“L2: Empuraan,” the much-awaited second chapter in Mohanlal’s Lucifer trilogy, roared into theatres on March 27, 2025. Directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, the political thriller opened to a thunderous ₹50 crore global box office collection on Day 1, according to The Indian Express. With fans abuzz about what’s next, we asked AI: can the Mohanlal-starrer spawn a sequel or a prequel? Here’s what artificial intelligence predicts about the cinematic future of the Lucifer universe.
Trilogy confirmed — and clues hint at L3
AI points out that Empuraan is the middle act of a planned trilogy, following Lucifer (2019) and setting the stage for a third film, likely titled L3. In a conversation with WION, director Prithviraj Sukumaran confirmed the film features a post-credit scene — potentially teasing the next chapter. Writer Murali Gopy’s storytelling ensures each film stands on its own, yet connects to a broader arc. AI speculates that L2’s ending — perhaps with a cliffhanger around Stephen Nedumpally aka Khureshi Ab’raam — is primed to launch the trilogy’s explosive finale.
Mohanlal-led sequel likely, hints AI
With L2 Empuraan filmed across India, the UK, UAE, and the US (Wikipedia), AI sees strong potential for a sequel. Social media chatter adds fuel to the fire — X account @TrollCinema hints at a massive cartel war brewing, while theories about Zayed Masood (played by Prithviraj) stepping up have gained traction. Cameos from actors Jerome Flynn and Eriq Ebouaney (The Hindu) could also evolve into significant roles in L3. Pre-release figures were equally bullish — The Week reported ₹60 crore in pre-sales alone — while The Times of India noted Mohanlal appears for around 40 minutes, leaving plenty of narrative space for the legend to return in full force.
A prequel? AI says it’s possible
Could the franchise explore Stephen’s origins as Khureshi Ab’raam? AI thinks a prequel could work — Lucifer first teased his shadowy transformation, and Empuraan’s flashbacks offer breadcrumbs. Online fan spaces like Reddit’s r/MalayalamMovies speculate a rise-from-the-underground story is possible, focusing on his criminal evolution and early partnership with Zayed. The film’s mythic tone — drawing on figures like Mahiravana and Iblees (The Hindu) — adds creative depth, though AI warns that a prequel must introduce fresh stakes to avoid feeling like a retread.
Challenges ahead, but hype stays strong
AI predicts a sequel is more certain than a prequel. Prithviraj’s commitment to a trilogy and L2’s box office momentum — with praise from fans and outlets like Onmanorama and Gulf News — keep the franchise moving forward. A prequel, while rich in lore, carries the risk of demystifying the enigmatic Khureshi character. Online reactions are mixed — X user @SwayamKumarDas praised the film’s gripping narrative, while @MoviesAbout12 felt the twists were overcooked. Still, at nearly 3 hours (IMDb: 2h 59m), L2 balances spectacle with setup — and leaves the door open for both future possibilities.
AI’s final take: sequel ahead, prequel possible
So, will L2: Empuraan lead to L3 or even a spin-off origin story? AI bets yes — and maybe both. A sequel release by 2027–2028 seems plausible, especially with L2’s 14-month shoot (The Week) as precedent. A prequel may depend on fan demand — and Mohanlal’s continued magic. For now, with a solid 3.5/5 from us, the Lucifer universe looks unstoppable. The empire of Khureshi Ab’raam may just be getting started.
