'Empuraan' Movie Review & Box Office Collection Live update: Mohanlal and Prithviraj's film leaked online! Police to take action

Empuraan has quickly entered the $1M club in the North American market, becoming the second-highest-grossing Malayalam film of all time in the region, just behind Manjummal Boys.

#L2Empuraan is a well crafted movie, Entire Team makes a Ultimate sequel ???? #Empuraan crossed ₹65 crores from Worldwide ???? big numbers for Malayalam cinema

A video shared by Mohanlal's fan page, the 'L2: Empuraan' star greeted Prithviraj Sukumaran's mother, Mallika Sukumaran and placed a kiss on the cheek during the 'L2: Empuraan' screening. Amid cheers from fans at Kerala's Kavitha Theatre, the superstar made his entry in the theatre and delighted fans as they celebrated the sequel to 'Lucifer' with crackers, confetti, and hooting in packed theatres.

A passionate fan review on X praises 'L2: Empuraan' for its stunning visuals, powerful performances, and meticulous craftsmanship. Mohanlal’s portrayal of Khureshi Ab’raam and Prithviraj's direction receive special acclaim. The fan highlighted the film’s Hollywood-level quality and urged audiences to experience it in theaters. Despite mixed reactions, the fan believes the movie sets a new benchmark for Malayalam cinema and deserves widespread support.

A fan on X (formerly Twitter) praised 'L2: Empuraan' as one of the most stylish Indian films with a Hollywood-like flair, blending politics, power, and action seamlessly. They encouraged viewers to watch and enjoy the movie, highlighting its engaging narrative and cinematic appeal. The fan's enthusiasm reflects the widespread acclaim for Mohanlal and Prithviraj Sukumaran's work in this political action-thriller.

In an interview with Bollywood Bubble, Prithviraj Sukumaran addressed the idea of a Telugu remake for 'L2: Empuraan', suggesting stars like Chiranjeevi and Salman Khan as potential leads. However, he clarified that plans for a remake are uncertain and depend on the actors' willingness to join. Unlike 'Lucifer', 'Empuraan' is already being dubbed and released in Telugu.

Megastar Chiranjeevi believed Lucifer needed a stronger narrative for Telugu audiences, leading to the making of GodFather. With Mohan Raja at the helm, the film was reworked to add more depth, mass appeal, and a gripping screenplay that better suited Chiranjeevi’s vision. Unfortunately the movie flopped as it didn't impress the audiences.

'Empuraan' Review: The excitement around L2: Empuraan has taken an unexpected turn, with Kerala Police and the Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) creatively using Mohanlal’s Kureshi Ab’raam persona for public safety campaigns. Kerala Police shared a witty post featuring the character to promote the emergency number 112, while the MVD used a similar approach to emphasize the importance of wearing seat belts. Their posts, styled in the film’s signature font, have gone viral, drawing praise from netizens.

As majority of the audiences are not satisfied with Deepak Dev's music in 'Empuraan', Twitteratis are sharing their ideas on what of Anirudh had composed music for the film . One commented, "Anirudh my man he is gem elevation king da." Another one commented, "We needed such kind of BGM."

Mohanlal and Prithviraj Sukumaran’s much-awaited film L2: Empuraan has been hit by piracy, with a low-quality version surfacing online just hours after its theatrical release. The pirated copy quickly spread across notorious websites and Telegram groups, prompting swift action from the film’s team.

A Twitter review reads, "#Empuraan is a mass, stylish, grand & a visual spectacle from Dir. @PrithviOfficial with legend @Mohanlal sir. Visually it’s international in making each shot , could not believe such a lavish making of a Malayalam film with huge star cast. Story wise, a continuation to #Lucifer but making wise it’s huge. Worth watching in theatres for its fabulous making. Best wishes to Producers."

'Empuraan' Movie review: One Twitter review reads, "#Empuraan Visually grand, never before seen stuff in Malayalam cinema. Lalettan, Prithvi & Manju shines ???? Cinematography????,Action????,Music????However, the writing is inconsistent compared to Lucifer, which balanced class & mass elements more effectively. Overall, a decent watch."

