Babu Bajrangi name changed in ‘L2 Empuraan’ after controversy

The makers of L2 Empuraan, the highly anticipated Malayalam blockbuster starring Mohanlal and directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, have announced a key change following intense backlash—the film’s antagonist will undergo a name change.

Originally named Baba Bajrangi, the character’s moniker sparked controversy over its alleged reference to the 2002 Gujarat riots, prompting the filmmakers to implement 17 voluntary cuts to the film.

Backlash and name change

The controversy stems from the character played by Abhimanyu Singh, initially named Balraj Patel, alias Baba Bajrangi. Many critics and right-wing groups drew immediate parallels between this fictional character and Babubhai Patel (Babu Bajrangi), a Bajrang Dal leader convicted in the Naroda Patiya massacre during the Gujarat riots. In L2 Empuraan, the antagonist is portrayed as a Hindu nationalist politician orchestrating communal violence in 2002—a resemblance that ignited widespread protests and calls for a boycott.

Facing mounting pressure, producer Gokulam Gopalan confirmed the decision to rename the character, stating:

“If any scenes or dialogues in Empuraan have hurt anyone, I have instructed director Prithviraj to make the necessary adjustments.”

The name will be replaced with a neutral alias to avoid direct associations. Additionally, riot-related sequences will be trimmed, and specific dialogues deemed inflammatory—including those depicting violence against women and children—will be muted.

Political reactions

The uproar erupted within hours of the film’s premiere on March 27, 2025, with social media platforms flooded with hashtags such as #Empuraan and #AntiHindu. Critics accused the film of being propaganda against Hindu nationalist ideologies, while supporters, including Congress and Left-leaning figures in Kerala, hailed its courage in addressing politically sensitive themes.

Adding fuel to the fire, the film’s opening sequence portrays a train burning incident followed by mob violence, which many linked to the Godhra train attack and the ensuing Gujarat riots. Despite a disclaimer labeling the events as fictional, the resemblance intensified public debate.

Re-censorship

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) originally cleared L2 Empuraan with just two minor cuts before its release. However, in response to the growing controversy and pressure from right-wing groups, the filmmakers submitted a revised version for re-censorship.

The updated version—featuring name changes and toned-down riot scenes—is expected to hit theaters by early next week, aiming to pacify critics while retaining the film’s essence.

Box Office success

Despite the controversy, L2 Empuraan has enjoyed phenomenal box office success, grossing ₹50 crore in India and surpassing ₹100 crore globally within three days.

The sequel to the 2019 hit Lucifer continues to attract audiences with its gripping action sequences and Mohanlal’s powerful portrayal of Stephen Nedumpally.