Prithviraj Sukumaran Addresses 'Empuraan' Controversy, Decries Social Media Toxicity

As of November 16th, 2025, actor-filmmaker Prithviraj Sukumaran has broken his silence on the ongoing 'Empuraan' controversy. In an interview conducted last month, Prithviraj firmly stated that he does not make films to express his political leanings, and confirmed that the complete script for 'Empuraan' had been narrated to both the film's lead actor, Mohanlal, and the producer, shutting down rumors that he had "kept them in the dark."

Prithviraj also addressed the toxic climate surrounding public conversations, noting that social media has increasingly become a tool for polarization. He revealed that many within the film industry, including his colleagues, have suffered serious harassment on social platforms, with people deriving pleasure from attacking celebrities' mistakes or missteps. Prithviraj condemned this growing trend of online mobs, adding that even the media participates in amplifying such negativity.

The actor-filmmaker stressed that if he ever wished to voice political opinions, he would do so openly on social media, as "if what I say is honest, there is nothing to fear." He suggested that filmmaking should not be mistaken for political commentary, and that silence is often misinterpreted in today's climate, where choosing not to engage can be a wise decision.