The release of the film L2: Empuraan, directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran and starring Mohanlal, has ignited significant controversy due to its portrayal of the alleged 2002 Gujarat riots. Former Union minister and current Kerala BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar has publicly revised his initial enthusiasm for the film, now expressing his disappointment in the type of storytelling involved.

Initially, Chandrasekhar had taken to social media to express excitement about the film, stating he was looking forward to enjoying it. However, as backlash grew—particularly from Hindutva organizations branding the film as ‘anti-Hindu’—the BJP’s Kerala unit chose to distance itself from the unfolding drama, asserting that it would allow audiences to form their own opinions post-viewing.

In a prior statement, BJP state general secretary P Sudheer emphasized that the party would not be swayed by cinematic tales, and highlighted that activists from the Sangh Parivar are entitled to share their views.

Amidst escalating tensions surrounding the film, which reportedly received orders from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for 17 cuts, Chandrasekhar shifted his stance. He conveyed his sentiments through a post on X, reflecting on his earlier intention to watch the film. He acknowledged enjoying another Mohanlal film, Lucifer, and conveyed his discontent regarding the significant amendments made to Empuraan. He expressed concern that the film’s controversial topics might disturb viewers, noting, “any film that tries to build a narrative by distorting the truth is doomed to fail.”

As a result, he concluded that he would not watch this sequel and reiterated his disappointment with this style of filmmaking.

Conversely, the Congress party has defended L2: Empuraan, calling it a pan-Indian film and criticizing the campaign against its creators. Kerala State Youth Congress president Rahul Mamkoottathil condemned the backlash, pointing out parallels to those who previously championed freedom of expression for films perceived as promoting unfounded religious narratives, such as the Kashmir Files and Kerala Story.

The landscape surrounding L2: Empuraan remains charged, showcasing the intersection of cinema, politics, and societal narratives in contemporary India.

In anticipation of the nine-day Chaitra Navratri festival starting on Sunday, March 30, the Uttar Pradesh Government has announced a crackdown on illegal slaughterhouses and imposed a ban on the sale of meat within a 500-meter radius of religious sites.

Additionally, stringent measures will be enforced on Ram Navami, which falls on April 6, including a complete prohibition on animal slaughter and meat sales.

Amrit Abhijat, Principal Secretary of the Urban Development Department, has instructed district magistrates, police commissioners, and municipal commissioners to swiftly implement the closure of slaughterhouses and enforce the meat sale restrictions near places of worship, as stated by the Uttar Pradesh Government on Saturday, March 29, 2025.

The Yogi Adityanath Administration cited previous directives from 2014 and 2017, reiterating that illegal animal slaughter and meat sales near religious locations are strictly forbidden. To ensure compliance, the government has established district-level committees led by district magistrates, comprising officials from various departments, including police, the Pollution Control Board, Animal Husbandry, Transport, Labour, Health, and Food Safety Administration.

In line with the U.P. Municipal Corporation Act of 1959 and the Food Safety Acts of 2006 and 2011, the government has called for rigorous punitive measures against those who violate these regulations.

Director of Information Shishir emphasized, “There will be no meat or fish shops within 500 meters during Navratri. Shops outside this radius must adhere to their licensing terms. Open selling is prohibited, and all meat retailers will be closed on Ram Navami.”

The Chaitra Navratri festival, honoring Goddess Durga, will begin on Sunday, March 30, 2025.

Satellite imagery has captured the devastating impact of the recent 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar, leading to cataclysmic destruction and resulting in the loss of over 1,600 lives. As international aid efforts mobilize, the country’s death toll has reached 1,644. In Mandalay, residents are desperately searching through the rubble for survivors, while aftershocks continue to shake the already ravaged city.

In Thailand, the situation is similarly grim. Reports indicate a rise in the death toll to 17 as of Sunday, with city officials confirming 32 injuries and 83 individuals still unaccounted for, primarily linked to a 30-story construction tower that collapsed.

In response to the disaster, India has launched its Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations. A specialized rescue contingent from the 50 (I) Para Brigade was deployed to Myanmar under Operation Brahma. This team, consisting of 118 members with medical and communication capabilities, arrived at Naypyitaw International Airport yesterday, led by the brigade’s commander.

After unloading crucial supplies and equipment, the team has moved to a nearby harbor area, located approximately 45 minutes from the airport. Today marks the beginning of the mission’s expansion, with a reconnaissance unit that includes an officer and a Junior Commissioned Officer heading into Mandalay, situated 160 miles north of their current base.

Mandalay has been designated as the primary operational center, and plans are in place for the full team to arrive later this morning. While aerial deployment is the primary strategy, road access is also being considered to facilitate the establishment of the operational theater.

In light of the earthquake, neighboring countries have dispatched warships and aircraft filled with relief supplies and rescue teams. India, China, and Thailand, alongside Malaysia, Singapore, and Russia, are among those providing support.

Indian military planes have conducted multiple flights into Myanmar, delivering essential supplies and search-and-rescue teams to Naypyitaw, where significant destruction has occurred. The Indian Army is also working to set up a field hospital in Mandalay, with two navy vessels on their way to Yangon, Myanmar’s commercial center, carrying additional supplies.

Chinese rescue teams have also arrived, including a group that entered via land from Yunnan province, as reported by China’s embassy in Myanmar. Additionally, a 78-member team from Singapore, equipped with rescue dogs, has been active in Mandalay today, according to media reports.