Mohanlal and Prithviraj Sukumaran’s much-anticipated sequel L2: Empuraan has rewritten history at the box office, becoming the highest-grossing Malayalam film of all time. The film, which follows the events of Lucifer (2019), has now grossed over ₹250 crore worldwide in just eight days, surpassing last year’s blockbuster Manjummel Boys.
Box Office Success: A Historic Run
According to industry tracker Sacnilk, L2: Empuraan has earned ₹88.25 crore net in India within its extended opening weekend. However, it is the film’s overseas performance that has truly propelled its record-breaking run. The film has amassed over $12 million (₹103 crore) in international markets, taking its official worldwide total to ₹236 crore. The film’s makers, however, claim that the eight-day worldwide gross has already touched ₹250 crore, making it a milestone achievement for Malayalam cinema.
Given its current trajectory, L2: Empuraan is still earning between ₹10-12 crore gross per day globally. This strong momentum has fueled speculations that the film might become the first-ever Malayalam film to cross ₹300 crore at the box office. However, surpassing that milestone may prove challenging.
Controversy Fails to Impact Film’s Success
Despite its remarkable box office success, L2: Empuraan has been embroiled in a political controversy in Kerala since its release. Certain sequences depicting the 2002 Gujarat Riots drew criticism from right-wing factions, prompting the filmmakers to apologize and implement 24 cuts in a revised version that was released a few days later.
Mohanlal, who plays the lead character Ab’raam, also issued an apology to those who were offended. The film, however, received strong backing from the Congress and Left parties, which added a political dimension to its already massive buzz.
A Story of Power and Politics
L2: Empuraan continues the narrative of Lucifer, following Ab’raam (Mohanlal) as he helps his half-sister Priyadarshini (Manju Warrier) save Kerala from communal politics, while their brother Jathin (Tovino Thomas) aligns with radicalist politician Bajrangi (Abhimanyu Singh). The film, directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, blends political drama, action, and suspense to create a gripping cinematic experience.
A Record-Breaking Future?
With its current pace, L2: Empuraan is on track to make history by potentially crossing ₹300 crore worldwide. Whether it achieves this feat or not, the film has already solidified its place as a game-changer for Malayalam cinema, proving that regional films can achieve unprecedented global success.
