Priyanka Tiwari
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Malayalam actor-director Prithviraj Sukumaran is under the scanner of the Income Tax Department, which has reportedly issued a notice concerning his income from three films released in 2022. The notice was served on March 29, shortly after the release of his latest directorial venture, L2: Empuraan.
The tax inquiry coincides with a parallel investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which recently conducted a search at the home of co-producer Gokulam Gopalan, a prominent figure associated with the film.
Income from Production in Focus
According to reports, Prithviraj did not take any remuneration as an actor for Empuraan but is believed to have earned around ₹40 crore as a producer through his company, Prithviraj Productions. The tax department is now seeking a detailed explanation of the income declared under the production house.
Officials reportedly clarified that the notice was part of a standard procedure and a follow-up to searches conducted at related premises in 2022.
Difference in Tax Rates Raises Questions
Sources indicate that actor income is taxed at a higher rate than that of a co-producer. The IT Department is reportedly reviewing whether the earnings were appropriately declared under the correct category and has requested clarifications by April 29.
Political Backlash Over Film Content
Meanwhile, L2: Empuraan, which stars Prithviraj as Zayeed Masood, has drawn criticism from Sangh Parivar-affiliated groups for its alleged portrayal of the 2002 Gujarat riots, claiming the film displays a biased narrative.
Although Prithviraj has yet to issue an official public statement regarding the IT notice or ED actions, the developments have added to the film’s growing controversy.
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