Empuraan Now Streaming On OTT: Mohanlal-Starrer Malayalam Action Thriller Hits Digital Platform

Empuraan Now Streaming On OTT: The much-anticipated Malayalam action thriller L2: Empuraan, the sequel to the 2019 blockbuster Lucifer, is now available for streaming. Directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran and headlined by Mohanlal, the film began streaming on JioHotstar from April 24, 2025, in its original Malayalam language along with dubbed versions in Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada.

The film, which had a theatrical release on March 27, 2025, marks the second installment of the planned Lucifer trilogy and was made on a reported budget of ₹180 crore. The cast includes an ensemble of prominent names from Indian and international cinema: Prithviraj Sukumaran, Manju Warrier, Tovino Thomas, Indrajith Sukumaran, Abhimanyu Singh, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Jerome Flynn, and others. Cameos by Pranav Mohanlal and Rick Yune also added to the film's intrigue.

A Political Tale Across Borders

Empuraan unfolds across multiple timelines and locations, blending political developments with criminal undercurrents. The narrative moves from Kerala to international backdrops in the UK, USA, and UAE. The film explores the political aftermath following the fictional resignation of the Kerala Chief Minister, triggering a drastic shift in the state's power dynamics. Alongside, a mysterious figure from the past-Khureshi-Ab'raam, portrayed by Mohanlal-re-emerges, entangling various global and domestic forces in a web of shifting alliances.

As intelligence agencies track international drug networks, internal party conflicts intensify and concealed identities emerge. Personal histories begin to intersect with contemporary political developments, sparking a fresh power struggle. The story progresses through changing alliances, secret missions, and a reckoning tied to past violence-setting off a chain of events that alters both political trajectories and individual lives.

Empuraan Cast and Characters

Mohanlal reprises his role as Khureshi-Ab'raam, who also goes by Stephen Nedumpally. His character, central to the overarching storyline, serves as a powerful underworld and political operator. Prithviraj Sukumaran plays Zayed Masood, a key ally from the first film whose role is further explored here.

The film also introduces international characters, including Boris Oliver (played by Game of Thrones actor Jerome Flynn) and Michele Menuhin (Andrea Tivadar), reflecting its broader geopolitical canvas. Other key roles are played by Manju Warrier (Priyadarshini Ramdas), Tovino Thomas (Jathin Ramdas), and Indrajith Sukumaran (Govardhan).

The supporting cast features an extensive lineup, including Suraj Venjaramoodu, Baiju Santhosh, Kishore, Saikumar, and many others. The ensemble brings together actors from across regions and languages, underlining the film's pan-Indian and international scope.

Empuraan: Behind the Scenes

The script for Empuraan was penned by Murali Gopy, with Sujith Vaassudev handling cinematography and Akhilesh Mohan editing the film. Music is composed by Deepak Dev, who also worked on Lucifer.

The production was managed jointly by Antony Perumbavoor of Aashirvad Cinemas and Gokulam Gopalan of Sree Gokulam Movies. Prithviraj Sukumaran also contributed to the project design through his banner Prithviraj Productions. Visual effects were executed by a group of studios, including YFX, Labyrinth Studios, and Binary Circus, reflecting the technical scale of the film.

Principal photography spanned 145 days between October 2023 and December 2024. The film was shot across various Indian cities and foreign locales such as London, New York, and Dubai. Despite delays during production, the film eventually met its scheduled release date.

Empuraan Controversies and Reception

Upon release, Empuraan garnered a mix of critical and audience reactions. While its scale and ambition were acknowledged, some viewers criticized the film's depiction of sensitive historical events, including the Gujarat 2002 communal riots, which sparked debates on creative liberties in fictional narratives. Nevertheless, the film proved to be a commercial success, becoming the highest-grossing Malayalam film of all time, according to trade estimates.

The film's digital release was highly anticipated, especially among those who missed its theatrical run. With the trilogy's concluding chapter yet to be announced, fans and critics alike are keen to see how the story will progress in the final installment.

For now, Empuraan is available for viewing on JioHotstar, expanding its reach beyond the theatrical audience and adding a fresh layer of accessibility for viewers across linguistic and regional boundaries.