Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: BJP leader V Muraleedharan on Saturday reiterated that the party’s stance on actor Mohanlal’s film L2: Empuraan had been clearly stated by the state president. His remarks come amid a growing divide within the BJP’s Kerala unit over the film’s alleged political messaging.

Addressing the issue, Muraleedharan said, “The party has already clarified its stand, and the state president has very clearly mentioned the stand of BJP... As a film lover and somebody who enjoys the film, each individual can have their opinion. I have not yet seen the film. As regards the party stand, the state president has said very clearly. I don't think I should go beyond that and defy the state president because he is the final authority as regards matters related to the state.”

BJP split over the film’s narrative
The BJP’s Kerala unit appears to be at odds over the film, directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran. While some leaders have defended it against right-wing criticism, others claim it promotes extremist narratives.

State BJP President Rajeev Chandrasekhar publicly extended his best wishes to the film’s success, sharing a photograph with Mohanlal and expressing interest in watching it. However, right-wing supporters have accused Empuraan of portraying Hindutva outfits negatively.

BJP vice president P Reghunath dismissed the film’s theme as absurd and questioned whether it sought to whitewash banned organisations like the Popular Front of India. The controversy has led to boycott calls from BJP-RSS supporters.

Amid the ongoing debate, BJP general secretary M T Ramesh maintained that cinema should be seen purely as entertainment, leaving the choice to viewers.