L2: Empuraan

Starring: Mohanlal, Prithviraj Sukumaran, Abhimanyu Singh, Tovino Thomas, Manju Warrier

Directed by: Prithviraj Sukumaran

Rating: 2.5 stars

It had been 45 minutes since the opening scene of L2: Empuraan (I checked the time), and the main character, Mohanlal, hadn’t made his entrance yet. I might be a bit traditional, but I prefer my action heroes to show up well before the intermission. However, Empuraan isn’t just any typical mass masala flick. It hails from God's own country, where cinema still thrives. The goal here is to blend the artistry of Malayalam films with the grand experience of mass cinema, as the director himself stated. Still, the end result is a film struggling with its identity, a lengthy runtime, and a jumbled script. While the action and mass appeal provide some entertainment, it’s not quite enough to save it.

What’s the story behind Empuraan?

In the follow-up to Prithviraj Sukumaran's Lucifer, titled L2: Empuraan, we find Kerala under the leadership of CM Jathin Ramdas (Tovino Thomas), who is aligning himself with communal groups led by Bajrangi (Abhimanyu Singh). His sister, Priyadarshini (Manju Warrier), struggles to intervene and must seek help from their half-brother, Stephen (Mohanlal), who had entrusted Jathin with power six years ago. However, Stephen is currently living as his alter ego, the criminal genius Khureshi Ab'raam, and is busy settling scores abroad with his right-hand man Zayed (Prithviraj). Once he shifts his focus back home, expect plenty of action, chaos, and revenge—everything you’d want in a classic mass entertainer!

What works and what doesn't

Empuraan seems like it has all the ingredients for a hit movie—an adored lead actor, a solid and well-known supporting cast, stunning locations, impressive action sequences, and a hefty budget. However, it falls short in the story department. The first hour takes viewers on a whirlwind tour of several locations across two timelines, but there’s no real plot to follow. While the political landscape in Kerala twists and turns, Ab'raam is busy taking out foes on the other side of the world.

The film raises questions about the power of its all-mighty character when his loved ones are in distress, yet he remains unable to step in and help. After the first hour, things do pick up a bit with a series of slow-motion shots featuring Mohanlal’s grand entrance. It’s stylish and slick, providing some fan service that gets the audience cheering, but it doesn’t really advance the story.

Things start to get interesting after the intermission when Prithviraj allows the mass hero to finally dive into some action. The jungle fight scene right after the break is definitely the film's standout moment. Mohanlal brings his charm and presence to the fight, making his larger-than-life character, Lucifer, feel believable. However, the director’s fanboy enthusiasm sometimes overshadows the film, almost turning Mohanlal into a Rajinikanth-like figure.

As for the performances, they’re not particularly memorable. This isn’t the Mohanlal we saw in Bharatham, nor does he try to be. It’s a different style, but he fits right in, effortlessly charming and holding his own during the action. Prithviraj Sukumaran comes off as a younger, fitter version of the superstar, conveying emotion with a subtle touch. However, Abhimanyu Singh truly shines. Anyone familiar with his roles in Gulaal and Raktha Charithra knows he can bring a menacing presence, and he certainly delivers here, standing strong alongside both Mohanlal and Prithviraj.

Is Empuraan really a Malayalam film?

Empuraan really embodies the spirit of Telugu and Tamil cinema. It feels like a mix of an Atlee or Sukumar movie, but with a Prasanth Neel twist. The rawness of it is definitely not typical of Malayalam films. Kollywood productions are known for their grounded storytelling, and while they can sometimes delve into uncomfortable topics, the violence in Empuraan is different. It's not just sensitive; it's harsh and brutal, almost dehumanizing, and definitely provocative. This element takes away from the film's cultural roots. It’s a bold move to try and take Malayalam cinema to a broader audience, but honestly, in terms of style and execution, Empuraan feels far removed from its Malayalam origins. It leans more towards a Salaar vibe than an Aavesham one.

Some might argue that Empuraan deserves credit for its ambition. However, as my elementary school math teacher always said, what really counts is the outcome. Unfortunately, in this case, the film barely scrapes by, falling short of making a strong impression.

Read Also: L2: Empuraan Movie Review – A Gripping Political Action Thriller!

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