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L2: Empuraan

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L2: Empuraan
A red dragon logo behind a white-clad person, seen through a burned dark cloth
Theatrical release poster
Directed byPrithviraj Sukumaran
Written byMurali Gopy
Produced by
StarringMohanlal
CinematographySujith Vaassudev
Edited byAkhilesh Mohan
Music byDeepak Dev
Production
companies
Release date
  • 27 March 2025 (2025-03-27)
CountryIndia
LanguageMalayalam

L2: Empuraan (stylised as E.M.P.U.R.A.A.N), also called L2E, is an upcoming Indian Malayalam-language action thriller film directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran and written by Murali Gopy. It is the second instalment in a planned trilogy, following the 2019 film Lucifer. The film is jointly produced by Lyca Productions and Aashirvad Cinemas. It stars Mohanlal as Stephen Nedumpally / Khureshi Ab'raam alongside an ensemble featuring Prithviraj Sukumaran, Manju Warrier, Tovino Thomas, Indrajith Sukumaran, Saniya Iyappan, Saikumar, Baiju Santhosh, Fazil and Sachin Khedekar all of whom are reprising their roles from the original.

Lucifer was always intended to be a series from its inception, originally conceived as a three-part film. The first part was made into the film Lucifer. The success of the first film led to the decision to proceed with the second instalment in the series. The announcement for Empuraan was made in June 2019, and production, originally planned for mid-2020, faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Murali took the opportunity to expand the scale and scope of Empuraan. The screenplay was finalised in July 2022, and pre-production began the following month. Lyca Productions joined as a producer in 2023, marking their debut in Malayalam, alongside Aashirvad Cinemas, the producer of the original. The film's music was composed by Deepak Dev.

Principal photography began on October 5, 2023, in Faridabad. Subsequent sporadic schedules took place at various locations, including Shimla, Leh, the United Kingdom, United States, Russia, Chennai, Mumbai, New Delhi, Morocco, Kerala, Gujarat, Hyderabad and United Arab Emirates. Empuraan is scheduled to be released in theatres worldwide on 27 March 2025.

Cast

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Production

[edit]

Development

[edit]

No official announcement of a follow-up was made for Lucifer (2019), despite its open ending. The possibility of a continuation was confirmed by writer Murali Gopy in an April 2019 interview, shortly after the release of Lucifer. He clarified that "Lucifer is definitely designed as a franchise, and it is very evident from its structure and progression."[1] The official announcement of a second film and its title took place during a press conference on 18 June 2019. Shedding light on the meaning of the title, Prithviraj Sukumaran said that Empuraan signifies "someone who is more than a king, but less than a god," with a more literal translation being "overlord". Murali revealed that Lucifer was conceived as a series right from its inception. The success of the first film gave them confidence to proceed with Empuraan, said Prithviraj. Production was planned to commence in the second half of 2020.[2]

In September 2019, Prithviraj further revealed that Empuraan is part of a three-film series.[3] The trilogy was originally envisioned as a three-season web series, the first season was transformed into the film Lucifer, while the second and third seasons were adapted for the subsequent instalments.[4] Prithviraj clarified that Empuraan does not continue the story of Lucifer but rather delves into the events that occurred before and after it, and that they have built "a franchise structure that visits every aspect of the story".[5] Murali hinted that Empuraan would unveil more layers of the narrative.[2]

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 led to the postponement of the production.[6] In September 2020, Murali presented a comprehensive design brief of Empuraan to Prithviraj, who stated that it assisted him in visualising an edited and colour-corrected version of the film.[7] Pre-production, that was set to begin in 2021, was again delayed due to the pandemic.[8] In the meantime, Prithviraj directed another film, Bro Daddy (2022), in the third quarter of 2021.[9] In October 2021, Prithviraj disclosed that they were still waiting for the pandemic situation to subside, as they could not proceed with location scouting under that situation and expressed hope to start filming by mid-2022.[10]

