
Abhimanyu Singh Reflects on L2: Empuraan Controversy: 'We Didn't Anticipate the Backlash'
6 days ago | 5 Views
The debate over Abhimanyu Singh's part in the film L2: Empuraan, set to release on March 27, 2025, has finally prompted him to speak out. This Malayalam political-action film, directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, stirred up controversy due to its graphic violence and the unsettling parallels between the character's name and real-life events.
Abhimanyu Singh stands up for creative expression
Initially, the character was believed to be named after Babu Bajrangi, a convict from the 2002 Gujarat riots, which led to the decision to change his name to Baldev. This was one of 24 voluntary edits made to the film.
Singh recently shared his thoughts in an interview with Filmgyan, saying, "I believe cinema should simply be seen as cinema." The actor has taken on a variety of roles, and he feels it's an actor's duty to adapt to what each scene requires. Controversies often fly under the radar, as they tend to happen in a cycle without much reflection on their impact. He later became aware of a few issues that arose, but he never meant to hurt anyone's feelings.
He pointed out that he was just focused on his scenes and lines, stressing that his main priority was his craft. The actor was fully immersed in the scene and his responsibilities.
Abhimanyu Singh discussing violence in films
Singh responded to the backlash regarding the film's ending by emphasizing that it reflects the director's vision, including the level of violence depicted and what the story requires. This came after concerns were raised about the film's graphic violence and strong language. He pointed out that the interpretation varies from one director to another and from person to person, ultimately resting on the writer's viewpoint. The script is set by them, and the actor's job is simply to deliver the lines.
Singh is known for his memorable villain roles in films like Gulaal (2009), Goliyon Ki Rasleela: Ram-Leela (2013), Mom (2017), and Sooryavanshi (2021). He mentioned that he typically selects the roles he wants to play rather than waiting for them to come to him. Reflecting on his career, he noted that significant roles will come when the time is right, and chasing after them is pointless. Instead, actors should focus on choosing the best opportunities that arise and performing them well. Singh strives to bring something fresh and surprising to every character, whether they are comedic, dramatic, or antagonistic, even if they share similarities.
L2: Empuraan succeeds amid the controversy
Despite the criticism, L2: Empuraan has proven to be a financial hit, continuing the success of Lucifer from 2019 and reinforcing Abhimanyu Singh's status as one of the most captivating villains in contemporary cinema.
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