“L2: Empuraan,” released on March 27, 2025, marks the second chapter in the Lucifer trilogy, bringing Mohanlal back as the enigmatic Stephen Nedumpally, aka Khureshi Ab’raam. Directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, this action-crime-thriller aims for grandeur, and it certainly delivers on scale—boasting international locations, IMAX and EPIQ formats, and a reported Rs 50 crore opening day worldwide gross, per Indian Express. But beneath the gloss, our take is that it’s a mixed bag, thrilling in moments yet weighed down by its own ambition.
The film opens with a gripping flashback that sets a high bar, pulling us into its sprawling world of crime and power. Mohanlal’s entry, delayed nearly an hour, is a standout—his commanding presence electrifies the screen, a testament to why he’s the backbone of this franchise. The interval block is another peak, with stunning visuals and a cinematic punch that had us hooked. Shot across India, the UK, US, and UAE, the production values are undeniably top-tier, paired with Deepak Dev’s pulsating score and Stunt Silva’s slick action choreography. It’s a visual feast, no question.
Yet, the pacing drags it down. The first half, heavy on character introductions and world-building, feels overly long and slow, echoing “Lucifer’s” deliberate style but testing our patience in an era of shorter attention spans. Posts on X echo this sentiment, noting a reliance on slow-motion and gadgets that doesn’t always land. Mohanlal’s limited screen time early on—just three scenes in the first half, per some feedback—left us wanting more of his gravitas to anchor the narrative. The mix of Hindi and English dialogues alongside Malayalam reflects its global reach but occasionally feels jarring.
The ensemble cast, including Prithviraj, Tovino Thomas, and Manju Warrier, adds heft, though their roles remain under wraps in early reactions. The second half reportedly picks up, setting the stage for the trilogy’s conclusion, but we found the setup uneven—strong in parts, sluggish in others. It’s a film that banks on spectacle and Mohanlal’s star power, and while it’s a milestone for Malayalam cinema’s global push, it doesn’t fully hit the mark as a cohesive thriller. Still, its record-breaking pre-sales (over Rs 60 crore, per BookMyShow) and massive Kerala rollout (700 screens, per The Times of India) signal its undeniable draw. For us, “Empuraan” is a bold swing that shines bright but doesn’t always connect.