In 2022, Murali revealed plans to "scale up the magnitude and scope" of Empuraan.[11] He was in the process of writing the screenplay in May 2022,[12] which he completed that month.[13] In July, Prithviraj announced the completion of Empuraan's final script and informed lead actor Mohanlal and returning producer Antony Perumbavoor.[14] The following month, the team officially announced through social media that they had entered the pre-production phase, "we are starting the actual process of making the film from today (17 August 2022)", wrote Prithviraj. Murali categorised Empuraan as a second instalment rather than a sequel. Prithviraj described the film as a "commercial entertainer".[15] In September 2023, the Tamil film production house Lyca Productions announced their involvement in the production of Empuraan, marking their debut in Malayalam cinema, along with Aashirvad Cinemas, the producer of Lucifer. Additionally, Prithviraj's company Prithviraj Productions is credited for "project design".[16]

Casting

[edit]

Mohanlal reprises his role of Stephen Nedumpally / Khureshi Ab'raam. During the film's announcement, it was revealed that Prithviraj's character Zayed Masood would have more prominence in Empuraan.[2] Prithviraj said that Zayed's role in Stephen's life is bigger than what was shown in Lucifer.[5] In February 2020, Tovino Thomas confirmed his involvement in the project.[17] In February 2023, Baiju Santhosh confirmed that he would reprise his role as Murugan.[18] Manju Warrier, Indrajith Sukumaran, Saikumar, Fazil and Sachin Khedekar were also confirmed to reprise their respective roles.[19] In May 2023, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Arjun Das, Sharafudheen, Shine Tom Chacko, and Rahul Madhav were cast in pivotal roles.[20] In October, Saniya Iyappan was confirmed to return as Jhanvi, despite her earlier decision to take a break to pursue a bachelor's degree in acting.[21]

Filming

[edit]

Following a six-month-long location scouting process in India, which concluded in February 2023, the film crew embarked on a recce in international locations.[22] Principal photography was originally scheduled to commence on 15 August.[23] However, it was postponed after Prithviraj sustained an injury on the sets of Vilayath Buddha.[24] Production eventually began with a customary muhurtam shot on 5 October at Faridabad on the outskirts of Delhi and Haryana. It primarily featured foreign actors and extras. Shooting was shifted to Shimla, Himachal Pradesh after a day of shooting in Faridabad.[25][26] Filming also took place in Leh, Ladakh.[27] First schedule was completed in Ladakh on 28 October.[28] The crew has mostly utilised practical effects for the action sequences.[29][30] The stunts were choreographed by Stunt Silva.[24] Sujith Vaassudev and Mohandas were retained as the cinematographer and art director respectively.[22] Nirmal Sahadev served as the creative director.[31] Suresh Balaje and George Pius of Wide Angle Creations served as the film's line producers.[32]

The crew went for location scouting in London in November.[33] The second schedule took place in January 2024 across the United Kingdom.[34] Tovino Thomas and Indrajith Sukumaran joined production during the third schedule in the United States, with Albuquerque, New Mexico, Louisiana, and New York serving as the locations.[35][36] The fourth schedule was shot at Chennai before moving to Kerala.[37][38] The sixth schedule at Gujarat started from June 2024, however production was temporarily halted due to heavy rainfall.[39] Filming resumed on the last week of September 2024 and the remaining portions at Gujarat wrapped up in thirteen days, after which the Crew immediately shifted to Hyderabad for a brief schedule.[40] The pending portions of Trivandrum schedule finished by the last week of October 2024 and comprised locations such as Kanakakkunnu Palace, The Leela Kovalam, Adimalathura Beach and CRPF training ground in Pallippuram.[41] The penultimate schedules of filming took place at Kuttikkanam, Vandiperiyar during October last week and at United Arab Emirates during the beginning of November. The final schedules planned at Mumbai and Morocco are expected to be completed before mid of December 2024.[42][43][44]

Music

[edit]

The film's music is composed by Deepak Dev, who composed music for the prequel. In March 2023, Dev said that he had already started the music work for Empuraan.[45]

Release

[edit]

In November 2022, while the film was in pre-production, Prithviraj stated that they have not decided on a release date for the film.[46] Beside its original release in Malayalam, the film would be released in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Hindi languages.[47] The film is also marketed with the short title L2E by the makers and is slated for theatrical release worldwide on 27 March 2025, coinciding the sixth year anniversary of Lucifer.[48][49][50]

Future

[edit]

