ED Raids Empuraan Producer Gokulam Gopalan Amid Controversy

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has launched raids at multiple locations linked to Gokulam Gopalan, the producer of the Malayalam film Empuraan.

The raids, conducted at the headquarters of Gokulam Chits and Finance in Kodambakkam, Chennai, as well as Gopalan’s residence in Neelankarai and his hotel in Kozhikode, are reportedly connected to alleged violations of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), amounting to over ₹1,000 crore.

According to ED sources, officials from Kochi and Chennai units are spearheading the operations. These raids are believed to be a continuation of earlier investigations into financial irregularities. The controversy surrounding Empuraan, directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran and starring Mohanlal, has added fuel to the fire.

The film, released on March 28, has faced criticism for its depiction of the 2002 Gujarat riots and its portrayal of central investigative agencies like the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Intelligence Bureau (IB), and ED.

Right-wing groups, including the Sangh Parivar, have accused the film of spreading misinformation. The RSS-mouthpiece Organiser published a scathing critique, amplifying the backlash.

In response to the criticism, the producers approached the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to voluntarily re-edit the film. Mohanlal, the lead actor, issued a public apology on Facebook, expressing regret for any distress caused by the film’s socio-political themes.

As an artist, I have a responsibility to ensure that none of my films promote hatred against any political, ideological, or religious group, he wrote.

The raids have also sparked political reactions. CPI(M) Kerala leader T.P. Ramakrishnan alleged that the ED’s actions were politically motivated, calling them an act of “political vendetta.” Speaking to the media in Madurai, he linked the raids to the film’s controversial themes.

Despite the controversy, Empuraan enjoyed a strong box office opening. However, BJP Kerala President Rajeev Chandrasekhar publicly denounced the film, accusing it of distorting facts. Prominent RSS leaders also voiced their disapproval on social media, further intensifying the debate.

As the ED continues its investigation, the controversy surrounding Empuraan raises questions about the intersection of cinema, politics, and artistic freedom.

Tags : EDRaids #GokulamGopalan #Empuraan #Mohanlal #PrithvirajSukumaran #MalayalamCinema #PoliticalControversy