Hold your breath. Because L2: Empuraan isn’t just a sequel — it’s a cinematic escalation that shakes the very foundations of Indian political thrillers.
Directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran and starring the legendary Mohanlal, Empuraan continues the journey of Stephen Nedumpally, revealing layers of deception, strategy, and silent domination. Released in March 2025, this second installment of the Lucifer trilogy isn’t just making waves — it’s rewriting the rules.
The Empire Expands: Plot Overview (No Major Spoilers)
After the dramatic events of Lucifer, L2: Empuraan pulls back the curtain on Stephen Nedumpally, revealing his transformation into Khureshi-Ab’Ram, a global powerbroker operating in the shadows. The film spans three continents, exploring the dark underbelly of international politics, money laundering, and covert warfare.
This isn’t just a local power play — Stephen now pulls strings that influence entire nations. Think Narcos meets The Godfather, layered with Kerala-rooted intensity.
A Cinematic Masterstroke: Why It’s More Than Just a Sequel
What makes L2: Empuraan stand out isn’t just its story — it’s the ambition.
- ₹180+ crore budget – One of the most expensive Malayalam films ever made.
- Shot across Europe, Middle East & India – Every frame looks global, yet deeply grounded.
- Mohanlal’s duality – He switches effortlessly between silent saint and global overlord.
- Political realism – The screenplay pulls from real-world geopolitics, making it eerily believable.
“This is not fan service — it’s fan elevation.”
— @SouthCineManiac
Unpacking the Empire: Layers Within the Story
Empuraan doesn’t spoon-feed. It demands attention.
- Flashbacks reveal how Stephen earned the loyalty of the world’s deadliest people.
- New characters, like an ambitious MI6 agent (played by Indrajith Sukumaran), add international flavor.
- Biblical symbolism – Yes, Khureshi-Ab’Ram is no ordinary crime lord — he sees himself as a divine player.
It’s no surprise that fans have already started Reddit theories dissecting clues hidden in background paintings, character names, and even wardrobe choices.
Technical Brilliance
- Cinematography by Sujith Vaassudev is next level. Wide desert landscapes, dark interrogation rooms, and neon-lit financial hubs — all visually stunning.
- Music by Deepak Dev blends haunting orchestral themes with action-driven bass.
- Editing by Samjith Mohammed maintains the tension through 2.5 gripping hours.
Every scene feels intentional — nothing is filler.
By EOD, #Empuraan will cross 84cr mark. Still doing very good business in many centres. Needs 5.4cr mark more to beat #2018Movie Kerala Gross.
— Kerala Boxoffice Stats (@kboxstats) April 12, 2025
Industry Hit 🔥 #Mohanlal #L2Empuraan pic.twitter.com/WmHRZgRF3C
Box Office Explosion
Within the first week of release, L2: Empuraan:
- Collected ₹280 crore worldwide
- Became the highest-grossing Malayalam film of all time
- Outperformed several Bollywood and Tollywood biggies in non-Hindi speaking regions
“This isn’t just a regional hit. It’s a pan-India & international event.” — Box Office South
What the Fans Are Saying
“Mohanlal is not acting. He IS Stephen. Goosebumps every 10 minutes!” — @KeralaKing
“I watched it twice. Still missed a few plot layers. That’s how dense it is.” — @ThalaivarCineNerd
“Empuraan proves Malayalam cinema is leagues ahead in storytelling.” — @DesiFilmFreak
Trivia & Easter Eggs You Probably Missed
- The license plate of Stephen’s car in Paris? It’s the same number he used in Lucifer — a silent nod to continuity.
- The briefcase scene with the gold pen? That’s a direct callback to a line from Lucifer’s climax.
- The Khureshi-Ab’Ram name is derived from Middle Eastern lore and carries deeper religious context — fans on forums are still debating it.
What’s Next? L3: The Reckoning?
Yes, the trilogy’s final part has been teased. Without giving away spoilers:
- A massive betrayal is set up
- A key female character’s arc will take center stage
- The ending scene hints at a global war for legacy
A Must-Watch Power Epic
If Lucifer was about power’s origins, Empuraan is about how power spreads like wildfire — silently, globally, and without mercy.
This is not just a movie.
It’s an experience.
It’s a chessboard with Kerala at the center of the world.
🎬 L2: Empuraan is now playing in theaters.
🌐 Watch it. Analyze it. Talk about it.
Because history is being made — in Malayalam.