As announced by the team, Lucifer is a trilogy, implying the existence of a third film as a continuation of the series. During a September 2019 event, Prithviraj mentioned that the third film will explore a much darker theme in the series.[51]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Narayanan, Nirmal (4 April 2019). "Exclusive: Murali Gopy talks about Lucifer sequel, artistic freedom and Illuminati link". International Business Times. Archived from the original on 18 May 2023. Retrieved 18 May 2023.
  2. ^ a b c "Lucifer-sequel Empuraan to follow Mohanlal's directorial debut Barroz". Cinema Express. 19 June 2019. Archived from the original on 6 October 2022. Retrieved 18 May 2023.
  3. ^ "From Lucifer trilogy to Barroz's 13 year old music composer, Mohanlal sets new benchmarks of excellence". Financial Express. 26 September 2019. Archived from the original on 18 May 2023. Retrieved 18 May 2023.
  4. ^ Chopra, Anupama (5 August 2021). "Prithviraj On A Potential Hindi Spinoff For Lucifer". Film Companion. Retrieved 17 November 2023.
  5. ^ a b George, Anjana (24 June 2019). "Prithviraj on Zayed Masood's role in Empuraan?". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 18 May 2023. Retrieved 18 May 2023.
  6. ^ TimesofMoney (30 September 2020). "Prithviraj Sukumaran's 'Empuraan' might be bigger than 'Lucifer', here's why". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 18 May 2023. Retrieved 18 May 2023.
  7. ^ Mathews, Anna (30 September 2020). "Prithviraj: I cannot wait to get Empuraan started". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 8 May 2023. Retrieved 18 May 2023.
  8. ^ "Mohanlal's 'Empuraan': Murali Gopy is planning to complete the bound script by May". The Times of India. 18 April 2022. Archived from the original on 18 May 2023. Retrieved 18 May 2023.
  9. ^ "Prithviraj completes second directorial 'Bro Daddy'". The New Indian Express. 8 September 2021. Archived from the original on 6 February 2023. Retrieved 18 May 2023.
  10. ^ Korah, Nikhil Skaria (6 October 2021). "Prithiviraj reveals details about Bhramam, and plans for Empuran and Aadujeevitham | Interview". Onmanorama. Archived from the original on 18 May 2023. Retrieved 18 May 2023.
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  16. ^ Keralakaumudi Daily (30 September 2023). "'He's coming back!' much-awaited announcement is here, along with another surprise; 'Empuraan' launch video is out". Kerala Kaumudi. Archived from the original on 12 November 2023. Retrieved 12 November 2023.
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  18. ^ "'എമ്പുരാനിൽ ഞാനുമുണ്ടാകും, പൃഥ്വിരാജ് വിളിച്ചിരുന്നു' -ബൈജു സന്തോഷ്". Mathrubhumi (in Malayalam). 25 February 2023. Archived from the original on 18 May 2023. Retrieved 18 May 2023.
  19. ^ Local News Desk (11 November 2023). "Poster Of Mohanlal-starrer L2: Empuraan To Be Released Today At ..." CNN-News18. Archived from the original on 12 November 2023. Retrieved 13 November 2023.
  20. ^ ETimes.in (26 May 2023). "'L2 Empuraan' update! Arjun Das and Shine Tom Chacko roped in for the Mohanlal starrer". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 26 May 2023. Retrieved 26 May 2023.
  21. ^ Sidhardhan, Sanjith (10 October 2023). "Empuraan: Saniya Iyappan to reprise role in Mohanlal film, here's how long its shoot will last | Exclusive". OTT Play. Archived from the original on 13 November 2023. Retrieved 13 November 2023.
  22. ^ a b "എമ്പുരാന് പൃഥ്വിരാജ് വിദേശത്ത്". Kerala Kaumudi (in Malayalam). 5 May 2023. Archived from the original on 19 May 2023. Retrieved 19 May 2023.
  23. ^ Sidhardhan, Sanjith (21 February 2023). "Empuraan update: Prithviraj Sukumaran completes recce of Mohanlal-starrer, to shoot in 6 countries". OTT Play. Archived from the original on 13 November 2023. Retrieved 13 November 2023.
  24. ^ a b Express News Service (6 October 2023). "Mohanlal-Prithviraj film Empuraan starts rolling". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 3 November 2023. Retrieved 13 November 2023.
