Prithviraj Sukumaran-directed Empuraan was released in theatres on March 27. The film headlined by actor Mohanlal, landed in a controversy after right-wing political outfits criticized the film for portraying the 2002 Gujarat riots. The film was termed anti-Hindu by a section of the film who also demanded a ban on the film. Amid this, Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan watched the film on Saturday and put out a statement in favour of protecting the rights of freedom of expression of artists. 

Kerala CM supports Empuraan makers

A day after watching the film, the CM took to his social media handle to share his thoughts surrounding the film's controversies. Backing the filmmakers, Vijayan wrote in Malayalam, “I watched the movie at a time when widespread hate campaigns were being unleashed by Sangh Parivar communal forces against the film, its actors, and its crew. What seems to have infuriated the architects of the Sangh Parivar is the film’s reference to one of the most brutal genocides the country has witnessed. Not only the cadres but even leaders of the BJP and RSS have openly issued threats.”