The highly anticipated Malayalam film L2 Empuraan, starring Mohanlal and Prithviraj Sukumaran, has seen a decline in box office collections on its seventh day, following the release of a re-edited version. The film, which originally hit theatres on March 27, had to undergo 24 cuts due to controversial scenes depicting the 2002 Gujarat riots.
Box Office Performance
According to Sacnilk.com, L2 Empuraan has now crossed ₹84.40 crore at the box office. The film collected ₹5.50 crore on its seventh day, marking a continued downward trend. Despite an impressive opening day collection of ₹21 crore—the highest ever for a Malayalam film—the film witnessed a sharp 45% drop on the second day, earning ₹11.5 crore.
The box office figures for the first week are as follows:
- Day 1: ₹21 crore
- Day 2: ₹11.5 crore
- Day 3: ₹13.25 crore
- Day 4: ₹13.65 crore
- Day 5: ₹11.15 crore
- Day 6: ₹8.55 crore
- Day 7: ₹5.50 crore (early estimates)
On Wednesday, the film recorded a 31.35% Malayalam occupancy rate.
Censorship and Controversy
The film’s re-edited version was released in theatres to replace the original, following criticism over its portrayal of the 2002 Gujarat riots. The 24 cuts included scenes depicting violence against women and a religious structure, which were deemed controversial.
Mohanlal, the film’s lead actor, issued a public apology, stating:
“I have come to know that some of the political and social themes that have come into play in the film Empuraan, the second part of the Lucifer franchise, have caused great distress to many of my loved ones. As an artiste, it is my duty to ensure that none of my films harbors hatred towards any political movement, ideology, or sect.”
About the Film
Directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, L2 Empuraan is the sequel to Lucifer (2019). The film follows Mohanlal’s character, Stephen Nedumpally, aka Khureshi Ab’raam, as he returns from overseas to challenge Chief Minister Jathin Ramdas, played by Tovino Thomas. Prithviraj himself plays Zayed, an ally aiding Stephen in his mission.
With the controversy and re-edit affecting its momentum, it remains to be seen how L2 Empuraan fares in the coming weeks at the box office.
Sources By Agencies
