'Lucifer' poster enrages Kerala Police body

A poster of the latest Mohanlal starrer 'Lucifer' directed by Prithviraj has invited the ire of the Kerala Police Association (KPA), which has written to the chief minister seeking action against what it termed as the denigration of the police which would give a wrong message to youngsters.

The controversial poster shows Mohanlal kicking a policeman on the chest. A hit dialogue in the film has also been included. It says, ‘How dare you touch my boys?’

In its letter, KPA points out that the number of attacks on cops was rising in Kerala. “While only hardened criminals dared to touch cops earlier, now even some ordinary youths are not afraid to do so. The influence of cinema in such behaviour cannot be ruled out. In these circumstances, the poster needs to be examined in all seriousness,” it says.

“It will not be surprising if people believe that police officers, who are duty-bound to enforce the law, can be targeted when an actor who has great influence in society does so,” says KPA.

It adds that incidents of people racing away when asked to stop for vehicle checks and even ramming their vehicles into cops were being reported regularly these days. Police officers who suffered grave injuries as a result of these hit-and-run incidents are under treatment, continues the letter.

Such posters which send a wrong message to society lay the seeds of anarchy, says KPA. “Statutory warnings similar to the ones displayed on screen when the actors use addictive substances or drive without helmet or seat-belt should be introduced when police officers are attacked,” demands the Association.

Moreover, showing images of cops being attacked should be banned on posters and advertisements even if they are part of the film, KPA says. Such a ban exists regarding use of addictive substances, it points out.

Ramachandra Babu’s view

Meanwhile, noted cinematographer Ramamchandra Babu also came out with several views. According to him, the cinema advertisements in the media gave a wrong message to children and youths. Babu made the comments while sharing an image of the poster.

“This poster is an ideal example for kids on how to handle the police as well as the law. Everybody should take their children to theatres to see this film,” Babu commented.

No sooner had the post appeared, the cyberattack on Babu began. Hundreds of social media users unleashed a severe attack on Babu, some even resorting to abuse.