L2: Empuraan Guide: Cast, Box Office & Reviews

Remember that electric buzz in 2019 when Lucifer hit theaters? Mohanlal, striding through Kerala’s political underbelly like a storm in a suit, leaving us all gasping for the next chapter. Well, six years later, L2: Empuraan finally arrived—and it didn’t just deliver a sequel; it unleashed a global saga that had fans cheering, critics debating, and box offices shattering records. If you’re an Indian movie lover who’s already binged the first film a dozen times, this one’s for you. But here’s the thing: does it live up to the hype, or is it just a glossy expansion of that Lucifer magic? Let’s dive in, shall we? I’ll walk you through the highs, the hits, and even the hiccups, because honestly, no film’s perfect—especially one this ambitious.

What Is L2: Empuraan All About? A Quick Plot Primer (Spoiler-Free, Promise)

At its heart, L2: Empuraan isn’t just Lucifer 2—it’s a prequel-sequel hybrid that zooms out to paint a massive canvas. We flash back to 2002 Gujarat riots, where a young Zayed Masood (that’s Prithviraj Sukumaran, pulling double duty as actor and director) loses everything in a heartbeat of communal fire. Fast-forward five years: Kerala’s politics has gone haywire under Chief Minister Jathin Ramdas, who’s cozying up to right-wing firebrand Balraj ‘Baba’ Bajrangi. Enter Stephen Nedumpally—aka Khureshi Ab’raam, the shadowy overlord from Lucifer—back with his loyal aide Zayed to reclaim his turf and settle old scores.

Written by Murali Gopy, this isn’t your typical revenge flick. It’s laced with espionage, global crime syndicates, and those razor-sharp political jabs that made the original sing. Prithviraj Sukumaran directs with the flair of someone who’s been marinating in this world since the first film’s wrap party. Think John Wick meets The Godfather, but transplanted to God’s Own Country with a side of Kerala backwaters and international flair. Have you ever wondered what happens when a local legend scales up to world-domination levels? That’s the thrill here—though, fair warning, it occasionally feels like it’s trying to juggle too many knives.

The title? “Empuraan” translates to “overlord”—someone bigger than a king, but not quite a god. Fitting, right? As Prithviraj put it in interviews, this film’s building a franchise that circles back and forth in time, teasing a third installment that’s already got us hooked.

The Cast of L2: Empuraan – Stars Who Steal Every Scene

If Lucifer was Mohanlal’s show, L2: Empuraan is an ensemble feast where everyone gets a plate. Let’s break down the heavy hitters, because honestly, this lineup is why the film’s buzz never died down.

• Mohanlal as Stephen Nedumpally / Khureshi Ab’raam: The man, the myth, the legend. At 65, Lalu still commands the screen like no one else—brooding intensity one moment, explosive action the next. Critics raved about his dual-role finesse, calling it “commanding” even when the script wobbles. It’s like watching a lion prowl; you can’t look away.
• Prithviraj Sukumaran as Zayed Masood: Directing and starring? Bold move, and it pays off. His Zayed is raw, vengeful, and heartbreaking—especially in those riot flashbacks that hit like a gut punch. Prithviraj dials back the heroics to let vulnerability shine, making him the emotional core.
• Manju Warrier: She carries so much of the film’s weight, stepping into a pivotal role that blends grace with grit. One reviewer nailed it: “Manju Warrier carries the film,” even amid rushed arcs. Her chemistry with Mohanlal? Electric.
• Supporting Firepower: Indrajith Sukumaran as the scheming Jathin Ramdas, Abhimanyu Singh as the menacing Balraj Bajrangi (chilling in his extremist turn), Tovino Thomas in a cameo that screams “future franchise bait,” and international flavor from Rick Yune and Sachin Khedekar. Oh, and Saniya Iyappan adds that fresh spark in the female leads. It’s a who’s who of Malayalam talent, with a dash of Bollywood crossover that amps up the stakes.

This cast doesn’t just act—they inhabit the world. But let’s be real: some international additions felt a tad forced, like those white actors who couldn’t quite match the desi intensity. Still, overall? A masterclass in star power.

Behind the Scenes: From Script to Screen – The Making of a Mega Budget Beast

Shooting L2: Empuraan was no small feat. Principal photography kicked off in October 2023 and wrapped in December 2024—145 grueling days across India (Faridabad, Shimla, Leh, Chennai, Gujarat, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Kerala), the UK, US, and UAE. Budget? A whopping ₹150–175 crore, making it one of Malayalam’s priciest gambles.

Originally pitched as a web series, the Lucifer trilogy evolved thanks to the first film’s smash hit status. Murali Gopy finished the script in May 2022, and Prithviraj’s vision? Ambitious AF. He shot in anamorphic 1:2.8 aspect ratio for that epic scope, blending IMAX-ready visuals with intimate drama. Deepak Dev’s soundtrack pulses with tension—those end-credit tracks still give me chills—while Sujith Vaassudev’s cinematography turns every frame into a painting.

