‘L2: Empuraan’ – A Grand Spectacle Stumbled by Slow Narration
Directed by Prithviraj and starring Mohanlal, L2: Empuraan is the sequel to the 2019 blockbuster Lucifer. This pan-Indian film boasts a stellar cast, including Tovino Thomas, Manju Warrier, Abhimanyu Singh, and Suraj Venjaramoodu.
The first installment revolved around the political power struggle following the death of Kerala Chief Minister P.K.R. (Sachin Khedekar). His son-in-law Bobby (Vivek Oberoi) attempts to seize control, but Stephen Nedumpally (Mohanlal) outmaneuvers him, ensuring that P.K.R.'s son Jathin (Tovino Thomas) takes charge. The sequel delves deeper into Stephen’s past, revealing him as the enigmatic global gangster Abraham Qureshi.
In L2: Empuraan, Jathin, who was placed in power by Stephen, aligns with central-right-wing politician Balraj Bajrang (Abhimanyu Singh), indulging in corruption and authoritarian rule. In response, P.K.R.’s daughter Priyadarshini (Manju Warrier) rises against him, with Stephen returning to the scene to orchestrate the battle for justice and power.
Mohanlal, as always, delivers an electrifying performance. His presence alone is enough to set the screen ablaze, and the Tamil dubbing complements his commanding dialogue delivery. His mass appeal is accentuated through slow-motion sequences and an intense background score.
Tovino Thomas breaks away from typical antagonist tropes, bringing depth and individuality to his character. Though Manju Warrier's role is less significant compared to the first film, she shines in the politically charged moments. However, her character could have been given more power and prominence.
Prithviraj, who only had a cameo in Lucifer, plays a much larger role in this installment. While Abhimanyu Singh makes a strong start, his character loses weight as the film progresses. Suraj Venjaramoodu, an actor of immense caliber, is unfortunately underutilized, serving more as a set piece than a significant presence.
Murali Gopy’s story, combined with Prithviraj’s direction and screenplay, amplifies the film’s grandeur. The plot travels across Africa, Europe, and Afghanistan, offering a visually stunning cinematic experience. Sujith Vaassudev’s cinematography mesmerizes with its rich, vibrant frames, making every scene a visual treat.
The film’s background score by Deepak Dev enhances the larger-than-life appeal, with the Empuraan theme song leaving a lasting impression. However, the editing by Akhilesh Mohan could have been sharper—particularly in trimming unnecessary slow-motion sequences that slow down the narrative. While slow-motion works for mass moments, overuse makes it tedious.
While L2: Empuraan expands on Lucifer’s storyline and scale, its lengthy runtime, drawn-out dialogues, and excessive slow-motion sequences test patience. At nearly three hours, one might question if such a length was truly necessary. There’s even a possibility that certain scenes might be trimmed in the coming days.
Ultimately, the film might feel underwhelming for those expecting the same impact as Lucifer. However, for those willing to watch in fast-forward mode, Mohanlal still manages to make it an engaging experience.
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