Prithviraj Sukumaran has established himself as a prominent actor, yet it is in his role as a filmmaker that he has significantly advanced the commercial potential of Malayalam cinema. With the release of Lucifer, he achieved a milestone by delivering the industry's first ₹100 crore blockbuster, and now, with the sequel titled L2: Empuraan, he aims to reach even greater heights. In anticipation of the Mohanlal-starring film's release, Prithviraj discusses the film's ambitious scope, the experience of directing his idol, and the alleged 'crisis' facing the Malayalam film industry at the box office.

On the scale of L2: Empuraan

Regarding the scale of L2: Empuraan, Prithviraj describes it as "the deep end of the swimming pool." Although the filmmakers have not disclosed the budget, reports suggest it exceeds ₹150 crore, potentially making it the most expensive Malayalam film to date. He reflects, "I don't believe anyone in our industry has attempted a project of this magnitude. While writing the script, I feared it might never come to fruition. I realized I had set my sights too high and found it impossible to scale it down. It was only due to the faith of Mohanlal sir and my producer, Antony Perumbavoor, that we proceeded with this vision. We decided to fully commit."

Lucifer, the first instalment of the intended trilogy, was a tremendous success upon its release in 2019, ranking as the sixth-highest-grossing Malayalam film of all time. Discussing the sequel, Prithviraj acknowledges the pressure he feels, stating, "I won't deny it. I am acutely aware that every viewer entering to see the second part likely has their own interpretation of the film. However, that anticipation is also what I am relying on, hoping it will act as a driving force for this project. It is important to note that this trilogy was always planned. The creation of Empuraan was not solely a result of Lucifer's success; rather, it is a continuation made possible by that success, allowing us to broaden the franchise. The concept has always been in place."

On directing his idol, Mohanlal

Prithviraj openly admits to being a devoted fan of Mohanlal. When asked how he distinguishes between his admiration as a fan and his role as a filmmaker, he quickly clarifies, “It’s a fanboy directing his idol; make no mistake! It’s actually much more challenging for him (Mohanlal) because it’s the fanboy in me who is at the helm. I find myself requesting numerous things from him, driven by my vision of what a Mohanlal film should embody. I cannot claim to be entirely objective in this process. I have indulged my preferences at various points throughout the film.”

On Malayalam cinema's crisis

Regarding the challenges facing Malayalam cinema, Prithviraj notes that Empuraan is set to release during a pivotal moment in the industry’s history. Despite the recent production of several remarkable films, very few have achieved commercial success. Last month, the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) reported that only 24 out of 200 Malayalam films released in 2024 turned a profit, leading to discussions of a potential industry shutdown. However, Prithviraj remains unfazed by these concerns. He asserts, "I can assure you that there has never been a year in the history of cinema where the industry has consistently generated an annual net profit. It is a high-risk sector with a significant failure rate, and this reality is simply being highlighted more prominently at present. The current outcry regarding the financial struggles of various Indian film industries is amplified by the presence of news channels, social media, and more accessible communication methods. No film industry in the world has ever produced 100 films in a year with 80 of them being successful. The failure rate has always been substantial."

When asked what sustains the industry, he responds, "The business remains appealing because the return on investment can be rapid, sometimes reaching 300-400%, which attracts investors. Beyond that, it is essentially a gamble."

L2: Empuraan, directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, stars Mohanlal, Manju Warrier, Tovino Thomas, Indrajith Sukumaran, Abhimanyu Singh, Eriq Ebouaney, Jerome Flynn, Saikumar, Baiju Santhosh and Suraj Venjaramoodu. The film will be released in theatres on March 27.

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