Thiruvananthapuram: Congress leader Sandeep Varier claimed that the pressure from central agencies was behind actor Mohanlal expressing regret over the controversy surrounding his recently released film L2: Empuraan.

Speaking to Mathrubhumi News, Varier said, "I understand that those who invested money in the Empuraan movie faced significant threats from central agencies. They are not just filmmakers, but also involved in several other businesses. From what I gather, they faced threats and blackmail from central agencies. Naturally, Mohanlal, as an artist, could not overcome the pressure."

"They were scared. The current situation in India is that those who express opposing views are intimidated using central agencies. The most recent victim of this political situation is Malayalam cinema," he added.

Varier also noted that such a scenario, where films and writers are intimidated using investigative agencies, had never happened in Kerala before. "Mohanlal is an artist, a legendary actor. Personally, I admire him greatly. Most of his best films were shot in the vicinity of my village."

"He is not a superhuman character like the ones he portrays in films. He is just an ordinary person, an artist going through emotional struggles and pressures... He is a human being, and like any other human, he too faces pressure... It is clear to me that there was pressure from the party ruling the country, their investigative agencies on Mohanlal and others involved in the movie," he added.

Amidst the intense criticism unleashed by Sangh Parivar against some portions of the movie, Mohanlal took to his social media handle and said that as an artist, it was his duty to ensure that none of his films promotes hatred toward any political movement, ideology, or religious community.

Mohanlal said he came to know that certain political and social themes portrayed in Empuraan, the second part of the Lucifer franchise, have caused deep distress to many people who love him.

"As an artist, it is my duty to ensure that none of my films promote hatred toward any political movement, ideology, or religious community. With that in mind, both me and the Empuraan team sincerely regret any distress that may have caused to those who love me," he said.