L2: Empuraan, the much-anticipated sequel to the 2019 blockbuster Lucifer, has finally hit theaters on March 27, 2025. Directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran and starring the legendary Mohanlal, this Malayalam action thriller promises a larger-than-life cinematic experience. With its massive pre-release buzz and record-breaking advance bookings, the film has set high expectations. Does it live up to the hype? Here’s our detailed L2: Empuraan movie review, including the plot, highlights, craft, critical analysis, star rating, and a box office prediction for day one.
Release Date: March 27, 2025
Director: Prithviraj Sukumaran
Cast: Mohanlal, Prithviraj Sukumaran, Tovino Thomas, Manju Warrier, Jerome Flynn
Genre: Action, Crime, Thriller
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Plot of L2: Empuraan – A Global Crime Saga Unfolds
The film opens with Kerala Chief Minister Jathin Ramdas (Tovino Thomas) making a bold move to break away from his party and align with the dangerous Baba Bajrangi, aka Balaraj (Abhimanyu Singh). This decision rattles his sister, Priyadarshini Ramdas (Manju Warrier), who opposes the alliance. Meanwhile, Stephen returns to Kerala to restore order, but his mission is complicated by his entanglement with an international drug cartel named Kabooga.
As the stakes rise, the narrative weaves through high-octane action, political intrigue, and personal vendettas, setting the stage for a broader exploration of Stephen’s past and his rivalry with Zayed Masood (Prithviraj Sukumaran). Without revealing the twists, the movie builds toward a climactic showdown that ties together these threads, leaving room for the trilogy’s final chapter.
Highlights – Why You Should Watch L2: Empuraan
Mohanlal’s Magnetic Screen Presence
There’s no denying that Mohanlal is the heart of this film. His portrayal of Stephen Nedumpally is a masterclass in understated power. From his grand entry—50 minutes into the movie—to the intense forest fight sequence, he delivers moments that will leave fans cheering. His ability to convey authority with minimal dialogue is a testament to his superstar status.
Prithviraj Sukumaran’s Bold Direction
Prithviraj Sukumaran takes a leap as a director, pushing the boundaries of scale and ambition. His vision to blend Kerala’s political drama with an international crime narrative is commendable, even if the execution doesn’t fully land. The film’s IMAX release—the first for a Malayalam movie—adds to its grandeur.
Jaw-Dropping Visuals and Action
The film’s technical brilliance is undeniable. Cinematographer Sujith Vaassudev crafts a Hollywood-esque visual experience, with standout sequences like the church fight and Mohanlal’s dramatic introduction. The action choreography is top-notch, elevating L2: Empuraan to a global standard rarely seen in Malayalam cinema..
Stellar Ensemble Cast
Beyond Mohanlal and Prithviraj, the film boasts a talented ensemble including Tovino Thomas, Manju Warrier, and international star Jerome Flynn (Game of Thrones). Each actor adds depth to the sprawling narrative, making it a collective triumph rather than a one-man show.
Craft of the Movie – A Technical Marvel
Masterful Storytelling by Murali Gopy
The script, penned by Murali Gopy, weaves a complex tale of power, betrayal, and ambition. Building on Lucifer’s foundation, Lucifer 2 delves deeper into Khureshi Ab’raam’s past and his global empire. The non-linear storytelling keeps you guessing, though it demands your full attention to connect the dots.
Cinematic Brilliance in IMAX
As the first Malayalam film in IMAX, Empuraan sets a new benchmark for technical excellence in Mollywood. The expansive visuals, paired with Deepak Dev’s pulsating background score, create an immersive experience that justifies the big-screen treatment. Fans searching for best Malayalam movies 2025 will find this a top contender.
Seamless Multilingual Appeal
Released in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi, the film’s accessibility broadens its reach. Prithviraj Sukumaran revealed that 35% of the dialogue is in Hindi, giving it a pan-Indian flavor without losing its rooted essence—a smart move for a diverse audience.
Critical Analysis – Where L2: Empuraan Falls Short
While L2: Empuraan excels as a visual spectacle, its narrative depth doesn’t match the grandeur. The screenplay by Murali Gopy prioritizes character elevation over a cohesive plot, resulting in a slow-paced first half that struggles to hook the audience. The shift from Lucifer’s sharp political thriller vibe to a revenge-driven crime saga feels uneven, and the emotional connect is missing. Critics on X have noted a predictable storyline and weak character arcs, despite the film’s technical prowess. It’s a case of style over substance—impressive to watch but lacking the soul that made its predecessor a classic.
Book your Tickets for L2: Empuraan Here
If you’re eager to catch L2: Empuraan in theaters, booking tickets online is quick and convenient. For viewers in India, platforms like BookMyShow (https://in.bookmyshow.com) offer showtimes and ticket purchases across multiple cities, while Paytm (https://paytm.com/movies) provides a seamless booking experience with additional payment options. In the UAE, VOX Cinemas (https://uae.voxcinemas.com) lets you secure seats for this action-packed thriller. For U.S. fans, Fandango (https://www.fandango.com) is a go-to site to find local screenings and grab tickets. Wherever you are, these platforms ensure you don’t miss out on Mohanlal and Prithviraj Sukumaran’s cinematic spectacle, releasing March 27, 2025!
Box Office Collection Prediction – Day One
Given its historic pre-sales, L2: Empuraan is poised for a massive opening. Advance bookings have already crossed Rs 80 crore worldwide, with Rs 14.87 crore gross in India alone, including blocked seats, as of March 24, 2025. The film has sold over 1 million tickets on BookMyShow, a first for Malayalam cinema, and raked in Rs 3 crore from North American premieres. Factoring in walk-ins and its multilingual release (Malayalam, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada), L2: Empuraan could gross between Rs 50 crore and Rs 60 crore worldwide on day one, potentially surpassing Lucifer’s record and cementing its status as a box office juggernaut.
A Must-Watch for Fans
L2: Empuraan is a film that banks on Mohanlal’s star power and Prithviraj’s ambitious vision. It’s a treat for action buffs and fans of grand-scale cinema, offering moments of brilliance that justify the hype. However, its narrative shortcomings keep it from reaching the heights of Lucifer. If you’re searching for a Mohanlal-Prithviraj movie review or wondering about the L2: Empuraan plot, this sequel delivers enough to warrant a theater visit—preferably in IMAX. For the trilogy’s next chapter, we hope for a tighter script to match the spectacle.
Star Rating: 4/5
A near-perfect blend of spectacle and substance, L2: Empuraan stumbles slightly but soars high overall. Catch it in theaters, preferably in IMAX, for the full experience!
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