Benyamin on ‘Empuraan’ controversy: Kudos to Murali Gopy and Prithviraj for standing tall

Author and screenwriter Benyamin has praised ‘Empuraan’, describing it as more than just a commercial entertainer. He highlighted the film’s bold political undertones and commended its creators, Murali Gopy and Prithviraj Sukumaran, for standing firm in the face of criticism.


Taking to social media, Benyamin shared his thoughts after watching the film, admitting that he is not a regular viewer of action-packed, large-scale entertainers. “I am not usually a fan of this genre. I haven’t even watched films like Baahubali or Pushpa,” he wrote. However, he found Empuraan engaging throughout, crediting Prithviraj’s directorial finesse. “Yet, I felt Empuraan was a film that could be watched without feeling restless. The credit for that goes entirely to Prithviraj's directorial excellence. The film is visually rich, featuring scenes on par with Hollywood films.”

Beyond its cinematic appeal, Benyamin was particularly struck by the film’s strong political themes, which he believes reflect the current state of affairs in India. “What stands out is Murali Gopy’s precise incorporation of political themes. At a time when discussions are taking place about how deeply fascism has embedded itself in India, this film acts as an indicator.”

“The experiences of Perumal Murugan, S. Hareesh, and Deepika Padukone are still fresh in our minds”

He referenced past incidents involving writers and artists who have faced backlash for their work, saying, “The experiences of Perumal Murugan, S. Hareesh, and Deepika Padukone are still fresh in our minds, making it clear whom the film is pointing at.” Benyamin also noted that even if controversial scenes from the film are later removed, their impact will remain. “The thought process and courage to include such scenes deserve appreciation. Even if the producers decide to cut those scenes later, the impact they have created will not fade away. History has repeatedly shown how banned films and books continue to circulate widely.”

Benyamin further commented on the reactions to the film, stating that Empuraan has unsettled certain groups, precisely because it reminds them of things they may wish to forget. “Those who are aggressively attacking the film now seem to be troubled by its ability to remind them of things they wished to forget. Art is meant to disturb, to unsettle, to provoke thought. Its purpose is not to please everyone. Empuraan, even as a commercial film, has managed to fulfill that artistic duty.”

“This film insults our rulers”

He also took a dig at the shifting stance of some media figures and commentators who are now championing Empuraan as a symbol of creative freedom. “Now, seeing some self-proclaimed Facebook journalists, intellectuals, and media commentators suddenly championing freedom of expression in support of the film makes me laugh. Last year, these same people were outraged when another film by Prithviraj was released. Back then, they cried out, ‘This film insults our rulers!’ They were the ones who dictated the limits of artistic freedom.”


According to Benyamin, true creative works should not depend on external support but should stem from the artist’s own conviction. “True creative works should not rely on the backing of these hypocrites. They should emerge from one’s own conviction and clarity of thought. When that happens, support or opposition becomes irrelevant, and one can stand tall with confidence.”

Concluding his thoughts, he applauded the makers of Empuraan for their courage in taking a stand. “Kudos to Murali Gopy and Prithviraj for standing tall.”