Introduction: Empuraan Cast Guide
In 2025, the Malayalam cinema landscape was electrified by the release of Empuraan, also referred to as L2: Empuraan, the ambitious sequel to the blockbuster Lucifer. Directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, who co-wrote the film with Murali Gopy, this political action thriller expanded the Lucifer universe while also standing as a distinct cinematic venture. With its massive scale, international collaborations, and a star-studded ensemble, Empuraan drew global attention and became the highest-budget Malayalam film at the time, with an investment ranging between ₹150-175 crore. The film’s box office success, earning over ₹265-268 crore worldwide, cemented it as the second-highest-grossing Malayalam movie ever, after becoming the first Malayalam film to cross the 250-crore mark.
Fans searching for the Empuraan cast or the full L2: Empuraan cast are met with a combination of Malayalam legends, national stars, and international actors who brought global flavor to the franchise. This guide is a comprehensive compilation based on Wikipedia, Filmibeat, IMDb, and critical review insights to present a detailed picture of the film, its cast, plot, box office performance, and cultural impact.
Table of Contents
About the Movie
Empuraan, abbreviated as L2E, is crafted in the pattern of Lucifer but exists as a standalone narrative while continuing the larger universe. The film is helmed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, who makes his directorial mark with a vision combining political intrigue, high-octane action, and emotional drama. Co-written with Murali Gopy, the film is produced under the banners of Aashirvad Cinemas, Lyca Productions, and Sree Gokulam Movies, overcoming significant COVID-era production delays.
The shooting spanned multiple countries over 145 days, including India, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the UAE, from October 2023 to December 2024. Cinematographer Sujith Vasudev shot the movie in IMAX, marking the first Malayalam film in the IMAX format, while Deepak Dev composed a musical score that complements the intense narrative. The film tackles themes such as social riots, political corruption, and organized crime syndicates, blending real-world social commentary with cinematic spectacle.
While reviews were mixed—praising Mohanlal’s performance and the visuals but critiquing the screenplay—the film’s commercial performance was historic. Empuraan not only entertained audiences with its high production values and action sequences but also positioned the Malayalam film industry on a global map by showcasing the potential of pan-Indian cinema.
Empuraan Cast: The Ensemble Bringing Lucifer Universe Alive
The Empuraan cast is a harmonious mix of legendary Malayalam actors and international stars who add authenticity and grandeur to the film. Each actor plays a pivotal role in driving the complex storyline, which revolves around revenge, political ambitions, and global criminal syndicates.
Mohanlal as Khureshi Ab’raam / Stephen Nedumpally
At the heart of Empuraan is Mohanlal, reprising his iconic dual roles of Khureshi Ab’raam and Stephen Nedumpally from Lucifer. Known for his unparalleled screen presence, Mohanlal delivers a layered performance that portrays both strategic brilliance and emotional depth. His portrayal bridges the gap between the past and present, seamlessly embodying Stephen’s meticulous planning and Khureshi’s enigmatic persona. Mohanlal’s performance is widely regarded as the backbone of the film, setting a benchmark for dual-role acting in Indian cinema.
Prithviraj Sukumaran as Zayed Masood
Prithviraj Sukumaran, the director himself, takes on the role of Zayed Masood, a loyal lieutenant caught in the crossfire of political conspiracies and personal revenge. His character’s arc spans the loss of family during the 2002 Gujarat riots to his rise as a strategic operator in Kerala’s political landscape. Prithviraj’s portrayal combines physical intensity with emotional depth, making Zayed both relatable and heroic. His performance complements Mohanlal’s, creating one of the most compelling onscreen partnerships in recent Malayalam cinema.
Tovino Thomas as Jathin Ramdas
Tovino Thomas brings a nuanced performance as Jathin Ramdas, a corrupt Chief Minister whose political ambitions mask darker intentions. His portrayal reflects the moral ambiguity prevalent in high-stakes politics, making Jathin a character viewers love to hate. Tovino’s ability to oscillate between charm, menace, and vulnerability enhances the tension throughout the narrative.
Manju Warrier as Priyadarshini Ramdas / Priya
Playing Priyadarshini Ramdas, affectionately known as Priya, Manju Warrier delivers a powerful performance as a rising political leader navigating a male-dominated political system. Her character embodies resilience, intelligence, and moral courage, standing as a counterbalance to the corrupt forces in the story. Manju’s performance is crucial in portraying the new generation of political leaders, and her chemistry with the central characters elevates the emotional stakes.
International Actors in Empuraan
Jerome Flynn as Boris Oliver
The globally recognized actor Jerome Flynn plays Boris Oliver, the head of MI6 in the film. His presence brings international gravitas to the story, highlighting global political intrigue. Jerome’s nuanced portrayal of a high-ranking intelligence officer adds tension and sophistication to the film’s espionage subplots.
