Salman Khan‘s latest movie, Sikandar, has jolted the box office, heightening the challenge for L2: Empuraan, which is facing its own share of controversies. The Malayalam action drama featuring Mohanlal and Prithviraj Sukumaran, released with fervor across multiple languages, has been experiencing erratic earnings amid political backlash and the rise of voluntary cuts.
Despite the pressures, Empuraan has crossed the remarkable ₹50 crore mark domestically within five days of release. Globally, the film surged past ₹100 crore within the first two days, as reported by industry tracker Sacnilk. However, Salman Khan’s Sikandar is creating formidable competition, slowing down Empuraan’s pace at the box office.
On Monday, March 31, the movie earned a modest ₹44 lakhs, a notable drop compared to previous figures ranging from ₹21 crore to ₹11 crore on average. Released in Malayalam, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, and Telugu, Empuraan’s occupancy rates varied. While Sunday saw a 75.26% occupancy for its Malayalam version, the Telugu version garnered a 17.22% occupancy.
Political turmoil further complicates Empuraan’s journey. Right-wing supporters have criticized the film for its references to the 2002 Gujarat riots, leading to anticipated voluntary cuts of approximately 17 scenes. A producer from the film reportedly stated that the filmmakers are under “significant pressure” following the outcry, as covered by The Hindu.
Additionally, BJP State President Rajeev Chandrasekhar openly criticized the movie, stating it distorts the truth and refuses to watch it, amplifying the political discourse surrounding the film. His comments add to the tension, reinforcing pressures faced by the filmmakers.
Empuraan is directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, who stars alongside Mohanlal, and includes an ensemble cast featuring names like Manju Warrier, Tovino Thomas, and Abhimanyu Singh. Murali Gopy penned the script for this high-octane drama.
The clash between Empuraan and Salman Khan’s Sikandar adds an intense layer to the film’s narrative, as it navigates critical acclaim, a challenging market, and politically charged controversies. The coming weeks will reveal whether Empuraan maintains its momentum or if Sikandar’s influence continues to overshadow its success.