Netizens are sharing mixed views on Deepak Dev's music in the film. One Tweet read, "#Empuraan is a good sequel to Lucifer. The cinematography & casting were amazing! The only letdown was the BGM it lacked impact, making key moments feel weak. Trimming 30 mins would’ve helped too. Maybe #DeepakDev for music & someone else for BGM? #Mohanlal #PrithvirajSukumaran."

'Lucifer' actor Vivek Oberoi Tweeted, "It was an absolute pleasure being a part of the incredible journey that was Lucifer, and bringing Bobby to life was a truly special experience for me. While I've often explored darker characters, this one felt very different and the love I received from the people of Kerala was truly heartwarming. Stepping into such a strong role opposite the legendary Laaletta was both a privilege and a wonderful challenge. Prithvi's brilliant vision and guidance as a filmmaker were instrumental in helping me navigate each scene and deliver my best performance. Sharing the screen with such phenomenal talents like my brother Tovino and the incredible Manju Warrior, who have consistently shone in the Malayalam film industry, was an enriching and inspiring experience. I cherish the memories of being on set with this amazing team and I send my warmest wishes for continued success and all the love to the entire cast and crew of L2: Empuraan. With love, Bobby ❤️ @Mohanlal @PrithviOfficial @ttovino @ManjuWarrier4."

One Netizen wrote, "First things first - Empuraan on its own is a fine entertainer. But it clearly falls few notches below Lucifer. I am satisfied with Empuraan as an individual film. It is grand. It is big. But Prithviraj's finest product as a director will still be his much more rooted and soulful debut - Lucifer.

Many reviews praise Empuraan for its technical brilliance and visual grandeur. The film is often described as a cinematic spectacle, with international-standard visuals, lavish sets, and well-executed action sequences. Sujith Vaassudev’s cinematography has been a standout, with reviewers noting the stunning frames, lighting, and aerial shots that capture the vast landscapes beautifully. For instance, a review from Onmanorama highlights the breathtaking visuals, particularly Mohanlal’s entry scene, which is amplified by a powerful background score from Deepak Dev that “shakes the theatre.” Similarly, India Today notes that the film’s forest fight sequence and other action set-pieces are elevated by the cinematography, with the lighting in elevation sequences being particularly spectacular.

Empuraan starts out as a brave, bold film. Not for its budget and ambition alone, but also for the subject, with the quite upfront political portrayals. The first half goes with the textbook 'thrill every few minutes' formula. After a brief geopolitical voiceover - about an Afro-China God Axis vs an Indo-Arab Lucifer nexus - and an action sequence in Iran, the story moves to the 2002 riots in west India. It tells the backstory of a young Zayed Masood (Prithviraj), the shadowy figure accompanying Stephen Nedumpally aka Khureshi Ab’raam in the first film, Lucifer. It’s a villain origin story- or in this case - anti-hero origin story, with Zayed's parents and family facing the brunt of the riots in communal clashes, under a new, rising political order, under a leader named Bajrangi. About two decades later, when the scene shifts to Kerala, our investigative news vlogger, Govardhan (Indrajith), is on a satellite call with an intelligence officer to know why Bajrangi is interested in Kerala. Soon enough, Jathin Ramdas (Tovino Thomas), a once idealistic chief minister, now at odds with his party and sister Priyadarshini (Manju Warrier), reveals in a surprise announcement that he is making a change in his politics. It means, Kerala is going to sink into communal politics. This change compels Govardhan to ask Stephen Nedumpally, whose whereabouts are not known, to return to Kerala. The international wheeler dealer, meanwhile, continues on his ‘narcotics is a dirty business’ (Lucifer reference) drive and destroys a $1billion drug shipment going to Europe via Senegal, from South America. This is where the film peaks on its mass entertainment value, with Khureshi marking his screen entry on an Apache in the west African desert. So far so fire. Unfortunately, the pace dips in the second half, where the politics in Kerala could have really been engaging and fun. Jathin has made some unholy alliances over a dangerous dam situation in Nedumpally. Will Priyadarshini have the gumption to preserve a legacy that held the state together? Will Nedumpally return? Will his Khureshi avatar keep an old promise to Zayed to avenge his family? Even this latter bit doesn’t get us excited, even though the backstory was well told and got us emotionally involved.

