‘People lacking courage to speak directly are hiding and throwing stones'; Actor Asif Ali responds to Empuraan controversy

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Actor Asif Ali has responded to the Empuraan controversy. Asif Ali said people who don’t have the courage to speak directly are hiding and throwing stones. He said that a film should be seen as a film. The excessive use of social media will create big issues. While talking to the media, he said the three-hour film should be seen as entertainment.

'We have to decide how much influence a film will have. Those who do not have the courage to speak directly are hiding and throwing stones. What we see on social media is another version of this. Only those experiencing cyber-attacks will understand. Will stand for justice,’ Asif Ali clarified.

Although Mohanlal expressed regret after 'Empuraan' sparked a controversy, the issue is not being resolved. Many prominent people are coming forward responding to it. Minister Saji Cherian said an art form should be seen as an art form and enjoy it. He also clarified that the film puts forward the idea that we are all one.

Meantime, the new version of Empuraan will start screening from today. Parts in three minutes have been removed. The decision was taken in a special meeting of the censor board yesterday despite being a holiday. Along with changing 17 scenes, the villain's name will also be changed. It has also been decided to mute the dialogue in the parts that cannot be edited.

Mohanlal had expressed regret yesterday after Empuraan sparked a political controversy. Director Prithviraj also clarified his stand by sharing Mohanlal's post on social media. Mohanlal wrote on Facebook that it is his duty to ensure that none of his films promote hatred towards any political movement, ideology or religious sect and that he regrets the mental anguish caused to his loved ones. He said that everyone decided together to remove some scenes.