targeted attack, then I have only one thing to say—those responsible will one day have to answer for my tears before God.

Prithviraj lost his father when he was in 10th grade. I raised my children by teaching them the difference between right and wrong. We do not live by politics. We have close ties with leaders from the BJP, Congress, and CPM. Some leaders may have been pressured by political circumstances to change their stance on this issue, but we do not change our beliefs, nor do we abandon our love and respect for people based on politics.

To those targeting my son, I have only one thing to say—every tear I shed will require you to seek forgiveness for a lifetime before God. No one should be accused of crimes they did not commit. As a 70-year-old mother, I ask the people to recognize the truth.

A few words to the media:

A journalist recently claimed that Prithviraj went to the censor board and "begged them not to make changes to his film." What kind of nonsense is this? The truth is that Prithviraj was present at the time of censoring—nothing more. When a film is being censored, it is standard practice for the director or producer to be present to clarify any doubts. Shouldn’t journalists know this?

Another news anchor recently called Prithviraj a "fool who constantly changes his stance." Using such words on air is inappropriate. Let me make one thing clear—Prithviraj is not someone who frequently changes his stance, unlike some journalists who jump from channel to channel.

Prithviraj has never opposed anyone’s personal political stance.

Satyameva Jayate