Producer Gokulam Gopalan under ED scanner amidst "L2: Empuraan" row

Kerala business man-turned-movie producer Gokulam Gopalan, a key financier of the Malayalam film "L2: Empuraan," is facing an Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigation into alleged Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) violations exceeding Rs 1,000 crore. The ED's multi-state raids in Kerala and Tamil Nadu targeted Gopalan and his company Sree Gokulam Chit and Finance Co Ltd.

The ED alleges that Gopalan's company engaged in unauthorized transactions with Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and other entities, violating FEMA regulations. The agency is also examining alleged cheating and forgery cases under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Raids were conducted at multiple premises, including offices in Chennai and Gopalan's farmhouse.

This ED action coincides with the recent release of "L2: Empuraan," starring Mohanlal. The film, co-produced by Gopalan, Antony Perumbavoor, and Lyca Productions, faced criticism from the RSS, who alleged it depicted the 2002 Gujarat riots in a manner that vilified the Sangh Parivar. Certain scenes and dialogues in the film drew attention for their depiction of individuals connected to the riots. Originally, the antagonist was named Babu Bajrangi, a key accused in the Naroda Patya massacre. However, in the edited version of the film, his name has been changed to Balraj.

In response to the controversy, the producers voluntarily made approximately 24 cuts, totalling 2.08 minutes, to the film. Gopalan distanced himself from the political interpretations, stating that the film was not intended to convey a political message. Mohanlal also apologized, confirming that the contentious content had been removed.

Gopalan, a businessman with diverse interests across South India, including hospitality, healthcare, and finance through his Sree Gokulam Group, was unavailable for comment regarding the ED raids. The ED's investigation into alleged FEMA violations and related financial irregularities continues.