The blockbuster film L2: Empuraan, starring Mohanlal and directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, is all set for its OTT release. The makers announced that the film will begin streaming on JioHotstar starting April 24. The news was shared on social media along with a new poster marking the OTT launch. Empuraan, which hit theatres worldwide on March 27, is making its digital debut less than a month after its theatrical release. Interestingly, the OTT premiere comes just a day before the theatrical release of Thudarum, another film starring Mohanlal and directed by Tharun Moorthy.
The film has already entered its fourth week in cinemas and continues to draw audiences. With a reported box office collection of over ₹250 crore, Empuraan has become one of the biggest industry hits in Malayalam cinema. The film became the first Malayalam movie to gross ₹80 crore worldwide on its opening weekend, setting a remarkable precedent.
Empuraan is the second part of the 'Lucifer' movie—a trilogy planned by the Prithviraj-Mohanlal team—and has sparked significant debate due to its critique of right-wing politics and the covert mention of the Gujarat riots. Despite the backlash, Empuraan has achieved remarkable success at the box office. The film faced immediate criticism upon release for its portrayal of the 2002 Gujarat riots, leading to pressure on the filmmakers to make edits. Some scenes were indeed cut to appease critics, but the film's popularity remained largely unaffected.
According to Mohanlal, the film's lead actor, the team was aware of the potential controversy and took steps to address it. "While watching, I wondered many times if I should just walk out in the middle," said R Sreelekha, a former IPS officer and BJP member, expressing her discontent with the film’s narrative. On the other hand, actor-turned-politician Ganesh Kumar suggested that the strike call by certain film bodies was part of a conspiracy against Empuraan, orchestrated to serve the interests of specific political groups.
In the wake of the film's release, the co-producer, Gokulam Gopalan, came under scrutiny from the Enforcement Directorate (ED), while producer Anthony Perumbavoor received a notice from the Income Tax Department regarding financial transactions linked to his prior films. Furthermore, the I-T Department issued a notice to actor Prithviraj, seeking clarification about his remuneration for three films he starred in during 2022.
Empuraan's plot revolves around the political landscape of Kerala, focusing on Jathin Ramdas (played by Tovino Thomas), a former Chief Minister whose greed leads to chaos in the state. The narrative weaves in hopes for the return of Stephen Nedumpally (played by Mohanlal) to restore peace.
The film's success is not just measured in box office numbers. It has also become a cultural phenomenon, with discussions surrounding its themes and the implications of its political commentary. Despite the challenges faced, including the backlash and the subsequent edits made to the film, it has managed to resonate with audiences, becoming the second highest-grossing Indian film of 2025.
The film’s cast includes notable names such as Manju Warrier, Indrajith Sukumaran, Jerome Flynn, and Abhimanyu Singh, contributing to its star-studded appeal. The anticipation for its OTT release is palpable, especially given the controversies that surrounded its theatrical run.
As the film transitions to streaming, many are curious about how the edited version will be received by audiences. The producers have confirmed that the version available on JioHotstar will be the one that underwent re-censoring, which removed certain contentious references. This decision was made to mitigate the backlash the film received upon its initial release.
In a statement, the production team emphasized their commitment to presenting a film that not only entertains but also engages with pressing social issues. They acknowledged the film's polarizing nature and expressed hope that the streaming release would allow for a broader discussion among viewers.
The excitement surrounding L2: Empuraan’s OTT release is indicative of the changing dynamics in film consumption, where audiences are eager to engage with content that challenges societal norms and provokes thought. As the film prepares to reach a wider audience through JioHotstar, it is clear that its impact will continue to be felt long after its theatrical run.
In summary, L2: Empuraan’s journey from a controversial theatrical release to an eagerly awaited OTT debut encapsulates the evolving landscape of Malayalam cinema and its ability to spark conversations on critical issues. With its streaming date set for April 24, 2025, fans and critics alike will soon have the opportunity to revisit this cinematic spectacle.
