“L2: Empuraan brings back Mohanlal as Khureshi Abraam in a gripping sequel. Directed by Prithviraj, does this action-packed thriller live up to the hype? Find out!”
The highly anticipated L2: Empuraan, directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, has finally hit the silver screens. A sequel to the 2019 blockbuster Lucifer, this film once again brings Mohanlal in the powerful role of Stephen Nedumpally, also known as Khureshi Ab’raam. With sky-high expectations and an expanded cinematic universe, the movie aims to deliver an epic tale of power, politics, and action. However, does it live up to the expectations set by its predecessor? Let’s dive into the review.
Plot Overview
The movie picks up from where Lucifer left off, focusing on the rise and influence of Stephen Nedumpally beyond the political landscape of Kerala. This time, the narrative expands on Stephen’s global reach, his connections in the underworld, and his ultimate mission.
In L2: Empuraan, Kerala’s Chief Minister Jathin Ramdas (Tovino Thomas) takes a controversial decision by breaking away from his party to form a new political movement. He aligns himself with a powerful figure, Baba Bajrangi (Abhimanyu Singh), a move that raises eyebrows, especially within his own family. His sister, Priyadarshini Ramdas (Manju Warrier), vehemently opposes his choices, leading to familial and political tension.
Amidst this chaos, Stephen Nedumpally re-emerges with his vast network and influence, taking matters into his own hands. His battle is not just political—it extends to the international underworld, where he faces the ruthless cartel Kabooga.
While the premise is promising, the execution leaves much to be desired. The film tries to juggle multiple subplots, resulting in an uneven and sometimes convoluted narrative.
Strengths of the Movie
1. Mohanlal’s Power-Packed Performance
Mohanlal is the heart and soul of L2: Empuraan. His portrayal of Stephen Nedumpally is calm, composed, and radiates sheer authority. With minimal dialogues but maximum impact, he proves why he is one of the finest actors in Indian cinema. His presence alone makes many scenes memorable.
2. Grand Visuals and Action Sequences
Director Prithviraj Sukumaran has ensured that the movie is a visual spectacle. The cinematography by Sujith Vaassudev is breathtaking, capturing vast landscapes, intense action sequences, and the grandeur of international locations. The church fight scene and the forest ambush sequence in the second half stand out as some of the most well-executed action pieces in recent Malayalam cinema.
3. Supporting Cast Performances
- Manju Warrier as Priyadarshini Ramdas brings depth and emotion to the film. Her character’s moral dilemma and conflict with Jathin are some of the strongest moments.
- Tovino Thomas, though underutilized, delivers a good performance as Jathin Ramdas, showing his transformation as a young leader trying to carve his own path.
- Prithviraj Sukumaran himself makes an impactful appearance in the movie, adding layers to the narrative.
4. Background Score and Music
Composer Deepak Dev has done a commendable job with the background score, enhancing the mood and intensity of key moments. While the music is gripping, it doesn’t quite reach the iconic level of Lucifer’s soundtrack.
Weaknesses of the Movie
1. Weak and Overstretched Narrative
One of the major letdowns of L2: Empuraan is its screenplay. Unlike Lucifer, which had a tightly knit political drama, this sequel seems to wander in multiple directions. While the film attempts to be larger-than-life, it ends up feeling bloated.
The film heavily relies on building character elevations rather than delivering a compelling and engaging story. The international crime angle, though interesting, lacks depth and clarity.
2. Excessive Runtime and Slow Pacing
With a runtime of nearly 3 hours, the film tests the audience’s patience. Many scenes, especially in the first half, could have been trimmed to make the movie more engaging. The slow pacing dilutes the impact of crucial moments.
3. Underdeveloped Characters
Despite having a stellar cast, many characters feel underwritten:
- Tovino Thomas’ Jathin Ramdas has potential but isn’t given enough screen time to make a lasting impact.
- Indrajith Sukumaran, playing a crucial role, deserved more character development.
- The antagonist Kabooga, who could have been a strong villain, fails to leave a lasting impression.
Technical Aspects
Cinematography & Visual Effects
As mentioned earlier, Sujith Vaassudev’s cinematography is one of the film’s biggest strengths. The way the film captures vast landscapes and intense action sequences adds to its grandeur.
Editing & Screenplay
This is where the film falters. A tighter edit would have significantly improved the movie’s pacing. The screenplay, written by Murali Gopy, lacks the sharpness that made Lucifer engaging.
Direction
Prithviraj Sukumaran’s vision for L2: Empuraan is ambitious, and while he succeeds in delivering a grand spectacle, the storytelling gets muddled in its complexity. The film leans more on style than substance, which may not sit well with all audiences.
Final Verdict – Is L2: Empuraan Worth Watching?
L2: Empuraan is a film made on an ambitious scale, with breathtaking visuals and a stellar performance by Mohanlal. However, it lacks the gripping narrative and sharp storytelling that made Lucifer a cult classic.
Who Will Enjoy This Film?
- Fans of Mohanlal, who will love his powerful screen presence.
- Audiences who enjoy grand action sequences and stylish visuals.
- Viewers who liked Lucifer but are willing to overlook narrative flaws for spectacle.
Who Might Find It Disappointing?
- Those expecting a tightly woven political thriller.
- Viewers who prefer fast-paced movies with engaging plots.
- Audiences who found Lucifer’s storytelling superior and expect the same level here.
Rating: 3.5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐✰
While L2: Empuraan delivers visually, it stumbles narratively. If you are a fan of Mohanlal and love grandeur in films, this is a decent one-time watch. However, for those expecting a political thriller like Lucifer, this sequel might feel underwhelming.
Did you watch L2: Empuraan? What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments!
Source: 123telugu
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