Empuraan Movie Review: Worth the Hype?
“L2: Empuraan” roars onto the screen as a powerful sequel to the 2019 blockbuster Lucifer, deepening the saga of Stephen Nedumpally—aka Khureshi Ab’raam. Directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran and starring the legendary Mohanlal, this film aims to scale the cinematic heights of Malayalam industry with international flair, intense political drama, and meticulously choreographed action.
Plot and Storyline: 8.5/10
The story follows Stephen Nedumpally after the events of Lucifer. He has fully embraced his alter ego, Khureshi Ab’raam, a global crime boss who now faces threats from both international syndicates and political adversaries in Kerala. The film unfolds through parallel timelines, skillfully weaving together his past and present. Flashbacks reveal how Stephen consolidated his empire, while present-day Kerala burns under political unrest.
Prithviraj places the character at the heart of international conspiracies, mixing crime, politics, and personal revenge. The plot keeps viewers engaged through intrigue and suspense. However, the complexity of multiple subplots and time jumps might overwhelm those unfamiliar with Lucifer.
Performances: 9.5/10
Mohanlal delivers a tour de force performance as Khureshi Ab’raam. He carries a magnetic presence, shifting seamlessly between calm calculation and ruthless authority. His charisma never wanes, even in quieter scenes, where his eyes tell volumes of hidden pain, power, and legacy.
Prithviraj Sukumaran shines as Zayed Masood. His expanded role adds emotional depth and weight. Zayed no longer just supports Stephen—he becomes a character with his own arc of revenge, loyalty, and ambition. Their chemistry commands attention and offers some of the film’s most intense moments.
The supporting cast raises the bar. Manju Warrier, Tovino Thomas, and Indrajith Sukumaran deliver solid performances. Rick Yune’s addition as the menacing head of the Shen Triad brings an international edge and menace. His confrontations with Mohanlal feel grand and cinematic.
Direction and Screenplay: 8/10
Prithviraj Sukumaran showcases clear vision and ambition as a director. He doesn’t hold back from expanding the world established in Lucifer. He places characters in high-stakes international settings while never losing touch with the film’s political roots in Kerala.
Murali Gopy’s screenplay builds a layered, complex web of narrative threads. He includes philosophical monologues, geopolitical conspiracies, emotional character beats, and symbolic motifs. However, the film sometimes meanders due to its ambition. A tighter structure in the second half could have helped.
The dialogue, rich in subtext and political commentary, adds gravitas. But some monologues feel a bit indulgent. Prithviraj wants the audience to think, not just watch, and that effort deserves applause.
Cinematography and Visuals: 9/10
Sujith Vaassudev’s cinematography stuns from frame one. He uses sweeping aerial shots, moody lighting, and carefully framed close-ups to capture the psychological layers of each scene. The visuals blend the gritty realism of Kerala’s politics with the glossy finish of international crime scenes.
Whether Stephen walks through candle-lit corridors in Vatican-like spaces or engages in brutal fights in neon-lit European streets, every frame feels intentional and cinematic. The visuals complement the film’s themes of power, legacy, and violence.
The use of IMAX and EPIQ formats elevates the visual experience. Malayalam cinema hasn’t often explored such formats, and Empuraan sets a new benchmark for the industry.
Action and Choreography: 8.5/10
The action in Empuraan comes raw and grounded. The fights avoid exaggerated effects and rely on practical stunts, clean choreography, and slick editing. You feel every punch and gunshot.
Major action sequences take place in confined spaces, giving them an intimate, claustrophobic feel. Prithviraj also includes large-scale shootouts and an explosive finale that screams high-budget execution.
Some scenes stretch on a bit longer than necessary, but the realism and grit win the day.
Editing and Pacing: 7/10
The film runs over 2 hours and 40 minutes, and it feels long in places. Prithviraj and his editors could have trimmed several sequences, especially in the midsection where the narrative slows down. While each subplot brings value, not all demand equal screen time.
Flashbacks sometimes disrupt the flow, though they provide critical backstory. Viewers unfamiliar with Lucifer may struggle to connect the dots due to the lack of recap.
Still, the climax and final 30 minutes deliver on the film’s promise, wrapping key arcs while setting the stage for future developments.
Sound Design and Music: 8.5/10
Deepak Dev composes a powerful background score that breathes life into the film’s tense moments and grand visuals. His music supports the emotional beats without overwhelming them.
The film doesn’t feature too many songs, staying true to its political-thriller identity. However, the score rises to the occasion in key scenes—especially during confrontations and dramatic reveals.
The sound design, enhanced by Dolby Atmos, immerses viewers in the environment. Explosions shake the screen, and even whispers carry weight.
Cultural and Political Impact: 8/10
Empuraan doesn’t shy away from political commentary. It touches on themes like manipulation of power, media corruption, religious symbolism, and nationalism. These elements have already sparked debates in Kerala’s political circles.
Some leaders called for a boycott, misinterpreting certain scenes as politically biased. However, the film focuses on character development and layered storytelling rather than pushing propaganda.
The controversy adds another layer of interest, fueling discussions around censorship and freedom of expression in cinema.
Box Office and Public Response: 9/10
Despite mixed critical reactions, audiences have embraced Empuraan. The opening day pulled in ₹5.49 crore net in India, with international numbers still rising. The use of IMAX screens and premium formats drew crowds in major cities.
Social media buzz remains strong, with fans dissecting scenes, referencing callbacks from Lucifer, and speculating on the next installment. Many call it the Malayalam MCU and demand spin-offs for key characters.
The film shows that Malayalam cinema can scale big, rival global productions, and still tell culturally rooted stories.
Final Verdict: 8.5/10
L2: Empuraan stands tall as a political-action thriller that dares to dream big. It carries forward the legacy of Lucifer while carving its own identity. The film delivers gripping performances, high-stakes drama, and technical brilliance. Though it occasionally falters in pacing, the sheer ambition and cinematic scope make it a must-watch.
Breakdown of Ratings:
| Aspect | Rating (out of 10) |
|---|---|
| Story and Plot | 8.5 |
| Performances | 9.5 |
| Direction and Screenplay | 8 |
| Cinematography | 9 |
| Action and Choreography | 8.5 |
| Editing and Pacing | 7 |
| Music and Sound Design | 8.5 |
| Cultural/Political Impact | 8 |
| Box Office/Public Response | 9 |
| Overall | 8.5/10 |
