Mohanlal’s ‘L2: Empuraan’ Breaks Records with ₹325 Crore Global Gross — A Historic Milestone for Malayalam Cinema
Malayalam cinema has entered an all-new era of box office dominance as Mohanlal’s latest blockbuster, L2: Empuraan, crosses the ₹300-crore mark globally — becoming the first-ever Malayalam film to do so. According to official figures shared by the actor, the film has amassed a staggering ₹325 crore worldwide, a feat that marks a turning point for the industry’s reach and recognition.
Directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, Empuraan serves as the much-anticipated sequel to the 2019 superhit Lucifer. With theatrical collections contributing ₹265 crore to its global total, Empuraan has set a new gold standard for Malayalam cinema’s box office potential, as reported by trade analyst platform Sacnilk.
Taking to social media to celebrate the milestone, Mohanlal posted:
“A cinematic moment etched in history. We dreamed it with you, we built it with you. Malayalam cinema shines brighter today — together.”
A Stellar Cast and Global Appeal
L2: Empuraan sees Mohanlal reprise his fan-favorite role as Khureshi-Ab’raam, a powerful and enigmatic figure in a politically charged narrative. The film boasts a star-studded ensemble featuring Prithviraj Sukumaran, Manju Warrier, Tovino Thomas, Suraj Venjaramoodu, and Indrajith Sukumaran, all of whom play pivotal roles in this intense action-political drama.
The film was brought to life by a collaboration of major production houses—Lyca Productions, Aashirvad Cinemas, and Sree Gokulam Movies. Its scale is reflected in the wide-ranging international shoot locations and a multilingual release across five languages, which expanded its appeal far beyond the Malayalam-speaking audience.
Digital Premiere and Controversy
Empuraan is now gearing up for its digital release on JioHotstar, scheduled for April 24, allowing a wider audience to catch the film from the comfort of their homes.
However, the film’s rise wasn’t without hurdles. A controversy erupted following its release, particularly over scenes allegedly referencing the 2002 Gujarat riots. The online backlash led to intense debates on social media, eventually prompting the filmmakers to remove 17 scenes from the final cut to ease public sentiments.
Despite the turbulence, Empuraan has stood tall, thanks to its compelling narrative, grand production values, and powerhouse performances. The success of the film not only underscores Mohanlal’s enduring star power but also opens new doors for Malayalam films on a global stage.
A Landmark Victory for Malayalam Cinema
L2: Empuraan isn’t just a box office triumph — it’s a cultural moment for Malayalam cinema. It reflects a growing appetite for regional stories told on a grand canvas, backed by world-class filmmaking and universally resonant themes.
With more projects in the pipeline and heightened expectations from the third installment in the Lucifer franchise, the success of Empuraan signals that Malayalam cinema is ready to play in the big leagues — and stay there.