Mohanlal’s highly awaited sequel, L2: Empuraan, has taken the box office by storm, raking in an impressive ₹22 crore worldwide on its opening day. Directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, the film has been met with glowing reviews, with audiences praising its high-stakes narrative, intense action sequences, and grand production values.

Box Office Breakdown
The Malayalam version alone contributed ₹19.45 crore, reaffirming Mohanlal’s dominance in Kerala. The film also saw collections of ₹1.2 crore from Telugu, ₹0.8 crore from Tamil, ₹0.5 crore from Hindi, and ₹0.05 crore from Kannada.

Occupancy Highlights
The film recorded a 61.02% occupancy in Malayalam, with night shows peaking at 66%. Key cities like Kochi (97.5%) and Trivandrum (84.75%) witnessed packed screenings, with IMAX and premium formats drawing strong footfalls.

Weekend Prospects
With strong word-of-mouth and solid advance bookings, L2: Empuraan is poised for a stellar weekend. The film’s performance in Telugu and Tamil markets will be closely watched to see if it can match or surpass its predecessor’s box office run.

The highly anticipated 'L2: Empuraan', starring Mohanlal and directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, finally made its grand theatrical release today, March 27. Fans eagerly flocked to cinemas to witness the next chapter of the gripping saga, but the excitement didn’t end there. In a major surprise, the makers officially announced the third installment, 'L3: The Beginning'.

This newly revealed sequel will further delve into the world of Stephen Nedumpally, also known as Khureshi Ab’raam, exploring themes of power, deception, and crime. Promising an intense narrative filled with action and suspense, 'L3: The Beginning' is set to elevate the Lucifer franchise to greater heights.

Mohanlal starrer L2: Empuraan, helmed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, hit theatres today (March 27) to great reviews and box office records. The much-awaited sequel to the 2019 hit Lucifer is poised for a phenomenal opening at the box office, with industry experts estimating first-day earnings of nearly Rs 50 crore.

Trade analysts suggest that Empuraan is gearing up to become the highest-grossing opener in the history of Malayalam cinema. Even before its theatrical release, the film had created waves, amassing a staggering Rs 58 crore in advance bookings for the first weekend. According to Sacnilk, the film had already collected Rs 10.52 crore net by 4 pm on its opening day. The strong demand for advance tickets in Kerala, the Gulf region, and other international markets further signals a massive box office run ahead.

Prithviraj Sukumaran, who directed and acted in 'L2: Empuraan', has been clear from the beginning about not revealing the movie's budget. Even after its release today (March 27), there are no official statements regarding the film’s budget. During a recent press meet, he challenged the audience to watch the film and guess the budget, believing they would estimate it to be higher than its actual cost.

However, things took an unexpected turn when producer Gokulam Gopalan, one of the film’s distributors, stated in an interview with 24 News—prior to the release—that the movie was made on a budget of Rs 180 crore. Nevertheless, there has been no official confirmation of this figure.

The mystery surrounding the surprise cameo in L2: Empuraan continues to intrigue fans. Speculation is rife about which star might make an unexpected appearance in Mohanlal’s highly anticipated sequel.

While #Empuraan has a slick style and solid execution, it doesn't really deliver on its promise and only engages for a few moments and ends on a weak note. The narration seems obvious, and the characters are underdeveloped.

As per a report by Sacnilk, Empuraan saw an overwhelming response during its morning shows on the opening day in the Malayalam market. The film reportedly achieved an impressive 63.32% occupancy in its first-day morning screenings (Thursday).

