ED raids Empuraan producer amid political row over film’s content

The Malayalam film Empuraan starring Mohanlal has stirred up a political storm, now intensified by Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids on the film’s producer, Gokulam Gopalan. On Friday, the ED conducted searches at multiple locations connected to Gopalan, including the Gokulam  Chits and Finance headquarters in Kodambakkam in Chennai.

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Sources revealed that officials from both Kochi and Chennai ED units carried out the operations which are reportedly part of ongoing investigations into alleged violations of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) involving over Rs 1000 crore. Apart from the company’s office, ED teams searched Gopalan’s residence in Neelankarai, his hotel in Kozhikode and the Gokulam Mall.

These developments sparked political reactions, especially from Kerala’s Left leadership. CPI(M) leader TP Ramakrishnan claimed the raids were politically motivated by calling them an act of political vendetta. He linked the ED action to the release of Empuraan which had already drawn backlash from right-wing factions.

The controversy around the film centers on its portrayal of the 2002 Gujarat riots and its critical depiction of central investigative agencies like the NIA and ED. The RSS affiliated magazine  Organiser published a harsh critique, accusing the film of misrepresentation. Following the backlash, the film’s producers including Gopalan sought a voluntary re-edit from the CBFC.

Mohanlal issued a public apology on social media, acknowledging that some scenes in Empuraan had caused emotional distress. He assured viewers that neither he nor the team intended to offend any political, ideological or religious group and confirmed that the controversial content would be removed.

Though commercially successful, Empuraan remains embroiled in controversy for its political narrative and depiction of national institutions.