Prithviraj Sukumaran's L2 Empuraan, featuring Mohanlal, has sparked considerable discussion among enthusiasts of Malayalam cinema. This heightened interest is not solely due to the director-actor's revelations regarding his character, Zayed Masood, in the forthcoming film. In a significant turn of events within the Malayalam film industry, the Kerala Film Chamber of Commerce is reportedly considering a token strike on March 27, 2025, coinciding with the release of the eagerly awaited L2 Empuraan. This situation appears to stem from an ongoing conflict between G Suresh Kumar, vice-president of the Film Producers’ Association, and producer Antony Perumbavoor of L2 Empuraan. However, fans of Mohanlal have expressed their discontent regarding the proposed strike on the film's release date, voicing their strong opposition on Twitter.]

Move aimed at L2 Empuraan?

The Kerala Film Chamber of Commerce has introduced a new regulation requiring exhibitors and distributors to obtain its approval prior to the release of Malayalam films starting March 25. Furthermore, the film chamber has initiated a token strike to emphasize its various demands. This move is perceived as a direct challenge to L2 Empuraan, as it is the most significant Malayalam release scheduled after March 25, featuring Mohanlal and Prithviraj Sukumaran.

In response to the film chamber's announcement, fans of Lalettan have expressed their strong opposition, urging the organization to proceed with its decision. 

One devoted supporter remarked, “Those contemplating a strike are merely sealing their own fate. Mohanlal transcends your association—he is greater than any organization in Kerala. Even the national ruling party has been unable to undermine his stature, so who do you believe you are?”#EMPURAAN pic.twitter.com/4nkjBCiYIe

— G H O S T 🦉 (@imarjunn___) February 26, 2025

How many of the theatre owners are willing to associate with this decision when they get a sure shot full house shows on that day? We already know the outcome of this.

The biggest movie of Mollywood is coming. And nobody is stopping it. #Empuraan https://t.co/4O4F6dZmgF

— Sreenath Nandipulam (@moviesandsree) February 26, 2025

Something big is coming this time not enough a FB post.. Hey producer's association ellam okeyvaa.. 😀#Empuraan #Mohanlal @antonypbvr pic.twitter.com/1fJa73agHr

— 𝚊𝙿𝚙𝚄 (@Appu2255) February 26, 2025

പൂട്ടിയത് തന്നെ 😂😂

രാജ്യം ഭരിക്കുന്ന പാർട്ടി വിചാരിച്ചിട്ട് പൂട്ടാൻ പറ്റിയിട്ടില്ല പിന്നെ അല്ലേ AC റൂമിൽ ഇരുന്നു വായ്താളം വിടുന്ന ഇവന്മാർ .

പൂട്ടാൻ പറ്റുമെങ്കിൽ പൂട്ടി കാണിക്കട്ടെ, എന്നിട്ട് ബാക്കി.#Empuraan #Mohanlal pic.twitter.com/la1GIFBEix

— Deepu (@deepuva24) February 26, 2025

Another netizen opined this is further promotion for the Mohanlal-starrer. The comment on Twitter read, “These clowns, knowingly or unknowingly are giving the biggest promotion to the industry's biggest movie.” Some fans also pointed out that such attempts to hinder the release of Mohanlal films had happened in the past too, citing instances of Odiyan and Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea.

മരക്കാർ ഇറങ്ങുന്ന ടൈം ഇതുപോലെ ഒന്ന് ഉണ്ടായിരുന്നു.. എന്നിട്ട് എന്ത് ഉണ്ടായി !!

ഇതും അതുപോലെ തന്നെ 🙏#Empuraan | #Mohanlal | #Mammootty pic.twitter.com/wm7OYezGMx

— Long Live The King 👑 (@HardworkNever) February 26, 2025

Usually these types of issues are seen for Vijay Films during release times and shooting days in TN and you know rest.
Just Free Promotion 😎
Now it's happening in Mollywood for their Biggest Superstar Film
Odiyan times recreation?
Athukkum Mele 🤙#Empuraan #Mohanlal pic.twitter.com/hu3KPvyTkE

— aswin1018🇦🇷 (@aswin1018) February 26, 2025

How did the rift between Antony Perumbavoor and Suresh Kumar start? 

In recent days, the Malayalam media has been abuzz with reports regarding the conflict between Antony Perumbavoor of Aashirvad Cinemas and Suresh Kumar, a prominent figure in the producers' association. Antony Perumbavoor has publicly criticized Suresh Kumar for his remarks concerning the involvement of stars in film production, the challenges facing the Malayalam film industry, and the proposed cinema strike scheduled for June. Notable actors, including Prithviraj Sukumaran, the director of Empuraan, and Unni Mukundan, known for his role in Marco, have expressed their support for Antony Perumbavoor by sharing his Facebook post addressing Suresh Kumar. In response, Suresh Kumar has stated that he is unwilling to engage in discussions with Antony Perumbavoor. The recent announcement of a token strike on March 27 marks the latest development in this ongoing dispute.