L2: Empuraan producer's offices in Kerala, Tamil Nadu searched by ED in alleged FEMA violation case

The businessman's offices in Kerala and Tamil Nadu were inspected, soon after the film “L2: Empuraan” sparked a political row.

Updated on: Apr 4, 2025, 12:11:41 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday conducted searches at the offices of businessman Gokulam Gopalan, one of the producers of the controversial film “L2: Empuraan,” in connection with alleged violations of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) case, reported news agency PTI.

The producer's offices in Kerala and Tamil Nadu were searched after the film L2: Empuraan sparked controversy

Gopalan's company Sree Gopalan Chit and Finance Co. Ltd is being investigated for alleged FEMA violations of ₹1,000 crore with certain NRIs and "unauthorised" transactions related to their business, reported PTI.

Also Read: ‘Empuraan’ movie producers make 24 cuts, drop ‘Baba Bajrangi’ name

The businessman's offices in Kerala and Tamil Nadu were inspected, soon after the film “L2: Empuraan” sparked backlash due to its critique of right-wing politics, and a mention of the Gujarat riots.

Currently searches are taking place at five different premises, including offices in Kochi and Chennai. The ED is also looking into allegations of “cheating” against the company under the prevention of money laundering law.

Also Read: L2 Empuraan controversy reaches Parliament; Suresh Gopi says team was ‘never pressured’ to make 24 cuts

Gopalan is the founder and owner of the Sree Gokulam Group of Companies, which operates various entities in the fields of finance, education, healthcare, media and more.

L2: Empuraan controversy

The Mohanlal-starrer, which is the second in the Lucifer trilogy, was released initially on March 27, but soon became the topic of heated debate after several right-wing activists took issue with scenes alluding to the riots of 2002 and the portrayal of a right-wing party with veiled references to the Indian political landscape.

The film was re-released on April 2 after 24 cuts, after the producers and actors apologised for hurting the sentiments of certain groups.

Actor and producer Mohanlal expressed regret over the criticism levelled at the film due to certain scenes, and stated that the controversial references in the movie would be removed.

In a Facebook post, the actor said, “I have come to know that some political and social themes that were included in the unveiling of Empuraan... have caused considerable distress among many of my loved ones.”

"As an artist, it is my duty to ensure that none of my films promote hatred towards any political movement, ideology, or religious group," he added.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Get the latest India News, breaking headlines and real-time updates from across the country. Stay informed about politics, government policies, crime, weather and major national developments.