Prithviraj Sukumaran, a star in Malayalam cinema, is under heavy criticism after his new film, L2: Empuraan, hit screens. movie touches on 2002 Gujarat riots, drawing fire from right-wing groups and stirring up a storm for the actor-director.
The film's bold political themes haven't just rattled the public; they've also brought a barrage of accusations against Sukumaran. The Organiser, linked to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), slammed him as the “voice of anti-nationals,” pointing to his past activism,like the ‘Save Lakshadweep’ campaign and protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act.
Beyond public backlash,Sukumaran is facing legal heat. The Income Tax department sent him a notice over earnings from co-productions, while the Enforcement Directorate raided a producer of the film. These events send clear message to the Malayalam industry on the risks of political dissent.
His past works,such as Kuruthi and Jana Gana Mana, have also been criticized for perceived extremist sympathies . latter,focusing on extrajudicial killings, sparked debates on how filmmakers challenging norms are treated .
Born to actors Sukumaran and Mallika, Prithviraj debuted in 2002 with Nandanam. Known for his outspoken nature, often seen as arrogance,his career has been controversial,once leading to a ban by Kerala’s film bodies due to ties with suspended filmmaker Vinayan .
Over time, Sukumaran has shifted from rebel to diplomat in industry,reflecting his growing influence and financial stakes. Yet,he hasn't stopped speaking out. His reaction to a 2017 actor's kidnapping case was notable; he apologized for roles that glorified misogyny and vowed to change.
His progressive stance stood out after Hema Committee report on industry harassment. He criticized AMMA for handling allegations poorly, though his reputation took a hit in 2019 for suggesting women visit other Ayyappa temples during Sabarimala protests.
From the start, Prithviraj grasped cinema's business side. Within a decade, he launched a production company and moved into distribution, managing big Tamil,Telugu, and Kannada films in Kerala. His acting dedication continues, shown by recent films like Aadujeevitham.
His directorial debut, Lucifer in 2019,was a huge success,breaking box office records. Sukumaran's focus on entertainment aligns with his goals to boost mainstream Malayalam cinema's quality and profits.
Despite Empuraan's controversies,it's become one of Malayalam cinema's top earners. Reviews are mixed,but its political themes have sparked national debates. As tensions cool,Sukumaran remains silent on backlash and 24 “voluntary cuts” to the film. Unlike Mohanlal,who expressed regret,Sukumaran's silence leaves many wondering if he's waiting for his next project to do the talking.
