The Syro-Malabar Church has expressed strong disapproval of the Malayalam film 'Empuraan', alleging that it disrespects Christian symbols and beliefs. Church spokesperson Fr. Antony Vadakkekara highlighted specific dialogues and scenes in the movie that he believes mock core aspects of the Christian faith.
Fr. Vadakkekara pointed out that certain phrases in the film, such as references to the "blossom of Judas between the Father and the Son," are clearly allusions to Christian figures and concepts. He emphasized that mocking the world's largest religion and its symbols is unacceptable. He further noted that while lead actor Mohanlal issued a public apology addressing political and social issues raised by the film, he failed to acknowledge the distress caused to Christian believers. Fr. Vadakkekara expressed concern over this omission, questioning why the sentiments of the Christian community were overlooked in the actor's regret statement.
The Church's criticism adds to the ongoing controversy surrounding 'Empuraan'. The film has already faced backlash from various groups, including the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), leading to public apologies and promises of content modification from the filmmakers. Despite these assurances, the Syro-Malabar Church remains dissatisfied, urging filmmakers to exercise caution and respect towards religious sentiments in their work.
This incident has sparked a broader conversation about the portrayal of religious symbols in cinema and the responsibilities of filmmakers in a diverse society. The Church's stance reflects a growing concern among religious communities about their depiction in popular media and calls for a more sensitive approach to storytelling that respects all faiths.