L2: Empuraan takes Malayalam cinema into uncharted territory, delivering a globe-trotting crime saga that matches high ambition with solid execution. Directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran and written by Murali Gopi, the sequel to the 2018 blockbuster Lucifer is a dazzling spectacle of political intrigue, emotional bonds, and brutal action.

A Tale of Brotherhood and Betrayal

The story follows Ab’raam Khureshi (Mohanlal) and his trusted lieutenant Zayed Masood (Prithviraj) as they navigate a dangerous world of drug wars and shifting political landscapes. Rooted in their orphaned pasts, the emotional bond between these two men becomes the heart of this sprawling narrative.

L2: Empuraan, the most anticipated Malayalam release of the year, is one of the most ambitious tentpole films to have come out of Indian cinema in a long time.

Empuraan continues where the 2018 blockbuster Lucifer left off, giving us a glimpse into the hidden world of secret drug wars and international crime cartels lead by the infamous Ab’raam Khureshi, played wonderfully by Mohanlal.

The film starts off with a covert military mission gone wrong in Qaraqosh, the ‘ghost town’ on the fringes of post war torn down Iraq.

We then cut to the communal violence that took place in Gujarat in 2001.

Murali Gopi clearly has a lot of ground to cover and is in a hurry to set up the world of his ambitious sequel.

The events escalate and alternate across different countries and continents with breakneck speed as we are left to play catchup with the high stakes drug wars and geopolitical intrigue.

Empuraan is ultimately the story of two orphans, Ab’raam Khureshi and Zayed Masood (Prithviraj Sukumaran), who have to fend against a cruel world that took away their families.

The relationship between these two men, of the ‘crime lord’ and his ‘trusted lieutenant’, is the emotional core of the film.

It is fascinating to introduce your secondary lead as just a side player in the first instalment, only to expand on his backstory in the second part.

Direction and Screenplay: A Balancing Act

Empuraan moves at breakneck speed, alternating between geopolitical chess games and personal vendettas. While the scope occasionally threatens to overwhelm, Prithviraj’s direction maintains coherence, ensuring that character moments aren’t lost amidst the spectacle.

Performances: A Blazing Mohanlal, A Brooding Prithviraj

• Mohanlal is at his magnetic best, portraying Ab’raam’s inner rage and sorrow with an intensity unseen in recent years.
• Prithviraj Sukumaran delivers a nuanced performance as the stoic, haunted Zayed Masood.
• Supporting performances by Tovino Thomas, Manju Warrier, and Indrajith Sukumaran add further gravitas to the ensemble.

Technical Brilliance: A Visual and Musical Feast

Sujith Vaasudev‘s cinematography offers slick, globe-spanning visuals that feel both authentic and grand. Deepak Dev‘s soaring score complements the epic narrative, heightening the tension and emotional beats throughout the film.

Action Sequences: Slick and Satisfying

Prithviraj crafts action set pieces that feel purposeful and character-driven. Whether it’s a brutal hand-to-hand combat scene or a large-scale gun battle, the film’s action never feels gratuitous, always serving the story’s emotional stakes.

Highlights and Flaws

The film’s greatest strength lies in its ability to blend personal drama with larger-than-life politics. However, its preachy political undertones and slightly muddled pacing in parts may divide audiences. Still, moments like Mohanlal’s iconic mundu-folding forest scene make Empuraan unforgettable.

Final Verdict: A Monumental Achievement

Empuraan is a bold, satisfying sequel that expands the universe of Lucifer with bigger emotions, grander visuals, and deeper character arcs. It may not be flawless, but its cinematic ambition is rare and worthy of celebration.

Rediff Rating: 4 out of 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

Empuraan is now playing in theatres. Don’t miss this epic crime saga!