The much-anticipated L2: Empuraan (also stylized as L2E), the second installment in the Lucifer franchise, has finally hit theaters, creating a seismic wave in the Malayalam film industry. Released on March 27, 2025, this action-packed thriller directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran and starring the legendary Mohanlal has been the talk of the town, breaking records and sparking debates among fans and critics alike. From its staggering budget to its global scale, intriguing title meaning, and mixed reviews, L2: Empuraan is a cinematic spectacle that aims to redefine the boundaries of Mollywood. Let’s dive into the details of this ambitious project, exploring its box office collection, production insights, and more.
What Does “Empuraan” Mean?
The title Empuraan carries a profound meaning that sets the tone for the film’s narrative. According to director Prithviraj Sukumaran, “Empuraan” translates to “overlord” in Malayalam, signifying “someone who is more than a king, but less than a god.” This definition perfectly encapsulates the enigmatic character of Stephen Nedumpally, also known as Khureshi Ab’raam, played by Mohanlal. The term hints at the character’s commanding presence and the larger-than-life power struggles that define the story, blending political intrigue with global crime dynamics. The title’s mystique has intrigued audiences, adding to the film’s allure as a tale of dominance and betrayal.
L2: Empuraan – A Pan-Indian Cinematic Milestone
L2: Empuraan is a Malayalam-language action thriller that serves as both a prequel and sequel to the 2019 blockbuster Lucifer. Directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, who also stars in the film, it follows the journey of Stephen Nedumpally, a man leading a double life as Khureshi Ab’raam, the enigmatic leader of a powerful global crime syndicate. The film expands on the political and criminal underworld introduced in Lucifer, delving into events before and after the first film’s timeline. With a runtime of 2 hours, 59 minutes, and 52 seconds, and a U/A certificate, L2: Empuraan is designed as a standalone entry, meaning viewers don’t need to have seen the first film to follow the story.
The film was released on March 27, 2025, coinciding with the sixth anniversary of Lucifer. It marks several firsts for Malayalam cinema, including being the first film from the industry to be released in IMAX and EPIQ formats. Distributed across multiple languages—Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi—L2: Empuraan has a truly pan-Indian reach, with distribution rights secured by major players like AA Films (North India), Sri Venkateswara Creations (Andhra Pradesh and Telangana), Hombale Films (Karnataka), and Sree Gokulam Movies (Tamil Nadu).
Box Office Collection: A Record-Breaking Start
L2: Empuraan has made history with its box office performance right out of the gate. According to industry trackers, the film secured ₹58 crore in pre-sale bookings, setting a new benchmark on BookMyShow by selling over 645,000 tickets in the first 24 hours—surpassing the previous record held by Kalki 2898 AD. On its opening day, L2: Empuraan grossed ₹50 crore worldwide, with some reports claiming it reached ₹80 crore, making it the first Malayalam film to achieve such a feat. In India alone, the film earned around ₹5.49 crore net on its first day across all languages, as per early reports.
The film’s pre-release business was valued at approximately ₹100 crore, with ₹30 crore from overseas markets and ₹70 crore from India, marking the highest-ever pre-release business for a Mollywood film. In Kerala, L2: Empuraan amassed a first-day advance booking gross of ₹8.42 crore, challenging the record set by Leo (₹12 crore). Industry analysts predict that the film could become Malayalam cinema’s first ₹40 crore opener, reflecting its massive hype and appeal across regions like the Gulf, Europe, Australia, the US, and Canada.
Budget: A High-Stakes Investment
L2: Empuraan is one of the most expensive Malayalam films ever made, with a reported budget of nearly ₹180 crore, as revealed by producer Gokulam Gopalan in an interview with 24News. This figure excludes the remunerations of Mohanlal and Prithviraj Sukumaran, who opted for profit-sharing instead of upfront payments, a move that underscores their confidence in the project’s success. The film’s high budget is evident in its global shoot locations, spanning India, the UK, the US, and the UAE, over 14 months and 145 days of filming. Shot in an anamorphic format with a 2.8:1 aspect ratio, L2: Empuraan ensures visual consistency with Lucifer, utilizing practical effects for its action sequences, choreographed by Stunt Silva.
The production faced financial hurdles, with Lyca Productions initially backing out due to disputes, only for Sree Gokulam Movies to step in as a co-producer alongside Aashirvad Cinemas. This last-minute change ensured the film stayed on track for its March 27 release, with Gokulam Gopalan emphasizing the importance of not stalling a project of this scale, especially as Malayalam cinema’s first IMAX release.
Producers and Director: A Powerhouse Team
L2: Empuraan is jointly produced by Antony Perumbavoor (Aashirvad Cinemas), Gokulam Gopalan (Sree Gokulam Movies), and A. Subaskaran (Lyca Productions, before their exit). Antony Perumbavoor, a long-time collaborator of Mohanlal, has been instrumental in bringing the Lucifer franchise to life, while Gokulam Gopalan’s entry as a co-producer turned the tide during a critical phase. Prithviraj Sukumaran, who also directed the first film, helms this sequel, balancing his roles as director and actor. His vision for L2: Empuraan was to elevate the scale and ambition of Malayalam cinema, drawing inspiration from filmmakers like Prashanth Neel to create a visually spectacular action thriller.
