MDMK General Secretary and Rajya Sabha MP Vaiko has called for a complete ban on the Malayalam film L2: Empuraan in Tamil Nadu, alleging that its portrayal of the Mullaperiyar Dam could incite unnecessary fear among Kerala’s residents.
Vaiko claims that a specific dialogue in the film references a dam named “Nedumpally,” which he interprets as an allusion to Mullaperiyar. According to him, the dialogue suggests that the Travancore king was forced by the British to lease the land for 999 years, and even after their departure, the dam remains a potential threat to Kerala.
The controversy comes despite the filmmakers making 24 cuts to the movie, including edits to riot sequences and the antagonist’s name. However, Vaiko insists that dialogues related to the dam must also be removed.
The Mullaperiyar Dam issue has long been a flashpoint between Tamil Nadu and Kerala, with concerns over safety and control fueling disputes. The film’s depiction has reignited political tensions, leading to protests and demands for stricter censorship or a complete ban in Tamil Nadu.
