As the Mohanlal starrer L2: Empuraan nears OTT release, speculations are in the air about the version to be released on the OTT. Prithviraj directed film has invited many controversies since its release on March 25. Now, there is clarity on which version will be released on OTT. The film’s editor, Akhilesh Mohan, has confirmed that the version approved by the Central Board of Film Certification(CBFC) will be the definitive version going forward. The confirmation comes after Mohan had spoken about the version on a YouTube channel, according to Mathrubhumi.com.
Mohan Puts Rumors To Rest
After Mohan’s opening up, the debate regarding the version to be released on OTT has been settled. The original version of the film was released on March 27. The revised version of Empuraan has been out for 24 weeks after its release. The authorities have released the updated censor certificate confirming these edits. The filmmakers have changed the main villain’s name from Balraj Bajrangi to ‘Baldev.’ However, with Mohan’s confirmation, the audience will not get to see the uncut version.
“I knew Prithviraj’s methods from working with him on Lucifer. Once I heard the story, I understood how the edit needed to be approached,” Akhilesh said. He also added that despite the film’s release, editing work such as song cuts and promotional content is ongoing for the OTT rollout.
According to Mohan, the Empuraan team made quick decisions to implement changes as soon as it received negative feedback.
OTT Release On Which Platform
As per M9 News, the OTT giant JioHotstar will be streaming the film. However, the Empuraan team is yet to confirm the reports. The movie, which is a sequel to Lucifer (2019), allegedly portrayed the Gujarat riots in a manner that a particular section was the only responsible party that killed 790 people of the other religion. Critics, along with the BJP, allege that the movie is to whitewash a particular group and to push the anti-Hindu narrative.
Prithviraj Sukumaran directed the film, while Murali Gopy penned the script. Antony Perumbavoor and Gokulam Gopalan produced it. The Lucifer sequel takes place five years after the previous plot, focusing on the changing political landscape in Kerala.
Controversy Revolving Around The Film
The movie reportedly shows Hindu right-wing extremists brutally killing a Muslim family, among other controversial scenes. Sukumaran, playing second fiddle to Mohanlal’s character in the movie, portrayed a character named Zayed Masood. The CBFC has reviewed the movie and found certain sequences depicting Gujarat riots to be sensitive. A a result, the board mandated 17 cuts and modifications, which include trimming of some scenes as well.
