'L2: Empuraan', the eagerly awaited sequel to the blockbuster 'Lucifer', is set to make history as the first Malayalam film to be released on IMAX. This monumental announcement was made by none other than Mohanlal, the film's lead actor, who expressed his pride on social media, stating, "It gives us immense pride to announce...that #L2E #Empuraan will be the first ever film from the Malayalam cinema industry to release on IMAX. We hope this is the beginning of a long and illustrious association between IMAX and Malayalam Cinema." The film will premiere on March 27, 2025, across selected global markets.
The news has ignited excitement among fans, many of whom took to social media to express their enthusiasm, with comments like, "IMAX just got a whole lot hotter" and "This will burn social media." Such buzz follows Mohanlal's earlier cryptic tease, prompting speculation about the nature of the landmark reveal. Little did fans know, the announcement would turn out to be historic, positioning 'L2: Empuraan' as a game-changer for Malayalam cinema.
Directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, the film delves deeply back to the gripping narratives of power, politics, and betrayal. Prithviraj himself shared his excitement about the film, stating, "Power. Politics. Betrayal. The legend of Khureshi-Ab'raam returns, and this time, it’s bigger than ever." Anticipation continues to swell, as audiences are eager to witness the cinematic marvel set to light up IMAX screens.
The production faced last-minute challenges, including disputes between co-producers Lyca Productions and Aashirvad Cinemas, which nearly delayed the film's release. Thankfully, the producer Anthony Perumbavoor managed to negotiate peace by onboarding new partners, Sree Gokulam Movies, facilitating the project’s smooth passage to theatres. Once these logistics were sorted, the focus shifted back to marketing, with plans for promotional tours leading up to the release.
Not solely limited to the domestic audience, 'L2: Empuraan' has already recorded impressive advance sales, reportedly grossing $125,000 from North American pre-bookings, indicative of its wide appeal. The anticipation is palpable as it approaches its release date, with fans counting down the days.
What’s unique about this film isn’t just its IMAX debut; it's the intriguing plot and its ensemble cast. This follow-up to 'Lucifer' features Mohanlal reprising his role as Khureshi-Ab'raam (also known as Stephen Nedumpally) along with co-stars Tovino Thomas, Manju Warrier, Indrajith Sukumaran, Abhimanyu Singh, and international actors like Jerome Flynn and Eriq Ebouaney. The film, scripted by Murali Gopy, promises to be one of the most ambitious projects undertaken within the Malayalam film industry.
Directors and producers see 'L2: Empuraan' as more than just another blockbuster; they view it as the start of something much larger for their industry, especially with the backing of IMAX technology. To equip this film with the grandeur needed for its narrative, modern IMAX technology has brought new possibilities for films previously constrained by traditional formats. Prithviraj even reflected on this opportunity by stating, "Talk about destiny and divine intervention! Modern IMAX mastery is remarkable!"
With the film, audiences can anticipate not only thrilling action but also complex character studies and dramatic arcs, shedding light on Khureshi-Ab'raam's past and the elusive group known as the Illuminati, setting the stage for the concluding chapter of the trilogy.
To ramp up excitement prior to the release, the director is reportedly preparing for a whirlwind promotional tour, commencing with events set to take place starting March 20, 2025, through to March 25, where the official trailer is expected to drop during the Mumbai launch, coinciding with the promotional series.
The culmination of hard work from casts, producers, and support staff is evident as 'L2: Empuraan' gears up for its launch, inviting audiences to experience the spectacle on the grandest scale possible. With its vaulting themes of loyalty, revenge, and power, it assures fans of the captivating tale, aligning them with IMAX for an unparalleled cinematic experience. The release of 'L2: Empuraan' stands ready to mark not just the next chapter for its characters but also as the dawn of new horizons for Malayalam cinema.
