As the controversy over Malayalam film Empuraan rages, director Prithviraj Sukumaran’s mother, Mallika, has alleged that her son is being singled out and made a scapegoat. Mallika, a film professional for the last five decades, told the media on Monday that there is a deliberate campaign to portray that Prithviraj betrayed Mohanlal, the film’s lead actor, and its producers, including Antony Perumbavur. “I am pained over my son being singled out and attacked. If there are issues about the film, all those associated with it have a collective responsibility. All of them have read the script sitting together, and they had given the OK during the shooting. If any scene had to be changed at the time of shooting, writer Murali Gopi was ready to make changes. Things being so, how will Prithviraj alone be responsible for it?’’ she said. Incidentally, film scenarist Murali Gopi has been silent on the row. After Mohanlal expressed regret over the controversy on Sunday, Prithviraj shared his Facebook post. On the other hand, Murali Gopi, son of the late veteran thespian Gopi, Monday shared Eid greetings on social media while remaining silent on the controversy. Mallika, who expressed shock at the silence of Malayalam film professionals and their reluctance to fight for Empuraan, said she was airing her views after keeping Prithviraj informed about her decision. “Neither Mohanlal nor the producers have said that Prithviraj cheated them. Lal had praised my son on many occasions. But, I am really pained over the attempt of certain quarters to make my son a scapegoat. As a director, he has not cheated anyone associated with this movie,” he said. She also came out against film director and BJP state vice-president Major Ravi, who tried to insulate Mohanlal from the heat of attacks from the right-wing groups. Ravi, who had hailed the movie on its release day last Thursday, changed his stand after right-wing groups stepped up their attack on the movie. Ravi stated that Mohanlal had no habit of watching previews of any film, indicating that he was aware of the controversial parts only after its release. Questioning Ravi’s comments, Mallika said one should not think they can gain by making Prithviraj a scapegoat. “For whom did Major Ravi take such a stand? Does he get any advantage in isolating Prithviraj?” she said.
