It happens only in Kerala: BJP's surprise stance on Empuraan row

 (News Agency)-The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) unit in Kerala has taken a measured but surprising stance in the controversy over the Malayalam film L2: Empuraan, a political thriller starring Mohanlal and directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran. This even as the Organiser, the mouthpiece of the RSS -- the BJP's ideological parent -- has taken a critical stand against the movie. The BJP's tone is also surprising given that one of the reasons for the controversy was the reference to the 2002 Gujarat riots, an issue that the party is sensitive to.
The BJP’s response, including the suspension of a local leader who sought a legal ban of the film and statements from senior leaders Rajeev Chandrasekhar and Union Minister Suresh Gopi, suggested that the party's state unit has exercised restraint and caution in its response to the row. While the Organiser attacked the film, calling it "anti-Bharat and anti-Hindu", the BJP held that "the film should be viewed as a film".
Following the outrage from several right-wing quarters, the makers voluntarily made 24 cuts, yet RSS's organiser claimed the film still had "anti-Hindu undertones".Despite this, the BJP's measured stand and its refusal to fully align with the outrage, calling for a ban, suggested it could only happen in Kerala. But why in Kerala?
WHAT'S THE L2: EMPURAAN ROW ALL ABOUT?
The controversy surrounding L2: Empuraan, which hit theatres on March 27, erupted after it was slammed for references to the 2002 Gujarat riots and its portrayal of right-wing politics.
The 2002 communal riots in Gujarat, which occurred when Prime Minister Narendra Modi was then the state's chief minister, have been a persistent point of attack for Opposition parties against the BJP and Modi. This continues despite the courts clearing them of these charges.
Right-wing groups, including those linked to the RSS, criticised the film for what they called an "anti-Hindu" narrative. The Organiser accused the film of glorifying terrorism.
It said on Sunday that the Mohanlal film was "anti-Bharat and anti-Hindu" as it "undermines Bharat's nationhood, culture, constitution and democratic institutions".
Amid the backlash, the filmmakers voluntarily made 24 cuts, totalling over two minutes. They removed references to the Gujarat riots and the National Investigation Agency (NIA), among other changes.

Mohanlal issued a public apology on Facebook, and expressed regret for any distress caused.

Following the cuts, the Organiser on April 2 questioned director Prithviraj Sukumaran and writer Murali Gopy, saying the revised film still had "anti-Hindu undertones".