Lessons in not-so-free speech from Kunal Kamra, ‘L2: Empuraan’ cases

The contrasts are striking. L2: Empuraan is a three-hour film with a budget of Rs 180 crore, according to one of its producers. It features one of Malayalam cinema’s most beloved stars and a host of other well-known actors. It was shot at locations across the world, including Turkey, France, Yemen and Senegal.

Kunal Kamra’s Naya Bharat, is a video of a 45-minute performance by the comedian at a Mumbai venue that holds fewer than 100 people.

L2: Empuraan’s star, Mohanlal, has cordial relations with Prime Minister Narendra Modi – he has met and been photographed more than once with the leader, who has described the actor as “extremely inspiring”.

Kamra, it is safe to say, is unlikely to receive an invitation to tea anytime soon.

Though many alleged that the movie was anti-Hindu because of its references to the Gujarat riots and defamed institutions such as the Intelligence Bureau, it did not face overt threats or acts of violence.

However, the same day that the Kamra video was uploaded to YouTube, the Mumbai venue where the comedian filmed his set was attacked. Vandals smashed furniture and equipment, and demanded to meet the comedian, seeming unable to understand that weeks or months can pass between a set being performed and a video of it being released.

L2: Empuraan received wide support in Kerala. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan...

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