When Lucifer hit the screens in 2019, nobody predicted it would become a cultural phenomenon in Kerala and beyond. It wasn’t just a political thriller it was the birth of something much larger, the mythology of Khureshi Ab’raam. In 2025, L2: Empuraan continues that legacy, picking up the thread with even more fire, depth, and scale. This isn’t a typical action sequel. Directed once again by Prithviraj Sukumaran, Empuraan doesn’t just raise the stakes, it broadens the entire cinematic landscape of Malayalam cinema, bringing us into a world where politics, religion, global power, and personal vengeance all collide in a story that spans continents.
Mohanlal as Khureshi Ab’raam: More Than a Man, a Myth
This movie is built on one central force Mohanlal. From the very first shot he appears in, it’s evident that Khureshi is no longer just a character. He’s a symbol. A legend in motion. This time, he doesn’t just walk into scenes, he owns them. The walk, the gaze, the half smile that hides secrets it’s all still there, but there’s a darker undertone now. Spoken in near whisper, this moment sends chills. It’s the confirmation that this man is now much more than a political figure. He’s an institution. A machine powered by ideology, emotion, and absolute control.
What the Story Brings: Power, Politics, and Personal Battles
Empuraan doesn’t pick up right where Lucifer ended. Instead, it rewinds, jumps deeper, and lets us explore who Khureshi Ab’raam is and why he got to be what he is. We get impressions of his change, his early days in Beirut, his ideological move, and the network of control that encompasses him.
This is no little story. There are subplots including foreign arms merchants, spiritual pioneers, and a web of schemes connecting Indian politics to worldwide surveillance. Whereas this complexity includes depth, it can be overpowering. However, the story is secured by one feeling revenge with purpose.
One standout scene has Mohanlal utter a now iconic dialogue, “Absolute power isn’t taken. It’s built. Brick by brick. Lie by lie.” This quote reflects the very essence of the film how power, once earned, becomes indistinguishable from truth.
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Visual Brilliance and Direction
Prithviraj Sukumaran deserves credit for extending the cinematic universe of Lucifer with visual modernity. Empuraan is shot over numerous nations London, Istanbul, Senegal, and Delhi. Cinematographer Sujith Vaassudev makes each outline with care. From dusty back streets to advanced meeting rooms and bullet filled bunkers, the moves are smooth however gritty.
The action choreography too stands out. Unlike overdone masala flicks, the stunts here feel earned. A memorable chase scene over Istanbul rooftops appears Mohanlal’s Khureshi not as a superhero, but a calculating strategist who as it were battles when it counts.
The foundation score, composed by Deepak Dev, deserves praise. It’s haunting in places and explosive in others. One particular moment during the film’s midpoint a betrayal scene between two trusted aides is elevated by a single orchestral swell, followed by silence. No dialogue needed. The pain is clear.
The Supporting Cast Adds Real Weight
While Mohanlal naturally dominates, the rest of the cast hold their own:
- Tovino Thomas as CM Jathin Ramdas brings vulnerability to a role that could’ve easily been flat. His confrontational scenes with Mohanlal sizzle with tension.
- Manju Warrier, reprising her role as Priyadarshini, is sharper than ever. She plays the grieving widow with political ambitions, and her line “What’s the point of democracy when kings never die?” sparked the debate online .
- Prithviraj as Zayed Masood plays almost too cool. But his final scene with Khureshi sets the tone for what’s clearly going to be a third installment.
Real Dialogues That Made Waves
Some real, widely quoted dialogues from the film that fans are repeating:
“Truth is just a version of power.”
“Kings don’t fall in battle. They fade in silence.”
“You can’t fight the system when you are the system.”
“I don’t kill people. I kill their choices.”
“Kerala doesn’t need a leader. It needs a reckoning.”
Each of these lines contributes to the mythic build-up of Khureshi as more than a man someone who is rewriting the political playbook through his own code of ethics and vengeance.
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Box Office and Fan Reception
Empuraan didn’t just open big. It exploded. The film crossed 100 crore within its first five days and soared past 266 crore globally within two weeks, with many trade analysts calling it a new benchmark for Malayalam cinema.
OTT rights were snapped up immediately, and there’s talk of a dubbed version releasing in multiple languages soon. Fan clubs across India organized flash screenings, costume days, and dialogue competitions. Reddit and fan forums are still flooded with theories about the ending and clues for the next sequel.
Where It Slightly Falters
With all this brilliance, Empuraan still isn’t flawless. There are too many characters, and some scenes particularly those involving international syndicates feel stretched. Also, emotional connections with newer characters don’t land as deeply as intended. But none of these are deal-breakers. They’re signs of a film that’s trying to do a lot and mostly succeeding.
Final Verdict: Watch It for the Fire and Philosophy
This isn’t just a movie. It’s an experience. L2: Empuraan takes you on a journey where action meets intellect, where every bullet has a backstory, and every silence speaks volumes. It’s not perfect, but it’s powerful. And it confirms one thing without a doubt Mohanlal isn’t acting anymore. He’s commanding.
