The Malayalam film Empuraan, starring superstar Mohanlal, is back in the spotlight after its director Prithviraj Sukumaran broke his silence on the controversy which hit the film during its March 2025 release.
Now, actor-politician Suresh Gopi has also spoken up about the Empuraan movie, recounting how he had secured high-level permission, even from Union Home Minister Amit Shah, for the film, without which, he claims, it would not have been released even now.
Suresh Gopi on Mohanlal’s Empuraan
Empuraan is Prithviraj’s third directorial, and one of the most ambitious and big-budget films from Malayalam. BJP MP Suresh Gopi’s name was also initially included in the Thank You Card, which the actor requested to be removed after Empuraan was hit with a raging controversy over allegations of hurting right-wing sentiments. During the recent Manorama News Newsmaker event, Suresh Gopi explained that his name was included in the credits for getting the permission for shooting the film at certain locations.
“I got them a lot of permissions, even the censor certificate… If the shooting had not happened at the CRPF’s Pallipuram camp that day, then the film would not have been released even now. Because of (the issue of) artistes’ dates and all. I got the paper signed from Amit Shah in a single night. That’s why they kept my name in the title card,” explained Suresh Gopi, who won the last General Elections from Thrissur to become the first Lok Sabha MP of the BJP from Kerala.
The actor, who has acted alongside Mohanlal in several movies, including the cult Manichitrathazhu, said that he did not reach out to the superstar after the row but called up the executive producer of Gokulam Gopalan to get his name removed. Gokulam Gopalan had also backed Empuraan in a last-minute development.
What is Empuraan row about
The Empuraan row was triggered after some sections objected to the riot scenes and certain characters in the film, claiming that it portrayed the right-wing in a poor light. The makers then voluntarily cut certain scenes and changed names, along with lead actor Mohanlal issuing an apology to his fans. Recently, Prithviraj finally addressed the Empuraan row, stating that he makes films to entertain and not to make political statements.
FAQs
Q. Where to watch Empuraan on OTT?
A. You can watch Empuraan, helmed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, on JioHotstar via OTTplay Premium. Malayalam superstar Mohanlal plays the lead role.
Q. Why did Mohanlal apologize?
A. Mohanlal issued an apology after a section of the audience objected to certain scenes and characters in Empuraan, saying it depicted the right-wing section in poor light.
Q. Did Prithviraj apologize for Empuraan?
A. Prithviraj recently spoke about the Empuraan row, stating that he makes films to entertain and not to make political statements.