“L2: Empuraan,” the much-awaited sequel to Lucifer (2019), has finally hit theaters, continuing the gripping saga of Stephen Nedumpally, played by the legendary Mohanlal. Directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran and written by Murali Gopy, this film takes a deeper dive into Stephen’s past and his transformation into the global power player, Khureshi-Ab’raam. With a massive budget, breathtaking action sequences, and a star-studded cast, Empuraan aims to push Malayalam cinema to an international level. Does it succeed? Let’s find out.
L2 Empuraan Plot Summary
Following the revelations of Lucifer, L2: Empuraan unravels the mystery of Stephen Nedumpally’s true identity and his rise as Khureshi-Ab’raam. The story spans multiple international locations, including the UK, US, and UAE, showing the extent of his influence beyond India.
Unlike Lucifer, which focused more on Kerala’s political landscape, Empuraan expands into the global crime underworld. It delves into Stephen’s origins, his past connections, and the threats he faces as powerful enemies close in on him. The screenplay skillfully balances political drama, high-stakes action, and emotional depth, making for a compelling watch.
Performance Analysis
1. Mohanlal as Stephen Nedumpally / Khureshi-Ab’raam
Mohanlal once again proves why he is considered one of the greatest actors in Indian cinema. His portrayal of Stephen is nuanced and powerful, capturing the essence of a man torn between his past and present. His transformation into a global figure is seamless, and his commanding screen presence makes every scene gripping.
2. Prithviraj Sukumaran as Zayed Masood
Prithviraj reprises his role as Zayed Masood, Stephen’s most trusted ally. His performance is intense, and his character gets more screen time than in Lucifer, adding more depth to their complex relationship.
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3. Manju Warrier as Priyadarshini Ramdas
Manju Warrier shines in her role, portraying strength and resilience. Her character plays a crucial role in shaping the narrative, making her performance one of the highlights of the film.
4. Tovino Thomas as Jathin Ramdas
Tovino’s character, now the Chief Minister of Kerala, finds himself struggling to balance power and morality. His interactions with Stephen add an interesting political dimension to the film.
International Cast
The addition of actors like Jerome Flynn (Game of Thrones) and Eriq Ebouaney (Femme Fatale) brings authenticity to the international crime narrative. Their performances add credibility and depth to the global storyline.
Direction and Cinematography
Prithviraj Sukumaran has once again proven his talent as a director. Unlike Lucifer, which had a more straightforward approach, Empuraan is layered, with intricate storytelling. His ability to handle an expansive narrative while maintaining tension and excitement is commendable.
Sujith Vaassudev’s cinematography is one of the film’s strongest assets. The visuals are stunning, capturing the grandeur of international locations while keeping the dark and gritty tone intact. The action sequences are choreographed with precision, adding to the film’s cinematic appeal.
Music and Sound Design
Deepak Dev’s background score enhances the film’s intensity. The music effectively builds suspense during crucial moments, though it doesn’t have as memorable a theme as Lucifer. The sound design is immersive, making every action sequence and dialogue-heavy moment feel impactful.
Screenplay and Pacing
The screenplay is well-structured, offering a mix of character-driven moments and high-energy sequences. However, the first half takes time to build up, focusing on political and personal backstory. Mohanlal’s entry, though delayed, is worth the wait.
The second half picks up momentum, delivering thrilling action, twists, and emotional payoffs. Fans of Lucifer will appreciate the detailed storytelling, though casual viewers might find some parts complex.
Production and Certification Details
Produced by Aashirvad Cinemas in collaboration with Lyca Productions, L2: Empuraan had an estimated budget of ₹150 crores, making it one of the most expensive Malayalam films.
The film was certified by the CBFC on March 6, 2025, with a UA16+ rating. Interestingly, the board suggested minimal cuts, amounting to just 10 seconds, preserving the integrity of the story.
Box Office and Audience Reception
The hype for Empuraan was massive, and the film delivered at the box office. It broke records on BookMyShow, selling 96,140 tickets per hour, surpassing films like Leo. The pre-release anticipation translated into strong opening numbers.
Fans and critics alike have praised the film for its gripping storyline, stunning visuals, and Mohanlal’s commanding performance. However, some have noted the slow pacing in the first half as a minor drawback.
Key Highlights
1. Mohanlal’s brilliant performance – His portrayal of Stephen Nedumpally is even more refined than in Lucifer.
2. Global scale and stunning visuals – The international settings add depth to the story.
3. Well-executed action sequences – Stylish yet realistic fight scenes keep the audience engaged.
4. Political and crime drama blend – The screenplay balances both elements effectively.
5. Strong supporting cast – Prithviraj, Manju Warrier, and Tovino Thomas shine in their roles.
Areas for Improvement
1. Slow first half – The buildup may feel lengthy for those expecting non-stop action.
2. Complex plot – Some viewers might struggle to follow the detailed narrative without prior knowledge of Lucifer.
3. Music could have been more memorable – While effective, it lacks a standout theme like Lucifer’s.
L2 Empuraan Final Verdict
L2: Empuraan is a cinematic triumph that builds on the foundation of Lucifer while expanding into new territory. It offers an intense, well-crafted political thriller with action-packed sequences and stellar performances. While it requires patience in the first half, the payoff is worth it, making it a must-watch for fans of intelligent cinema.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5/5)
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