Friday, April 4, 2025 – The Prithviraj Sukumaran directorial, “L2 Empuraan,” starring the iconic Mohanlal, has achieved a monumental feat in Malayalam cinema. In a mere eight days since its release on March 27, 2025, the action-packed political thriller has stormed the global box office, amassing a staggering ₹250 crore (as per makers’ reports), thus officially becoming the highest-grossing Malayalam film of all time.
This remarkable achievement propels “L2 Empuraan” past the previous record holder, “Manjummel Boys,” which earned ₹242 crore in its entire theatrical run earlier in 2024. The sequel to the 2019 blockbuster “Lucifer,” “L2 Empuraan” has not only lived up to the immense expectations but has also redefined the benchmark for commercial success in the Malayalam film industry.
Domestic and International Performance:
The film has demonstrated exceptional performance both in India and overseas. According to early estimates, “L2 Empuraan” has garnered a net collection of ₹88.25 crore domestically within its first eight days. While the Malayalam version has been the primary contributor, the dubbed versions in Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, and Kannada have also added to the total.
However, the film’s triumph is significantly fueled by its phenomenal run in the international markets. “L2 Empuraan” has grossed over ₹133 crore (approximately $12 million) outside India, contributing to a total worldwide gross of ₹236.25 crore as per some trade sources. The makers, Aashirvad Cinemas and Sree Gokulam Movies, are officially reporting the ₹250 crore mark, highlighting the film’s widespread appeal among the Malayali diaspora and international audiences alike.
Day-wise Box Office Collection (India Net – Approximate):
- Day 1 (Thursday): ₹21 crore
- Day 2 (Friday): ₹11.1 crore
- Day 3 (Saturday): ₹13.25 crore
- Day 4 (Sunday): ₹13.65 crore
- Day 5 (Monday): ₹11.15 crore
- Day 6 (Tuesday): ₹8.55 crore
- Day 7 (Wednesday): ₹5.65 crore
- Day 8 (Thursday): ₹3.9 crore
- Total (8 Days): ₹88.25 crore
Overcoming Controversies:
The film’s journey to this record-breaking success has not been without its share of challenges. “L2 Empuraan” faced criticism and protests in its home state of Kerala due to its fictional depiction of certain sensitive political events, including references to the 2002 Gujarat riots. This led to the makers voluntarily making 24 cuts to the film to address concerns and avoid hurting sentiments.
Despite the controversies, the film’s box office performance has remained strong, indicating that the audience’s anticipation for the sequel and the star power of Mohanlal have outweighed the impact of the backlash. Actor-politician Suresh Gopi even addressed the controversy in Parliament, clarifying that the changes were the producers’ decision, made with the consent of Mohanlal and director Prithviraj Sukumaran, and were not a result of external pressure.
The Magic of Mohanlal and Prithviraj:
The collaboration between Mohanlal and Prithviraj Sukumaran has once again proven to be a winning formula. Six years after the massive success of “Lucifer,” the duo has delivered another blockbuster that resonates with audiences. Mohanlal’s portrayal of the enigmatic Stephen Nedumpally, also known as Khureshi Ab’raam, continues to captivate viewers with his powerful screen presence and nuanced performance. Prithviraj Sukumaran’s directorial vision has been lauded for its slick execution and engaging narrative.
Future Prospects:
Given the current momentum, trade analysts predict that “L2 Empuraan” is well on its way to crossing the ₹300 crore mark worldwide, potentially becoming the first Malayalam film to achieve this milestone. The film continues to draw significant footfall in theaters, especially in Kerala, and with positive word-of-mouth spreading, the upcoming weekend is expected to further boost its collections.
A New Era for Malayalam Cinema:
The phenomenal success of “L2 Empuraan,” following the impressive performances of other Malayalam films like “Manjummel Boys,” “2018,” and “The Goat Life” in recent times, signals a new era of global recognition and commercial viability for the Malayalam film industry. These films have demonstrated that compelling storytelling and strong performances can transcend regional boundaries and appeal to a wider audience.
Looking Ahead:
The “Lucifer” cinematic universe is set to expand further with a third installment tentatively titled “Lucifer 3: The Beginning.” The end of “L2 Empuraan” hinted at the backstory of Stephen Nedumpally, and fans are eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this thrilling saga. With Pranav Mohanlal reportedly playing a younger version of the protagonist in the upcoming film, the franchise holds immense potential for continued success.
In conclusion, “L2 Empuraan”‘s record-breaking box office collection is a testament to the film’s quality, the star power of Mohanlal, Prithviraj Sukumaran’s directorial prowess, and the growing global appeal of Malayalam cinema. This achievement will undoubtedly inspire filmmakers and pave the way for more ambitious and large-scale projects in the industry.
