As the much-anticipated release of Empuraan inches closer, the film's advance booking numbers are setting the Malayalam film industry ablaze. The long-awaited sequel to Lucifer, starring the legendary Mohanlal, has shattered pre-sale records, positioning itself to claim the biggest opening day collection in Mollywood history.
Directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran and written by Murali Gopy, Empuraan continues the saga that began with the 2019 blockbuster Lucifer. The film, which has been in the works for several years, overcame multiple production delays before finally gearing up for its worldwide release on March 27, 2025. Backed by Aashirvad Cinemas, Sree Gokulam Movies, and Lyca Productions, Empuraan promises to elevate the narrative and cinematic experience far beyond its predecessor. The production took the team across multiple international and domestic locations, including the United Kingdom, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, and various parts of India. This expansion reflects the film's ambition to push the boundaries of Malayalam cinema to a global stage.
In a historic first, Empuraan will be the first Malayalam film to release in IMAX, further cementing its status as a game-changer in the industry. According to reports from film industry tracker AB George, Empuraan's advance booking sales are expected to comfortably cross ₹20 crores by March 21, making it one of the most successful pre-release performances in Malayalam cinema.
With this milestone, the film is poised to surpass the opening day collection record previously held by Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham and emerge as the biggest Mollywood opener to date. The film is expected to dominate the Kerala box office and create ripples in other South Indian states and overseas markets. The multi-language release in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi ensures a wider reach, further boosting its box office prospects.
As for the cast, Empuraan boasts an ensemble featuring some of the biggest names in Indian cinema. Mohanlal reprises his role as Khureshi Ab'raam, also known as Stephen Nedumpally, alongside Prithviraj Sukumaran as Zayed Masood. The film also stars Tovino Thomas, Indrajith Sukumaran, Manju Warrier, Abhimanyu Singh, Suraj Venjaramoodu, and international actors like Jerome Flynn and Eriq Ebouaney.
With a screenplay promising to delve deeper into the political and underworld dynamics established in Lucifer, fans are eager to see how Empuraan unfolds its gripping narrative. The official trailer for Empuraan, released on March 20, has already amassed millions of views across various platforms. Fans were surprised when the Malayalam trailer dropped on YouTube at midnight, setting social media abuzz. This hype is crucial, as preliminary figures suggest that the film may achieve opening day earnings in the range of ₹40-50 crores worldwide.
Previously, the opening day pre-sales had crossed the ₹10 crore mark, which was the highest for any Malayalam film overseas, according to industry tracker Sacnilk. While the worldwide bookings stand at over ₹12 crores, it reflects a strong initial demand, with many in the industry expecting it will continue to soar.
What once seemed like a low buzz before the launch has now turned into a global phenomenon. Reports indicate that Empuraan grossed over $100K in Australia alone within 24 hours, breaking the record of Aadujeevitham: The Goat Life's opening day. Additionally, in Germany, the film has already grossed €50K, more than most Malayalam films earn during their entire opening weekends. This international success is being buoyed by the star-studded cast and the powerful legacy of Lucifer.
Fans and industry insiders alike will be closely watching as March 27 approaches to see how the film performs. If it maintains its current momentum and receives positive word of mouth, industry analysts believe it could easily cross the $10-12 million mark in overseas market earnings, setting new records for Malayalam cinema.
As buzz builds, Mohanlal has expressed confidence in the film, stating in a recent interview, “He knows what he is doing, he is very keen on scripting. He is a sensitive director. He will give more importance to acting and is totally into the film.”
With its strong pre-release momentum and universal appeal, Empuraan is shaping up to be one of the most significant releases in Malayalam cinema. Its opening day collection will provide a clearer picture of its impact on the industry, and whether it can surpass previous records remains to be seen. There is no doubt that, as fans await its release, Empuraan is on track to redefine box office expectations in Mollywood.