But it wasn’t all smooth. COVID delays in 2020 pushed things back, and post-release, ED raids on producer Gokulam Gopalan’s offices stirred FEMA violation whispers. Through it all, the team’s passion shines. Prithviraj once said the pandemic gave him time to “visualize an edited, color-corrected version” in his head—talk about turning lemons into cinematic gold.

For intermediate fans like you, it’s fascinating how this sequel flips the script: less linear, more layered. It explores Khureshi’s empire pre-Lucifer, tying threads that make rewatching the original a revelation.

Read More: Kishkindha Kaandam: Cast, Reviews, OTT Release & Box Office

L2: Empuraan Release Date: The Wait That Built a Phenomenon

After years of teasers and delays, L2: Empuraan stormed theaters on March 27, 2025—in standard, IMAX, and even EPIQ formats for that immersive punch. Multilingual release in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi meant it reached every corner of India (and beyond). Advance bookings in Kerala alone? Over ₹12.40 crore, eclipsing Leo‘s record.

The OTT drop followed suit: Streaming kicked off on JioHotstar from April 24, 2025, letting global fans catch up without the theater rush. By September 2025, it’s racked up millions of views, proving sequels can age like fine wine.

L2: Empuraan Box Office Collection: Records Smashed, Legacy Cemented

Numbers don’t lie, and L2: Empuraan? They screamed success. Day 1 haul: ₹22 crore net in India (₹19.45 crore from Malayalam alone), making it the biggest Malayalam opener ever—topping Mohanlal’s own Marakkar. By Day 4, it crossed ₹50 crore domestic, with an upward trend that had trade experts buzzing.

Lifetime? A staggering ₹265 crore worldwide, crowning it the highest-grossing Malayalam film of all time and the sixth biggest Indian hit of 2025. Hindi version? A modest ₹2.59 crore, but that’s par for the course—Malayalam heartlands carried the load. It outpaced 2025 rivals like Thudaram (₹121.2 crore) but got edged by Lokah Chapter 1 later in the year.

Day	India Net (₹ Cr)	Key Notes
Day 1	22	Record Malayalam opener
Day 4	59.35 (cumulative)	Upward trend despite controversy
Day 15	102.35 (cumulative)	Steady performer
Lifetime Worldwide	265	All-time Malayalam No. 1

Pros: Broke barriers for regional cinema. Cons: Hindi underperformance shows pan-India challenges. Still, for a ₹175 crore bet, it’s a roaring ROI.

L2: Empuraan Reviews: Hits, Misses, and Fan Frenzy

Critics? Mixed-to-positive, with an IMDb 6.2/10 and Rotten Tomatoes hovering around 65%. The Hindu called it a sequel where “Mohanlal and rich production design fail to save” the script’s flaws. Times of India gave 3.5/5: “Doesn’t match Lucifer’s punch.” 123Telugu: 2.75/5, praising visuals but slamming the “slow pace and lengthy runtime.”

Fans, though? Divided but devoted. Reddit threads lit up with “Lucifer > L2, but still solid” vibes—love for the action and Mohanlal, gripes over average storytelling and that underwhelming villain arc. One IMDb user: “A worthy sequel with stylish action and mass moments.” Another: “Cinematic triumph in world-building.”

The Good: Technical wizardry—cinematography, direction, soundtrack. Mohanlal’s gravitas. Plot twists that nod to real politics without preaching.

The Meh: Screenplay lags in the second half; climax feels rushed. Some say it’s “ambition without accountability.”

Overall? If you loved Lucifer‘s edge, this expands it boldly. Just temper expectations—it’s grand, not flawless.

The Controversy That Rocked Release Week

No big Indian film drops without drama, and L2: Empuraan ignited a firestorm. The Gujarat riots backstory? It echoed 2002’s real horrors, drawing flak from Hindu nationalist groups for “promoting hatred.” Protests erupted, with calls for bans; even Tamil Nadu’s Water Minister chimed in pre-watch. Mohanlal responded gracefully, agreeing to trim scenes and issuing a statement regretting any distress—backed by Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan and opposition leader V.D. Satheesan.

It sparked debates on art vs. politics, but ultimately? The film thrived, proving audiences crave stories that mirror messy realities. As one BBC piece noted, it’s a “phenomenon” that didn’t let backlash dim its shine.

Why L2: Empuraan Matters for Malayalam Cinema – And You

Look, as a fellow Indian movie buff, I’ve chased sequels that flop hard (cough some Bollywood ones), but L2: Empuraan feels like a milestone. It took Malayalam from regional gem to global contender, blending mass appeal with substance. Sure, it stumbles on pacing— that three-hour runtime tests even diehards—but the ambition? Inspiring. It reminds us why we line up for these stories: to see heroes wrestle demons, real and imagined.

If Lucifer was your gateway drug to Mollywood, this sequel hooks you deeper. Rewatch it on JioHotstar, spot the Easter eggs, and ponder that trilogy tease. Me? I’m already counting days till part three.

Got more questions? Dive into our full Lucifer franchise guide [internal link] for timeline breakdowns. Or chat with fellow fans in our free WhatsApp community—link in bio. What’s your take: sequel of the year, or just solid? Drop a comment; let’s talk cinema.

FAQ: Your Burning Questions on L2: Empuraan