  25. ^ Canchannels (5 October 2023). "എമ്പുരാന് ഫരീദാബാദില്‍ തുടക്കം. പൂജാചടങ്ങില്‍ പങ്കുകൊള്ളാന്‍ മോഹന്‍ലാല്‍ എത്തി" [Empuraan started in Faridabad. Mohanlal came to participate in the puja ceremony] (in Malayalam). Canchannels.com. Archived from the original on 13 November 2023. Retrieved 13 November 2023.
  26. ^ Web Team (6 October 2023). "ഫരീദാബാദിലേത് തുടക്കം മാത്രം, ചിത്രീകരണം 20 രാജ്യങ്ങളില്‍; യഥാര്‍ഥ 'പാന്‍ ഇന്ത്യന്‍' ആവാന്‍ എമ്പുരാന്‍". Asianet News (in Malayalam). Archived from the original on 13 November 2023. Retrieved 13 November 2023.
  27. ^ Das, Soujannya (8 November 2023). "Khufiya actor Alexx O'Nell: 'I'm fortunate that I've done enough work for filmmakers to know me'". Telegraph India. Archived from the original on 13 November 2023. Retrieved 13 November 2023.
  28. ^ ETimes.in (29 October 2023). "Prithviraj Sukumaran wraps first schedule of 'L2 Empuraan' in Ladakh, shares location pic". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 13 November 2023. Retrieved 13 November 2023.
  29. ^ "'L2: Empuraan' poster secret unveiled: Objects including helicopter are real". Times of India. 13 June 2024. Retrieved 13 June 2024.
  30. ^ "L2 Empuraan: Deepak Dev reveals the Mohanlal, Prithviraj Sukumaran film surprised him; Here's why". Times of India. 28 September 2024. Retrieved 28 September 2024.
  31. ^ India Today Entertainment Desk (11 November 2023). "'Empuraan' 1st look: Prithviraj shares poster of Mohanlal's 'Lucifer' sequel". India Today. Archived from the original on 13 November 2023. Retrieved 13 November 2023.
  32. ^ Warrier, Unni. K. (21 February 2023). "'എംപുരാൻ' ഓഗസ്റ്റ് 15 ന് തുടങ്ങും; ലൊക്കേഷൻ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ഹണ്ട് അവസാനിച്ചു" ['Empuraan' will start in August 15; location hunting completed]. Manoramaonline.com (in Malayalam). Archived from the original on 13 November 2023. Retrieved 13 November 2023.
  33. ^ ETimes.in (7 November 2023). "Mohanlal's 'L2: Empuraan' location scouting in the UK; details inside". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 13 November 2023. Retrieved 13 November 2023.
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  35. ^ "Tovino Thomas joins the set of 'L2: Empuraan'". Times of India. March 2024.
  36. ^ "ഗോവർധനും അമേരിക്കയിൽ; പൃഥ്വിക്കൊപ്പമുള്ള ചിത്രം പങ്കുവച്ച് ഇന്ദ്രജിത്ത്". Manorama Online.
  37. ^ "Pan India Star Prithviraj Sukumaran shares pictures from the sets of 'L2: Empuraan'". dtnext. 18 April 2024.
  38. ^ "2000 ജൂനിയർ ആർട്ടിസ്റ്റുകൾ, ഒപ്പം സുരാജും മഞ്ജുവും: 'എമ്പുരാൻ' തിരുവനന്തപുരത്ത്". Manorama Online. 20 May 2024.
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  43. ^ "Empuraan wraps Hyderabad schedule". Cinema Express. 7 October 2024. Retrieved 7 October 2024.
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  45. ^ News18 Malayalam (19 March 2023). "Empuraan | സാറെ എമ്പുരാന്‍റെ വര്‍ക്ക് തുടങ്ങിയോ? 'എന്‍റെ പണി തുടങ്ങി'യെന്ന് സംഗീത സംവിധായകന്‍ ദീപക് ദേവ്". News18 Malayalam (in Malayalam). Archived from the original on 26 March 2023. Retrieved 18 May 2023.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
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  47. ^ ANI (11 November 2023). "Prithviraj Sukumaran unveils 'L2E: Empuraan' first poster". ANI News. Archived from the original on 15 November 2023. Retrieved 13 November 2023.
  48. ^ HT Entertainment Desk (11 November 2023). "Empuraan first look: Mohanlal all set to mark his return as Khureshi Ab'ram from Lucifer". Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on 12 November 2023. Retrieved 13 November 2023.
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  51. ^ "Mohanlal's Lucifer will be a trilogy, reveals Prithviraj". The Indian Express. 24 September 2019. Archived from the original on 18 May 2023. Retrieved 18 May 2023.
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