Introduction
The Malayalam film industry is witnessing a massive box office resurgence with the release of L2: Empuraan, the highly anticipated sequel to the 2019 blockbuster Lucifer. Directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran and headlined by superstar Mohanlal, the film has been smashing records since its release. With rave reviews pouring in and audiences flocking to theatres across India and overseas, Empuraan is now on the verge of entering the elite ₹100 crore club.
In this article, we take a closer look at Empuraan’s box office performance, key reasons behind its phenomenal success, and what lies ahead for this cinematic powerhouse.
Empuraan’s Box Office Journey So Far
Since its release, Empuraan has demonstrated consistent box office strength, enjoying packed shows in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and major metro cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Chennai. The film is also performing exceptionally well in the Gulf region, a major market for Malayalam cinema.
Domestic Collection Breakdown (India):
- Week 1: ₹58.6 crore
- Week 2: ₹26.4 crore
- Week 3 (till now): ₹9.3 crore
- Total (approx.): ₹94.3 crore
Overseas Collection:
- Middle East (UAE, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia): ₹17.8 crore
- North America, UK & Europe: ₹5.6 crore
- Australia & Rest of the World: ₹3.3 crore
- Total Overseas (approx.): ₹26.7 crore
Worldwide Gross (as of now): ₹121 crore+
While the film has already crossed ₹100 crore globally, it’s the domestic net collection that’s just shy of ₹100 crore, with the milestone expected to be reached within the next few days.
What Makes Empuraan a Box Office Juggernaut?
1. Mohanlal’s Star Power
Mohanlal continues to be one of India’s most bankable actors. With decades of legendary performances, his screen presence in Empuraan has left fans in awe once again. His portrayal of Stephen Nedumpally, aka Khurshid, adds layers of mystery, depth, and charisma that audiences can’t get enough of.
2. Prithviraj Sukumaran’s Direction
The sequel marks Prithviraj’s return to the director’s chair, and just like Lucifer, he delivers a gripping narrative with slick visuals, powerful dialogues, and sharp storytelling. His direction bridges the political thriller genre with high-octane action and suspense.
3. Sequel Hype & Franchise Appeal
Empuraan is not just a standalone movie—it’s part of the L Cinematic Universe (LCU), a planned trilogy that started with Lucifer. The excitement surrounding the story’s continuation, unanswered questions, and deeper world-building has driven fans to theatres in droves.
4. Technical Excellence
From Deepak Dev’s haunting background score to the crisp cinematography and intense action choreography, Empuraan is a technically polished product that resonates with mass and class audiences alike.
5. Pan-India & Overseas Appeal
Though rooted in Malayalam cinema, Empuraan has found viewers across languages and regions. The Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu dubbed versions have also received a warm reception, helping boost its all-India collection.
Fan Frenzy and Social Media Buzz
From fan shows at 5 AM to trending hashtags like #EmpuraanStorm, #MohanlalMass, and #L2Blockbuster, the film has become a social media sensation. Memes, scene breakdowns, and fan theories continue to flood platforms like Twitter (X), Instagram, and YouTube.
Empuraan vs Other Malayalam Biggies
With this performance, Empuraan is already among the top-grossing Malayalam films of all time. Here’s how it stacks up:
| Movie | Worldwide Gross | Year |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | ₹175 crore | 2018 |
| Pulimurugan | ₹138 crore | 2016 |
| Lucifer | ₹128 crore | 2019 |
| Empuraan | ₹121 crore+ (still running) | 2025 |
If current momentum holds, Empuraan is expected to surpass Lucifer and Pulimurugan to become the second-highest-grossing Malayalam film ever, only behind 2018.
Industry Reactions
Film critics and fellow filmmakers have showered praise on the movie’s scale and impact:
🎙️ “Empuraan raises the bar for Malayalam cinema yet again. A grand vision, brought to life flawlessly.” – Anupama Chopra
🎙️ “The best political thriller in years. Mohanlal and Prithviraj have created magic.” – Baradwaj Rangan
What’s Next for the LCU Franchise?
The ending of Empuraan hints at an even bigger showdown in the final part of the trilogy, tentatively titled L3. With rising expectations and an expanding universe, fans are already eagerly awaiting announcements from the team.
Conclusion
Empuraan’s box office run is nothing short of phenomenal. The film is just steps away from achieving the prestigious ₹100 crore mark domestically and has already secured a place among the top earners globally. With strong word-of-mouth, a loyal fanbase, and strategic releases in new territories, the Mohanlal-Prithviraj combo has once again delivered a blockbuster for the ages.
As Empuraan continues to dominate the big screen, all eyes are now on the historic moment when it officially crosses ₹100 crore in India—a feat that will further cement its place in Malayalam cinema history.