Published by: Sourav Kumar
Updated on: Friday, 28 Mar 2025

The highly anticipated sequel to Lucifer (2019), L2: Empuraan, directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, has finally hit the screens. Starring Mohanlal, this Malayalam action thriller was expected to be a cinematic spectacle, but does it live up to the hype? While the film offers stunning visuals and high-octane action sequences, its storytelling and screenplay leave much to be desired.

L2: Empuraan – The Legacy Continues

Lucifer was a game-changer for Malayalam cinema, blending mass appeal with intelligent storytelling. The sequel, L2: Empuraan, attempts to build on that legacy but takes a detour into a more commercial, larger-than-life filmmaking style reminiscent of Bollywood and Tamil cinema’s superstar-driven narratives.

Storyline & Plot Analysis

The movie continues the journey of Stephen Nedumpally, who was revealed to be Abraham Qureshi in the previous installment. This time, the story expands globally, showcasing Stephen’s vast influence and the roots of his power. However, while the film aims to provide depth, it often loses itself in excessive style and slow-motion sequences, making it feel more like a Rajinikanth or Salman Khan film than an authentic Malayalam thriller.

Strengths of L2: Empuraan

1. Spectacular Cinematography: Sujith Vaassudev’s visuals are stunning, capturing grand landscapes and high-energy action sequences.
2. Mohanlal’s Screen Presence: The superstar delivers his role with gravitas, elevating even the weakest moments.
3. Engaging Action Sequences: The film is packed with adrenaline-pumping fight scenes and larger-than-life hero moments.
4. Strong Supporting Cast: With actors like Manju Warrier and Tovino Thomas, the film benefits from solid performances.

Weaknesses of L2: Empuraan

1. Overindulgent Direction: Prithviraj Sukumaran appears more like a Mohanlal fanboy than a director, focusing too much on glorifying the superstar rather than telling a gripping story.
2. Weak Screenplay: The film lacks the tight, impactful storytelling that made Lucifer a cult hit.
3. Lack of Emotional Depth: Despite grand action sequences, the emotional connection with characters feels missing.
4. Predictable Narrative: The film relies on familiar tropes, making it less engaging than its predecessor.

Technical Aspects & Music

• Music & BGM: Deepak Dev’s background score, while impactful in parts, does not leave a lasting impression.
• Editing: Akhilesh Mohan struggles to keep the film crisp, with a runtime of over three hours, making it a tedious watch.
• Sound Design: The film relies heavily on loud, cinematic sound effects, which at times feel overdone.

FAQs About L2: Empuraan

1. Is L2: Empuraan a direct sequel to Lucifer?

Yes, L2: Empuraan continues the story of Stephen Nedumpally (Mohanlal) and expands on his global influence.

2. Who is the director of L2: Empuraan?

The film is directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, who also helmed Lucifer (2019).

3. What is the runtime of L2: Empuraan?

The movie runs for approximately three hours, making it a lengthy watch.

4. Does L2: Empuraan live up to the expectations?

While the film delivers high-octane action and grand visuals, it lacks the strong screenplay and emotional depth that made Lucifer a blockbuster.

5. Where can I watch L2: Empuraan?

The film is currently available in theaters and is expected to release on OTT platforms later.

Final Verdict

L2: Empuraan is a visually stunning but storytelling-wise underwhelming sequel that focuses more on hero worship than substance. While fans of Mohanlal might enjoy his larger-than-life portrayal, the film lacks the depth and intensity of Lucifer. If you’re a fan of mass entertainers, you may find the action sequences thrilling, but for those expecting a gripping political thriller, L2: Empuraan falls short.

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