The screenplay, penned by Murali Gopy, weaves a complex narrative that blends political conspiracies with global crime, while Deepak Dev returns to compose the soundtrack, delivering an electrifying score. Sujith Vaassudev’s cinematography and Akhilesh Mohan’s editing further enhance the film’s grandeur, though some critics have pointed out pacing issues in the nearly three-hour runtime.
The Villains: A Formidable Foe
L2: Empuraan introduces a menacing antagonist in Baba Bajrangi, played by Abhimanyu Singh, who is praised for his terrific portrayal of a communal leader. Sukant Goel, as Munna, also makes a strong impression as a secondary villain, adding depth to the film’s conflict. The ensemble cast, including Tovino Thomas, Manju Warrier, Indrajith Sukumaran, and Jerome Flynn (known for Game of Thrones), delivers solid performances, though some fans have noted that certain characters, like Flynn’s Boris Oliver, feel underutilized. The villains’ roles are pivotal, driving the narrative’s tension as Stephen Nedumpally navigates a web of power, betrayal, and communal politics.
Trailer and Hype: Building Anticipation
The trailer for L2: Empuraan was released on March 15, 2025, following a teaser that had already set the internet ablaze. The trailer, available in multiple languages including Kannada, Telugu, and Tamil, showcased the film’s high-octane action, stunning visuals, and Mohanlal’s commanding presence as Khureshi Ab’raam. Fans on social media platforms like X lauded the trailer’s scale, with one user calling it “the biggest action thriller of the year.” The promotional campaign, despite a brief lull due to production disputes, gained momentum after Sree Gokulam Movies joined the project, culminating in record-breaking pre-sales and a grand theatrical release.
Movie Reviews: A Mixed Bag
L2: Empuraan has elicited a wide range of reactions from audiences and critics. On the positive side, the film has been lauded for its Hollywood-level production values, breathtaking cinematography, and Mohanlal’s electrifying screen presence. A review on Bollywood Hungama gave it a 3/5 rating, praising its “mass-appealing scenes, grandeur, powerful subject, and impressive performances by Mohanlal and Prithviraj Sukumaran.” Fans have highlighted the jungle action sequence and the “handcuff me” scene as standout moments, with Prithviraj’s direction earning accolades for its ambition and bold commentary on communal politics.
However, not all reviews are glowing. Some critics and viewers have criticized the film for its lack of emotional depth and slow pacing, particularly in the first half. A review on greatandhra.com rated it 2.5/5, noting that while it excels in visuals and scale, it feels “underwhelming due to lack of emotional depth and a stretched first half.” Another review on m9.news was harsher, calling it “visually rich, painfully boring” and arguing that it lacks soul, with a 5/10 rating from a user on X describing it as “skip-worthy” due to a weak script. The consensus seems to be that while L2: Empuraan delivers on spectacle, it struggles to match the emotional resonance of Lucifer.
Live Review Updates: Fan Reactions on Release Day
On its release day, March 27, 2025, L2: Empuraan saw massive celebrations across Kerala, with fans welcoming the film with chenda melam performances and fireworks. Social media platforms buzzed with live updates, reflecting a mix of excitement and critique. One fan on X praised the film as “ultimate goosebump stuff for Mohanlal fans,” appreciating its incisive writing and deeply political layers. Another highlighted the cast’s performances, particularly Mohanlal’s powerful entry and the villains’ excellence, while noting that the film advances the Lucifer story with a grander, visually rich narrative.
However, some fans expressed disappointment, with one user on X stating, “A total disappointment… the story and script are the heart of a movie, and here, Murali Gopy delivers his weakest work.” Others felt the narrative leaned more on spectacle than depth, a sentiment echoed by gulf_news, which noted that “Mohanlal’s swag can’t save the day” in a film that “impresses with scale but stumbles on depth.” Despite the mixed reactions, the film’s technical brilliance and Mohanlal’s star power have kept audiences engaged, with many calling it a “watchable experience” for fans of stylish action dramas.
Looking Ahead: The Future of the Franchise
L2: Empuraan ends with a tease for a third film, officially titled L3: The Beginning, promising to take audiences deeper into Stephen Nedumpally’s world of power, deception, and crime. With its record-breaking opening and ambitious scale, L2: Empuraan has set a new benchmark for Malayalam cinema, proving that Mollywood can compete on a pan-Indian stage. However, the mixed reviews suggest that the franchise’s future will depend on balancing spectacle with substance—a challenge Prithviraj Sukumaran and his team will need to address in the next installment.
What are your thoughts on L2: Empuraan? Did it live up to the hype, or did it fall short of expectations? Share your views in the comments below!
