Asif Ali on ‘Empuraan’ controversy: “Cinema should be viewed as cinema”

Actor Asif Ali has spoken out about the ongoing controversy surrounding L2: Empuraan, urging audiences to see cinema for what it is—entertainment."No connection to either the living or the dead"“Cinema should be seen as just that—cinema,” he said during a chat with Manorama Online, adding that films are fictional and have "no connection to either the living or the dead," as disclaimers often state. "That is exactly how it should be perceived, and that is what I wish for."His remarks come amidst growing debates and social media reactions to the film. Addressing the online discourse, he noted, "Social media doesn’t differentiate between Lalettan (Mohanlal) or me—it just throws stones from the shadows."He further stated, "People take sides based on whom they support. I watched the first show of Empuraan, and I believe that cinema should be enjoyed solely for the two and a half to three hours of entertainment it provides."Asif also emphasized that the extent to which cinema influences an individual should be a personal choice. "It is up to us to decide how much influence cinema should have over us. That decision must remain in our hands. Whether it is cinema or the world around us, we must choose what influences us."FEFKA extends supportMeanwhile, the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) has extended its support to the Empuraan team and condemned the social media attacks against director Prithviraj Sukumaran and lead actor Mohanlal.In a statement shared on Facebook, FEFKA described the controversy and online criticism targeting the duo as “unfortunate and deserving of strong condemnation.” While the organization welcomed constructive criticism, it strongly opposed personal attacks."A work of art can evolve only through creative critique. However, criticism should not turn into personal attacks, threats, or labeling. This is our message to everyone, regardless of political or religious affiliations," the statement read.FEFKA also expressed solidarity with the entire team behind Empuraan, referencing Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea: "A man can be destroyed but not defeated."The statement concluded, "This is what art and artists have always conveyed to the world."