A Grand Canvas with a Hollow Core
L2: Empuraan bursts onto the screen with gunshots, helicopters, and opulent sets, capturing the larger-than-life presence of Mohanlal’s character — the enigmatic “L” who goes by many names: Stephen Nedumpally, Esthappan, Khureshi Ab’raam, and his most iconic title, Lucifer. Directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, the sequel to Lucifer (2019) is both a continuation and a prequel, delving deeper into the past while expanding the saga’s grandiosity.
But grandeur does not always translate to substance. Empuraan often feels like an exercise in style, with sweeping shots and pulsating music trying to fill the void left by a script that struggles to strike a balance between plot and spectacle.
A Tale of Two Halves
The film ambitiously merges real-life political undertones with fictional grandeur, particularly drawing parallels to the Gujarat riots of 2002, depicted through disturbing and provocative visuals. However, while it handles the communal violence with some gravitas, its portrayal of Kerala politics feels almost parodic, with caricatured leaders and a lack of nuance.
The plot itself gets lost in its own complexity. Prithviraj’s Zayed Masood takes center stage with an extended role, but his backstory — rooted in communal violence — feels both overly dramatized and underexplored. Meanwhile, Mohanlal’s Lucifer remains an enigma, shrouded in shadow and delivered with stoic grandeur, but his limited dialogues, mostly cryptic and metaphorical, leave the audience yearning for more substance.
A Galaxy of Stars, Yet Few Shine Bright
The ensemble cast is vast and varied, with actors tumbling in and out of the narrative with little to do. Even Manju Warrier’s strong presence feels undercut by a one-note character. Tovino Thomas’s role as the rebellious heir of a political dynasty shows promise but lacks depth. International faces like Jerome Flynn (Game of Thrones) and Eriq Ebouaney add flair but not much substance.
Amidst the sea of faces, Baiju’s portrayal of a cunning politician stands out as refreshingly natural, breaking the monotony of grandeur with some much-needed realism.
Technical Brilliance with a Purpose?
Deepak Dev’s music and Sujith Vasudev’s cinematography are undeniably impressive, setting the stage with intensity and grandeur. The visual language of Empuraan is undeniably cinematic, designed to be larger-than-life. But the style often overshadows the story, making the film feel more like a showcase of technical prowess than a compelling narrative.
Final Verdict
L2: Empuraan is a film made for the die-hard fans who revel in every slow-motion walk and dramatic entry. While the mass moments and action set pieces will undoubtedly draw cheers, the film’s narrative coherence suffers under the weight of its ambition.
If you’re in for the spectacle and iconic moments, Empuraan delivers. But for those seeking a nuanced and substantial story, the film’s dazzling visuals might feel like an elaborate distraction from an otherwise hollow core.
