Kochi: Central Board of Film Certification has ordered 17 changes to Malayalam movie "L2 Empuraan" starring superstar Mohanlal following backlash over its alleged portrayal of 2002 Gujarat riots.

The movie was released on March 27 and the filmmakers claimed it quickly crossed Rs 100 crore at box office. However, criticism from BJP and RSS members in Kerala erupted soon after its release.

RSS-affiliated publication Organiser accused the film of pushing a divisive narrative, alleging it was "purposefully designed to reinforce image of Hindus as primary aggressors during the 2002 riots".

The article also criticised Mohanlal, claiming that his participation in the project "betrays his loyal fan base".

CBFC's office in Kerala reviewed the film following intervention from central govt, according to sources. The board suggested edits and if the revised version is submitted by Monday, it is expected to be approved for screening in the following days.

The film's producers have agreed to the modifications. Producer Gokulam Gopalan said Saturday he had instructed director Prithviraj Sukumaran to make changes "if any scenes or dialogues in the movie had hurt anyone".

The controversy has sparked political reactions across party lines. Congress praised "Empuraan" for what they described as its depiction of the "reality behind Gujarat riots". Kerala unit of Congress wrote on X: "Like Grok, Empuraan has demolished the Sangh Varsity!"

While BJP state chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar initially wished success for the film on social media, several BJP and RSS functionaries later condemned it.

Sangh-linked organisations like Hindu Aikyavedi and Bharatiya Yuvamorcha criticised the Mohanlal-starrer. But BJP state secretary P Sudheer denied reports that the party's core committee discussed the controversy. Senior BJP politician M T Ramesh said: "Movies can be treated as films and there is no need for the party to oppose a movie".