Lucifer 2: Empuraan Movie Review: Best Sequel EVER!!

You've probably heard the term "magnum opus" in cinema. In simple terms, it refers to the best work of an artist, actor, or creator. In Indian cinema, the last magnum opus is considered to be "Baahubali." Now, after a decade, another magnum opus has emerged from the Malayalam industry: "Empuraan," also known as "Lucifer 2." This film is touted to be the most expensive ever made in Malayalam cinema, with a budget reportedly ranging from 100 to 180 crore. For a small industry film, that’s quite a hefty sum. Malayalam cinema has now established itself as a significant part of Indian cinema, as "Empuraan" has already crossed ₹250 Crores in its 12 days of Theatrical run and has surpassed Manjummel Boys to become the biggest Malayalam film ever. It's evident that this film will earn a lot and set new records for Malayalam cinema.

The trailer already hinted at this, but the real question is whether the film lives up to the hype or if it's just a marketing stunt that has audiences booking tickets in a frenzy. To put it bluntly, "Empuraan" will likely receive two types of reviews: some will absolutely love it, while others may find themselves dozing off in the middle. This is because a film like "Empuraan" doesn’t solely rely on mass appeal, unlike KGF, Pushpa, or even RRR, which often lack substantial backstories. On the other hand, "Lucifer 2" is a story-driven film with a hidden message that requires the audience to engage their minds to fully grasp what's happening.

Oh, and don’t forget to watch "Lucifer" first before booking a ticket for this sequel; otherwise, you won’t understand the characters. Both films are directly connected, and this sequel picks up right where the first one left off. It's also essential to give a trigger warning since the film tackles quite a political subject, which could spark controversy. The first 30 minutes showcase some intense scenes that depict political situations that might resonate with real-life incidents, which could be a bit disturbing. The film touches on sensitive topics like religion, including Hinduism and Islam, and may provoke strong reactions from some viewers.

In simple terms, the film explores the dark web, a part of the internet known for illicit activities. The most feared name in that realm is Ab-Raam Qureshi, who has ties with an Illuminati gang that controls global political events and high-profile murders. However, his true identity remains a secret. Parallel to this story runs the political landscape of Kerala, where a son has taken his father's place as Chief Minister and is promising new dreams to the public. Yet, one name towers over the Chief Minister and Kerala’s political scene: Stephen Nedumpally, who is directly compared to Lucifer, the son of the devil. Imagine if the fear of Stephen Nedumpally were to vanish; what would happen to the Chief Minister and politics in Kerala? This is the future that "L2E" reveals.

In terms of storytelling, "Empuraan" may seem a bit weaker than "Lucifer," as it lacks the intricate layers found in the first film. While the story is intelligent, it misses many of the hidden details that made its predecessor compelling. The film does create excitement by presenting the letter "L" in unique ways but doesn’t utilize it enough to build suspense. The budget for "Empuraan" is four to five times higher than "Lucifer," showcasing a truly grand scale that gives an international cinema feel. This isn't just a case of inflated budgets for hype; there’s a genuine international connection to the story, especially highlighted in the scene featuring Mohanlal's entry, which elevates Indian cinema to new heights.

Many people comment that if they had the chance, they'd portray Salman Khan in a certain way, but Director Prithviraj has done something similar in real life as Mohanlal's biggest fan, paying tribute to him in every scene. This level of presentation is entirely unexpected for Malayalam cinema. If this is just the beginning, the other industries should brace themselves for the next two to three years. The best part of this film is that it's not solely focused on one actor; it gives full detailing to all characters. Imagine if Bollywood ever produced a three-hour film where the lead character only appears after one hour, allowing time to establish the other characters first.

Mohanlal's entry and a forest action scene are so impactful that they overshadow the rest of the film. His performance is so powerful that even his eyes convey emotion. However, one downside is that there is no character that can match his presence. While Abhimanyu Singh is presented effectively, there isn't a single scene where he challenges Lucifer. Some characters were underutilized, and although a few actors performed excellently, they received minimal screen time. There was a chance to introduce a character like Vikram's Rolex from the drug cartel angle, but the film concluded rather easily, without any surprising elements or cameos that could have made Empuraan iconic.

Nonetheless, the film does contain special moments where Prithviraj creatively showcases scenes that tease a potential "L3: Azrael" of the franchise. In straightforward terms, the more brainpower you invest in "Empuraan's" story, the more entertaining you'll find the film. However, if you don’t connect early on, it may come across as nonsense. "Empuraan" will receive three out of five stars: for its grand scale and impressive presentation, for focusing on character development while prioritising the story, and for being bold enough to trigger controversy. It takes courage to depict such themes, and special credit goes to Mohanlal for his commanding screen presence.

On the negative side, while the film has a lot of style and a blend of mass appeal and quality, the story isn't as impactful as the first one. Some characters had the potential to showcase Lucifer's evil side, but they were sidelined, missing the chance for a great cameo. Empuraan is a strong start that should send shivers down the spines of other industries. If it has already garnered ₹250 crore in its 12 days of theatrical run, imagine what would happen when it truly shines, nothing would be left unbroken. The choice is yours: if you want to watch intelligent, smart cinema, book a ticket; but if you prefer to relax your mind, just skip it.