L2: Empuraan (2025) Movie NetMirror

L2: Empuraan, the much-awaited sequel to the 2019 hit Lucifer, released in theaters on March 27, 2025. Directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, this Malayalam-language action thriller brings back the powerful Mohanlal, along with Tovino Thomas, Manju Warrier, and Prithviraj himself.

The movie dives deeper into the mysterious life of Stephen Nedumpally, also known as Khureshi Ab’raam, blending political drama, action, and suspense in a gripping tale.

L2: Empuraan Movie Casting

Plot and Storyline

Set in the heart of Kerala’s political world, L2: Empuraan uncovers the rise of Stephen Nedumpally and his transformation into Khureshi Ab’raam, the feared head of a global crime empire. The story gets intense as Stephen returns to India to settle old scores, bringing back memories, enemies, and hidden truths.

The movie also touches upon real-life events like the 2002 Gujarat riots, giving the narrative more depth and emotional weight. With themes like power, betrayal, and redemption, the plot keeps the viewers engaged throughout.

Cinematic Brilliance and Direction

Prithviraj Sukumaran’s direction stands out once again with a grand vision and stylish execution. The cinematography and color grading are top-notch, creating a visually stunning experience. Advanced filming tech like mocobot was used, which adds to the film’s visual appeal.

While many praised the movie’s scale and style, a few felt it could’ve had more depth like Lucifer did. Still, the film delivers some unforgettable moments on screen.

Cast Performances

Mohanlal is in top form as Stephen/Krureshi, balancing power and emotion in every scene. His performance gives the film its soul. Prithviraj, Tovino Thomas, and Manju Warrier all deliver strong performances that support the story beautifully.

Each actor adds weight to their role, making the film richer and more engaging. Their chemistry on-screen keeps the audience glued.

Critical Reception

The movie received mixed to positive reviews from critics.

• One platform rated it 3.5 out of 5, appreciating the dialogues and mass appeal.
• Another noted its grand visuals but felt it lacked substance.
• On a popular review aggregator, the film holds a 73% approval rating based on early reviews.
• A well-known site gave it 2.75/5, highlighting that though the visuals and action sequences stood out, the story wasn’t as gripping as expected.

Audience Reactions

The public response has been largely positive. Viewers loved the film’s intensity, action scenes, and performances, especially Mohanlal’s. Fans called his acting spellbinding and felt he carried the movie with ease.

However, some viewers pointed out that the slow pace and long runtime might not be for everyone. Still, the film had strong advance bookings and is doing well at the box office.

Controversies

Like many big films, L2: Empuraan also had its share of controversies. The inclusion of the Gujarat riots in the storyline raised eyebrows, with some calling it politically sensitive.

There were also reports of the producer facing legal trouble, which added to the buzz around the movie. While some accused the film of promoting a political agenda, others appreciated the bold storytelling.

Final Verdict

L2: Empuraan is a power-packed sequel that takes Malayalam cinema to the next level. With strong performances, stylish visuals, and a deep plot, it offers a thrilling experience to fans of the genre.

It might not match Lucifer in every way, but it brings enough excitement and depth to stand on its own. If you’re into political thrillers, action dramas, or simply love watching Mohanlal in action, this movie is worth a watch.