L2: Empuraan – Mohanlal’s Epic Lucifer Sequel Hits IMAX

 L2: Empuraan – The Epic Sequel Taking Malayalam Cinema to New Heights

Imagine a film so big that it crashes booking sites, sells a million tickets before its release, and makes history as the first Malayalam movie to hit IMAX screens. That’s L2: Empuraan for you—a cinematic storm that swept theaters on March 27, 2025, leaving fans and critics buzzing with excitement. As the sequel to the 2019 blockbuster Lucifer, this movie isn’t just a follow-up; it’s a bold leap forward for Malayalam cinema. In this article, we’ll dive into what makes L2: Empuraan special, from its powerhouse team to its jaw-dropping scale, and why it’s a must-watch.

What Is L2: Empuraan?

L2: Empuraan is the second chapter in a trilogy that began with Lucifer. Directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, it’s an action-packed crime thriller with a political twist. The story follows Stephen Nedumpally, played by the legendary Mohanlal, who sheds his political persona to reveal his true identity as Khureshi Ab’raam—a mysterious leader of a global crime syndicate. This time, the stakes are higher, the world is darker, and the action is relentless.

The film doesn’t just pick up where Lucifer left off. Instead, it explores events before and after the first movie, weaving a standalone tale that’s accessible even if you haven’t seen the original. Think of it as a deep dive into a shadowy universe of power, betrayal, and survival—perfect for fans of gritty thrillers.

The Powerhouse Team Behind the Film

At the helm is Prithviraj Sukumaran, who not only directs but also stars as Zayed Masood, Ab’raam’s loyal yet complex lieutenant. Prithviraj’s vision shines through in every frame, blending slick action with a layered story penned by Murali Gopy. Mohanlal, of course, steals the show with his commanding presence, effortlessly switching between charm and menace.

The cast is stacked with talent: Tovino Thomas as Jathin Ramdas, Manju Warrier as Priyadarshini Ramdas, and new faces like Abhimanyu Singh and Rick Yune adding fresh energy. Behind the scenes, production houses Aashirvad Cinemas, Lyca Productions, and Sree Gokulam Movies teamed up to bring this beast to life. Filming spanned 145 days across India, the UK, the US, and the UAE, wrapping up in December 2024—a feat that shows just how ambitious this project is.

A Record-Breaking Release

L2: Empuraan stormed into theaters on March 27, 2025, in standard, IMAX, and EPIQ formats—making it the first Malayalam film to embrace these grand screens. The hype was unreal. Advance bookings hit over ₹58 crore worldwide, with tickets selling so fast that platforms like BookMyShow briefly crashed. On opening day, it reportedly grossed over ₹50 crore globally, smashing records as the biggest Malayalam opener ever.

In Kerala alone, it raked in over ₹12 crore on day one, with some theaters kicking off shows as early as 6 a.m. to meet demand. Overseas markets, especially the Gulf and the US, added to the frenzy, pushing pre-sales past $1 million in the States. It’s not just a movie—it’s a phenomenon.

Why L2: Empuraan Stands Out

What sets L2: Empuraan apart? For starters, it’s a visual feast. Shot in anamorphic format with a 2.8:1 aspect ratio, the film’s cinematography by Sujith Vaassudev is stunning—think wide, sweeping shots that pull you into the action. The scale is massive, with high-octane sequences that rival Hollywood blockbusters, yet it keeps a distinctly Malayalam soul.

Fans have praised Mohanlal’s electrifying performance and Prithviraj’s tight direction. One viewer on X called it “a technical marvel,” while another said the second half “skyrockets the movie to a new level.” Critics, though, have mixed takes—some feel the 180-minute runtime drags in spots, and the script could use more depth. Still, the consensus is clear: this is a bold, ambitious film that pushes boundaries.

The Future of the Franchise

The excitement doesn’t end here. Right after L2: Empuraan’s release, the team dropped a bombshell: the third installment, L3: The Beginning, is on the way. It promises to dig even deeper into Stephen Nedumpally’s origins, setting up an epic conclusion to this trilogy. With the bar set so high, fans are already counting down to the next chapter.

Conclusion

L2: Empuraan isn’t just a sequel—it’s a game-changer for Malayalam cinema. With its stellar cast, record-breaking release, and jaw-dropping visuals, it’s a testament to what happens when talent meets ambition. Whether you’re a die-hard Mohanlal fan or just love a good thriller, this film delivers. Have you seen it yet? Head to the theater, catch the action, and let me know what you think in the comments below—it’s a ride worth taking!

L2: Empuraan Total Box Office Collection (Day 1, 2)