Mohanlal and Prithviraj Sukumaran's latest Malayalam film, L2: Empuraan, has taken the box office by storm, crossing the remarkable Rs 100 crore milestone worldwide within just 48 hours of its release. This sequel to the 2019 blockbuster Lucifer premiered on March 27, 2025, and has quickly become a sensation in the Malayalam film industry.
On its opening day, Empuraan grossed an impressive Rs 22 crore net in India, with Rs 19 crore coming from the Malayalam version alone. By the end of Day 1, the film had already amassed Rs 67.5 crore globally. The excitement surrounding the film has been palpable, with packed theaters reported across Kerala, including major cities like Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, and Kozhikode.
Despite a 44% dip in collections on Day 2, Empuraan still managed to earn Rs 11.75 crore, with Rs 10.75 crore from the Malayalam version. The overall occupancy rate for the Malayalam release was recorded at 61.02% on the first day, showcasing the film's immense popularity.
Industry experts and film critics have lauded Empuraan for its gripping storyline and high-octane action sequences. Renowned film critic Taran Adarsh praised the film on social media, stating, "Empuraan takes a historic start across Kerala. If this momentum continues, it could very well be a game-changer for the Malayalam film industry!" His enthusiasm reflects the general sentiment as audiences flock to see the film.
With a production budget of Rs 180 crore, Empuraan is directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, who also stars in the film alongside Mohanlal, Tovino Thomas, Manju Warrier, and Jerome Flynn, known for his role in the globally acclaimed series Game of Thrones. The film is produced by Antony Perumbavoor, Gokulam Gopalan, and Subaskaran under the banners of Aashirvad Cinemas, Sree Gokulam Movies, and Lyca Productions.
As of March 29, the film has continued to perform well, earning Rs 5.34 crore on the third day, bringing its total earnings to an estimated Rs 37.84 crore across all languages. The film's various language versions, including Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, and Telugu, are also contributing to its impressive box office performance.
On March 28, the Malayalam version alone earned Rs 10.55 crore, while the Kannada version brought in Rs 3 lakh, the Telugu version earned Rs 25 lakh, the Tamil release collected Rs 27 lakh, and the Hindi version garnered Rs 4 lakh. The film's overall occupancy on March 29 was reported at 46.52% for the Malayalam release, with other language versions seeing lesser occupancy rates.
With strong advance bookings for the upcoming weekend, L2: Empuraan is expected to further its box office dominance. Predictions suggest that it may soon surpass the lifetime collection of previous hits such as Manjummel Boys, which earned Rs 241 crore, potentially making it the highest-grossing Malayalam film of all time.
The excitement for Empuraan is not just limited to India; it has also made waves internationally. The film achieved the highest-ever opening for a Malayalam movie overseas, with notable collections in markets like the UK, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and the USA. In the UK alone, it recorded an opening day collection of GBP 6,28,000 (approximately Rs 7 crore), marking it as the biggest opener for an Indian film in that region.
As the film continues to break records and set new benchmarks for Malayalam cinema, Mohanlal and Prithviraj Sukumaran have reaffirmed their status as leading figures in the industry. The film not only showcases their talents but also marks Prithviraj's third directorial venture to cross the Rs 100 crore mark, following his successful projects Lucifer and Aadujeevitham: The Goat Life.
Looking ahead, the film's extended weekend due to the Eid holiday is expected to bolster its earnings even further. With audiences eagerly anticipating its continued success, L2: Empuraan is poised to make history in the Malayalam film landscape.
In summary, L2: Empuraan has not only captivated audiences but has also set a new standard for future Malayalam films, leaving many to wonder just how high its box office numbers will soar. The collaboration between Mohanlal and Prithviraj has proven to be a winning formula, and the excitement surrounding this film is a testament to the growing popularity of Malayalam cinema on a global scale.
