L2 Empuraan Movie Review: A Thrilling Spectacle of Mohanlal’s Swag
Sarkar Rating: 2.5/5 Release Date: March 27, 2025
Cast
Mohanlal, Prithviraj Sukumaran, Tovino Thomas, Manju Warrier, Andrea Tivadar, Indrajith Sukumaran, Abhimanyu Singh, Kishore, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Nikhat Khan, Fazil, Sachin Khedekar, Saikumar, Saniya Iyappan and others
Crew
Writer: Murali Gopy
DOP: Sujith Vaassudev
Music: Deepak Dev
Editor: Akhilesh Mohan
Art Director: Mohandas
Action: Stunt Silva
Producer: Antony Perumbavoor
Directed by: Prithviraj Sukumaran
Introduction
Mohanlal’s highly anticipated sequel, L2 Empuraan, directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, is finally here, continuing the legacy of the Lucifer franchise. Packed with intense political drama, high-octane action sequences, and a visually stunning narrative, the film explores the evolution of Stephen Nedumpally, aka Abraam Khureshi. But does L2 Empuraan live up to the expectations set by its predecessor? Let’s dive into the review.
Plot Overview
Stephen Nedumpally (Mohanlal) is now living under the alias Abraam Khureshi, a dominant figure in an international cartel. He is closely assisted by Zayed Masood (Prithviraj Sukumaran), whom he saved from a terrorist group 20 years ago.
Back in Kerala, political tensions rise as Chief Minister Jathin Ramdas (Tovino Thomas) breaks away from his party, forming a new alliance with the ruling central government to evade corruption charges. This move shocks his sister, Priyadarshini Ramdas (Manju Warrier), who decides to challenge him in the upcoming elections. As the battle for political power intensifies, Stephen steps in to guide her, but his true identity remains an enigma. Is he Stephen, Abraam, or the enigmatic Lucifer himself?
A Look Back at Lucifer and Its Influence
Released in 2019, Lucifer became a milestone in Malayalam cinema, setting new box office records. It was later remade in Telugu as Godfather with Chiranjeevi in the lead role. Now, L2 Empuraan picks up from where Lucifer left off, diving deeper into Stephen’s past and his rise as an influential force in global crime syndicates.
Story & Screenplay
The film begins with a flashback to 2002, delving into the origins of Zayed Masood’s character and his tragic past. After an intense backstory setup, Mohanlal’s entry happens at the 60-minute mark, elevating the narrative with his signature charisma.
While the first half takes its time establishing multiple subplots, the second half gains momentum, delivering thrilling action sequences and a deep dive into contemporary political conspiracies. The screenplay highlights global conflicts, spanning locations such as Iraq, Senegal, London, France, Kashmir, and Kerala. However, despite the grand scale, the film occasionally falters with a slow pace and predictable plot developments.
Political Undertones & Real-World Reflections
One of the boldest aspects of L2 Empuraan is its direct commentary on India’s current political climate. The introduction of Abhimanyu Singh’s character, Bhajrangi, symbolizes the power wielded by central authorities in manipulating state politics. The film mirrors real-life events, showcasing the use of law enforcement agencies to suppress opposition leaders—a theme that resonates strongly with contemporary audiences.
Visuals & Action Sequences
Director Prithviraj Sukumaran has pushed the envelope in terms of scale and grandeur. The cinematography by Sujith Vaassudev is breathtaking, capturing everything from the desolate landscapes of Iraq to the lush forests of Kerala with stunning precision. The action sequences, particularly the intense forest battle, are meticulously choreographed and visually spectacular, raising the standards of Malayalam cinema.
Performances
- Mohanlal dominates every frame with his unmatched screen presence. His portrayal of Stephen/Abraam exudes power and style, making his late entry worth the wait.
- Prithviraj Sukumaran delivers a solid performance, portraying his character’s layered emotions effectively.
- Manju Warrier shines in a pivotal role, especially in the climax, where her presence leaves a lasting impact.
- Tovino Thomas plays his part well, though his character’s scope remains limited.
- Abhimanyu Singh stands out as the menacing antagonist, adding intensity to the political thriller aspect of the film.
Technical Brilliance
- Cinematography: Sujith Vaassudev’s work is exceptional, offering high-quality visuals that rival Hollywood productions.
- Action Sequences: Well-executed, with international-standard stunt choreography.
- Production Design: The grand sets and attention to detail enhance the film’s scale.
- Background Score: Functional but not as memorable as Lucifer.
Verdict: Should You Watch L2 Empuraan?
L2 Empuraan is a grand cinematic experience that offers top-tier action, political intrigue, and Mohanlal’s magnetic performance. While it lacks the emotional depth and crisp storytelling of Lucifer, the film compensates with stunning visuals, high-stakes drama, and a bold political narrative.
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