New Delhi: The highly anticipated Malayalam film, L2: Empuraan, is set to hit theaters worldwide on March 27, 2025. Directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, this action thriller serves as the sequel to the 2019 blockbuster, Lucifer, and stars the legendary Mohanlal reprising his role as the enigmatic Abr'raam Khureshi.
Fans are buzzing with excitement as the film uncovers darker plots and explosive action sequences, promising to captivate audiences across multiple languages including Malayalam, Tamil, Hindi, and Kannada. Prithviraj has expressed great enthusiasm about working with Mohanlal, whom he describes as the ideal actor. "Directing him is the easiest thing to do. He’s the easiest to direct... He’s very gifted, but I don’t just mean... the way he is as a professional puts you at ease as a filmmaker," Prithviraj remarked during recent interactions about the film.
This is not the first time the duo has worked together. Mohanlal starred in all three films directed by Prithviraj, which include the widely acclaimed Lucifer and Bro Daddy. Reflecting on their collaborative history, Mohanlal shared his appreciation for Prithviraj's sensitivity as a director. "He is very good. This is my third film with him. He knows what he is doing, he is very keenness on scripting," he stated.
Mohanlal added, "This film demands action. I’ve done so many action movies, there is a different kind of action... We’ve one more chapter to come," hinting at the expected developments for the concluding part of the trilogy.
Beyond the acting prowess displayed, L2: Empuraan is notable for its ambitious production values. A standout feature is the full-scale replica of the AH-64 Apache helicopter, which is making waves for its innovative creation process—built from scratch by the production team due to the unavailability of actual helicopters in India. This cutting-edge endeavor involved collaborating with experts and employing advanced techniques such as 3D printing to replicate complex parts of the helicopter.
A production team member commented, "The film has been in development for almost three years, and from the start, we knew we needed a real helicopter for Mohanlal’s entry. It took a lot of hard work to make it look exactly like an Apache." The decision to use this impressive model demonstrates the team's commitment to delivering an authentic cinematic experience and realism, which has fans eagerly anticipating how it will be incorporated during action sequences.
The teaser for L2: Empuraan, released on January 26, has already gained positive reception, showcasing thrilling visuals and Mohanlal’s dramatic introduction via the Apache helicopter. Unni Mukundan, who recently starred in Marco, praised the teaser on social media, describing it as "an exemplary teaser... Vere level goosebumps guaranteed!" This suggests high expectations for the film among fans.
This excitement reflects the broader resurgence and recognition of the Malayalam film industry, which Mohanlal has acknowledged. He noted the impressive growth and focus on narrative depth and creativity, which has enhanced the reputation of Malayalam cinema, particularly after COVID-19. "COVID was a blessing in disguise for the Malayalam film industry. People started watching other films," he added, marking the industry's evolution since the pandemic.
Directed by Prithviraj and produced by Lyca Productions and Aashirvad Cinemas, L2: Empuraan stands as another milestone for both the filmmaker and Mohanlal. With solid teamwork and artistic synergy, the film aims to break boundaries and set new standards of excellence. It is set to release alongside the growing recognition and enthusiasm surrounding Malayalam cinema's creative capabilities and storytelling depth.
The film’s release not only promises entertainment but also hints at significant developments within the industry itself, reshaping the narrative around South Indian cinema. With films like L2: Empuraan, audiences are bound to witness thrilling storytelling and innovative filmmaking, assuring its place within the hearts of fans across regions.