Filmmaker Gokulam Gopalan during an interview with 24News revealed that 'L2: Empuraan' was made on a budget of nearly Rs 180 crore, making it one of the most expensive Malayalam films ever produced. He shared that a film of this scale should never be stalled, as there's a high value in being Malayalam cinema's first IMAX release. The film, directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran and starring Mohanlal, promises a visually stunning experience with its global shoot locations and ambitious storyline.

#L2Empuraan neatly done... A little lag here and there but the story is good to hold us for 3hrs... Super hit????, rates a fan

Some fans also have mixed reactions to 'L2: Empuraan', praising its stunning visuals and action sequences, but criticizing its lack of substance and slow pacing. Mohanlal's powerful performance and grand entry are highlights, while Prithviraj Sukumaran's direction is commended for its ambition. Despite some viewers feeling it turns into a typical revenge story, others appreciate its international-level production quality and engaging first half. Overall, the film is visually stunning but falls short in storytelling depth.

As L2: Empuraan hits theaters, fans are expressing their excitement on social media. The makers shared a poster featuring Mohanlal and Prithviraj, thanking fans for their support. The post read, "Thank you all !! #L2E #EMPURAAN in theatres now!" This gesture reflects the strong bond between the film's team and its audience. Fans are eagerly sharing their reactions and reviews, praising the film's grand scale and performances. The film's release has generated significant buzz, with many fans celebrating its arrival in theaters.

A fan of 'L2: Empuraan' praised the cast's performances, highlighting Mohanlal's powerful entry and impactful acting, where his eyes convey a lot. Prithviraj Sukumaran is commended for his strong supporting role. Tovino Thomas and Manju Warrier are noted for their solid supporting performances. The villains, played by Abhimanyu Singh and Sukant Goel, are particularly praised for their excellence. Overall, the fan appreciates the ensemble cast's contributions to the film's success.

A fan praises L2 Empuraan for advancing the story of Lucifer while shifting from a Kerala-set political thriller to a grander, visually rich narrative under Prithviraj Sukumaran’s direction. The film’s sky-high scale and bold commentary on communal politics stand out, marking it as a brave effort. This evolution in tone and ambition, paired with its striking presentation, highlights L2 Empuraan as a significant step forward, blending entertainment with thought-provoking social critique

A fan of Mohanlal, has expressed his admiration for L2: Empuraan, calling it an "absolute piece of movie" perfectly crafted by Prithviraj Sukumaran. He praised the film's cinematography, music, script, and performances, labeling it a "peak experience." This review reflects the enthusiasm and loyalty of Mohanlal's fan base, who are thrilled with the film's grand scale and action-packed narrative.

Empuraan movie live updates: Prior to its release, L2: Empuraan amassed over ₹58 crore in worldwide advance bookings for its opening weekend, with day one pre-sales alone exceeding ₹40 crore. In India, the film's advance bookings surpassed ₹13 crore, more than doubling the opening day collection of its predecessor, Lucifer, which stood at ₹6.1 crore Early Sacnilk reports indicate that L2: Empuraan has collected approximately ₹5 crore net in India across all languages on its first day. However, projections suggest that the film is poised to achieve a net collection between ₹24-28 crore on its opening day, potentially making it the first Malayalam film to surpass the ₹20 crore net mark.

Empuraan movie live updates: Before Lucifer became a game-changer in Malayalam cinema, Prithviraj Sukumaran was set to make his directorial debut with City of God. The 2011 film, later directed by Lijo Jose Pellissery, is now regarded as a cult classic for its bold storytelling and non-linear narrative. However, in a throwback interview, Prithviraj revealed that he was initially supposed to helm the project but had to step back after receiving an offer from Mani Ratnam for Raavan.

The actor-filmmaker has always been deeply passionate about cinema, often seen engaging in technical discussions with directors. While he wonders how City of God might have looked under his vision, he acknowledges that Pellissery delivered a remarkable film. Despite this missed opportunity, fate had bigger plans—Lucifer eventually became a massive success, setting new benchmarks for Malayalam cinema.

It’s intriguing to think about how City of God might have been different under Prithviraj’s direction, but Pellissery’s version remains a milestone in the neo-noir genre. As Prithviraj continues his journey behind the camera with Empuraan, fans eagerly await the next chapter in his filmmaking legacy.

