Movie Overview
L2: Empuraan, the Sequel to Lucifer ( 2019) , has been the movie of the Mollywood industry has been released in 5 languages that includes Malayalam ( original) , Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi. This action thriller is directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran with an ensemble star cast comprising of Mohanlal, Prithviraj Sukumaran, Tovino Thomas, Manju Warrier, among others. In this sequel the story continues on further delving deep into the life of Stephen Nedumpally as Khureshi Ab’raam known the overlord ( Empuraan) of the crime world. In the first part of the movie, many signs and symbols indicated that KA ( Khureshi Ab’raam) is a part of the "Illuminati" - the world’s most secretive organizations whose people are hidden from the world even when they are actually living between us only. This is the reason why KA always remains off the radar. He lives among people as Stephen Nedumpally but his identity as KA is never disclosed and remains hidden. The reason why I’m telling this is because people who haven’t watched the first part must watch it first and then go for the sequel L2: Empuraan otherwise you may find it difficult to connect the dots in the sequel. You really won’t get it what’s happening.
Plot & Themes:
The plot of the movie is set in 2002 when they show the communal riots taking place in the North India, where Zayed Masood and his family are on the run seeking refuge with Subhadra Ben. Munna who calls Subhadra Ben as "Maasi" betrays them that leads to a blood filled massacre led by Balraj Patel ( aka. Baba Bajrangi) killing Zayed’s entire family except him, who then escapes and falls into the hands of a terrorist group but later rescued by Khureshi Ab’raam Nexus led by Ab’raam who promises Zayed to help seek revenge. After six years when Jatin Ramdas the then CM of Kerala, faces investigation for financial scams a new party called ASM ( Akhanda Shakti Morcha) led by Balraj gains influence. The further storyline explores the themes of power, deception, crime and redemption with Stephen supporting Priyadarshini, Jatin’s Sister as a new political candidate of the ITF which results in some intense showdowns. I will not reveal the climax here as I want you to go and find it out. The only thing I will reveal to you is that a post-credit scene clearly stating that there will be part 3 - L3: The Beginning that explores Stephen’s 1981 Bombay Past. Also a new enemy called the God Axis ( Shen Triad) awaits to collide with KA.
Cast Performance and Direction:
Mohanlal’s role of Stephen Nedumpally remains a cornerstone in the movie. His stunning presence on the screen and nuanced performance continue to captivate and mesmerize the audiences. Prithviraj Sukumaran, both as a director and actor, brings intensity to the character of Zayed Masood. However, some reviews suggest that the film lacks the emotional depth and character development that made "Lucifer" resonate with viewers.
Technical Aspects:
"L2: Empuraan" is a visual spectacle, no doubt. With Sujith Vasudev’s cinematography capturing the grandeur and the grit of the narrative, delivering out stunning visuals enhance the storytelling. Deepak Dev’s musical score complements the film’s tone, elevating key moments and adding to the overall cinematic experience. The song "Phir Zinda" is a power packed song that fits well in the movie. The actions and stunts are well choreographed with precision, offering an international-level thrills that have been lauded by audiences.
Critical Reception:
The film has garnered mixed reviews from critics where Times of India rated it 3.5/5, noting that while the movie delivers to some extent, it doesn’t quite match the punch of "Lucifer". Yes, I too agree with that point. Also, Koimoi highlighted the film’s high-quality action sequences but pointed out weaknesses in the plot. Well, I didn’t find it weak but a bit stretchy. Fan reactions on social media platforms have been varied, with some praising the film’s visuals and performances, while others critique its pacing and narrative depth. Yes, there’s a pacing issue as the first half seem to be slow in pace. It’s after the interval the movie catches its speed.
Conclusion:
In summary, "L2: Empuraan" stands as a testament to the evolving landscape of Malayalam cinema, aiming for grandeur and complexity. While it may not entirely recapture the magic of its predecessor, the film offers enough in terms of performances and technical prowess to warrant a viewing. Fans of the genre and the original film will find elements to appreciate, even if certain aspects leave room for improvement. Based on personal viewing, I would rate the film 8/10, acknowledging its ambitious scope and the compelling performances of its lead actors.