ED Raids Empuraan Producer’s for Foreign Money Exchange Violation

While L2: Empuraan, starring Malayalam superstar Mohanlal and directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, continues to ride high after collecting over ₹250 crore worldwide, the spotlight has shifted off-screen. The film’s producer, Gokulam Gopalan, is now facing heat from the Enforcement Directorate (ED), making headlines beyond the box office buzz.

The ED conducted multiple raids on Gopalan’s properties in connection with alleged violations under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). According to reports, Gopalan and his company, the Gokulam Group, have been under surveillance since 2023. Officials clarified that the action wasn’t related to Empuraan directly, but to an older case dating back to 2022. On Friday, Gopalan was interrogated in Kozhikode, while ED officials also searched offices in Chennai and Kozhikode.

Sources suggest that the alleged FEMA violations could amount to a staggering ₹1,000 crore. The agency is reportedly investigating links involving certain NRIs and unauthorised foreign transactions. The ED is also said to be reviewing past ‘cheating’ complaints against Gokulam Group’s financial arm, Sree Gokulam Chit and Finance Co. Ltd., for possible violations under the anti-money laundering laws.

Gokulam Gopalan stepped in as Empuraan's producer after Lyca Productions exited the project. The film itself stirred political controversy after accusations from right-wing groups claiming it promoted an anti-Hindu ideology. In response, the makers allegedly edited out 17 scenes and even altered the villain's name. Now, with ED’s involvement, Empuraan finds itself once again at the centre of headlines—this time, for reasons far from cinematic.