Empuraan movie live updates: One of the most attractive aspects of 'L2: Empuraan' is said to be Mohanlal's entry sequence in the first part. Even though the actor has less dialogues in the film, the MAN never fails to impress the audiences with his screen presence.

Empuraan movie live updates: Alankrita Prithviraj lending her voice to the Empuraan trailer adds a personal and emotional touch to the film. Fans were already mesmerized by the eerie hum, and now knowing it's Prithviraj’s daughter makes it even more special.

Prithviraj and Supriya’s family moments are always adored by fans, and this just adds another heartwarming layer to their bond. No wonder the trailer gave everyone goosebumps!

Empuraan movie live updates: One Twitter user wrote, "#Empuraan: High on style, low on substance. Relies heavily on visual grandeur but falls heavily on the writing part. Very few genuine high moments and others were a rehash of Lucifer's best moments.

High rich production values and top notch cinematograohy though Music from Deepak dev was a major let down

Overall #Empuraan failing to live up to the mammoth expectations, making it just an Okay watch."

Empuraan movie live updates: One Twitter user hailed the Jungle fight sequence in 'Empuraan'. The Tweet reads, "#Empuraan A steady first half followed by a strong second half. Prithviraj excels in direction, while Sujith Vaassudev’s cinematography is top-notch. Lalettan has limited screen time in the first half but gets more in the later half. The 'jungle pwoli scene' is a major highlight, with more clap-worthy moments for L fans in the second half. The surprise cameos add to the excitement."

Empuraan movie live updates:One Twitter user wrote, "Empuraan delivers! With Mohanlal’s magnetic presence and Prithviraj’s stylish direction, the film stands tall enough as a pan-Indian cinematic experience.

It's a slow paced but worth watch for its styling and world-class cinematography

The jungle fight in the second half is absolutely insane. The cinematography, locations and BGM are outstanding throughout ???????????? on twitter user wrote

Flipside:

The slow pacing—a trademark of many Malayalam films—and the lengthy runtime are very noticeable drawbacks. As it progresses, the film leans into familiar revenge drama territory.

First Half:

•Begins with a gripping flashback.
•Mohanlal enters after an hour, but his screen presence is electrifying.
•Focuses heavily on character-building and world setup—engaging, though a bit lengthy.
•Screenplay, like Lucifer, is slow-paced but holds interest.

•Action sequences and cinematography are top-notch.

Highlights:

•The forest action block in the second half brought the house down—stunning stunts with a killer background score.
•Political themes and revenge arcs dominate the latter half.
•Standout scenes: interval block, forest fight, and Manju Warrier’s political moments.

Verdict: Despite a slightly stretched first half, the film picks up momentum in the second. With high production values, powerful action, and strong performances, Empuraan is a film worth the wait."

Empuraan movie live updates: One Twitter user wrote, "It looks like Empuraan has successfully integrated Game of Thrones actor Jerome Flynn into its world, and fans are loving it! One Twitter user shared their excitement, saying:

"So satisfied with the role and space that Game of Thrones actor Jerome Flynn has got so far. Really well done with all the casting, Prithvi!"

With its grand scale, international locations, and intense action, Empuraan seems to be delivering a cinematic spectacle beyond expectations! ????????

#Empuraan #JeromeFlynn #PrithvirajSukumaran #Mohanlal."

The 'Kannappa' actor shared a Tweet that read, "ഇന്ന് റിലീസ് ചെയ്യുന്ന ‘L2: എംപുരാൻ’ ചിത്രത്തിന് പ്രിയപ്പെട്ട @Mohanlal സർ, ടാലെന്റഡ് @PrithviOfficial എന്നിവർക്ക് ഹൃദയം നിറഞ്ഞ ആശംസകൾ! കാണാൻ ആവേശത്തോടെ കാത്തിരിക്കുന്നു. ചിത്രം വൻ വിജയമാകട്ടെ! #L2Empuraan."