Eriq Ebouaney as Kabuga
French actor Eriq Ebouaney portrays Kabuga, an African cartel leader whose operations intersect with the Indian political underworld. Ebouaney’s commanding presence and menacing portrayal provide a global dimension to the narrative, emphasizing the film’s reach beyond India.
Andrea Tivadar as Michele Menuhin
Andrea Tivadar plays Michele Menuhin, an MI6 agent assisting Boris in international operations. Her performance balances intellect with physical agility, contributing to the high-stakes espionage and action sequences that define Empuraan’s global narrative.
Rick Yune as Shenlong Shen (Cameo)
Rick Yune makes a brief but impactful appearance as Shenlong Shen, the leader of the Shen Triad. Though a cameo, his role sets the stage for L3: Empuraan, teasing further expansion of the universe and integrating international crime syndicates into the storyline.
Supporting Cast
The supporting cast strengthens the film’s narrative through memorable performances:
- Indrajith Sukumaran as Govardhan, a spy operating in Kerala, adds intelligence and intrigue.
- Abhimanyu Singh as Balraj Patel / Baba Bajrangi, a ruthless antagonist responsible for past tragedies, delivers intensity and menace.
- Suraj Venjaramoodu as Sajanachandran, the ASM leader, brings political cunning to the fore.
- Saikumar as Mahesha Varma, the Home Minister, embodies political authority.
- Baiju Santhosh as Murugan, a member of IUF, enhances the plot’s conspiratorial depth.
- Sukant Goel as Munna, Balraj’s brother, complements the antagonist’s arc.
- Kishore as Karthik, an IB officer, adds strategic depth to intelligence operations.
- Pranav Mohanlal, son of Mohanlal, makes a cameo as Young Stephen, adding emotional resonance to the flashback sequences.
Other notable actors include Saniya Iyappan as Jhanvi, Nyla Usha as Arundhathi, Fazil as Father Nedumpally, and cameo appearances by Kalabhavan Shajohn and Sachin Khedekar, which collectively enrich the storyline.
Plot Summary
The narrative of Empuraan weaves together political, personal, and international conflicts:
- The story flashes back to the 2002 Gujarat riots, where Zayed Masood loses his family to the mob led by Balraj Patel.
- In present-day Kerala, CM Jathin Ramdas operates with corruption at the helm, forming a nefarious alliance with ASM leader Baba Bajrangi.
- Stephen Nedumpally, under the guise of Khureshi Ab’raam, executes calculated plans to neutralize threats and orchestrates revenge on Balraj’s faction.
- The film also integrates MI6 agents, Interpol conspiracies, and the African cartel leader Kabuga, expanding the story’s geopolitical stakes.
- Parallelly, Priyadarshini Ramdas emerges as a political powerhouse, executing arrests, rescues, and reforms, symbolizing justice against corruption.
- The climax sees the demise of Balraj, Munna, and Jathin, setting the stage for further expansion in L3, hinted at through the post-credit appearance of Shenlong Shen investigating Stephen’s past.
Box Office Collections
Empuraan broke multiple records at the box office:
Week 1 Day-Wise India Net (₹ Crore)
| Day | Collection |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | 35–40 |
| Day 2 | 28–30 |
| Weekend | 85+ |
| Week 1 Total | 135+ |
Final Collections Table (₹ Crore)
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Budget | 150–175 |
| India Net | 180–190 |
| India Gross | 220–230 |
| Overseas | 45–50 |
| Worldwide Gross | 265–268 |
| Verdict | Blockbuster (2nd highest Malayalam) |
Despite mixed reviews, the film’s performance reflected the star power of Mohanlal, Prithviraj, and Tovino, as well as audience fascination with high-octane action, international intrigue, and socio-political narratives.
Reviews and Critical Reception
Critics offered a balanced view:
- Pinkvilla rated 4/5, highlighting the film as a socio-political mirror with mass appeal.
- India Today gave 3/5, acknowledging grandeur and scale but critiquing pacing.
- The Hindu praised visuals but noted screenplay weaknesses.
- Firstpost celebrated technical achievements, especially stunts by Stunt Silva and VFX by Praveen Ghanta.
Overall, the Empuraan cast delivered career-defining performances, reinforcing the supremacy of the Lucifer universe.
Legacy and Impact
Empuraan is more than a film; it is a cultural milestone for Malayalam cinema. It set new benchmarks in:
- International collaboration with actors from MI6 and African cartel roles.
- Technical achievement, being the first Malayalam IMAX film.
- Box office benchmarks, earning over ₹265 crore worldwide.
- Franchise development, setting the stage for L3 and expanding the Lucifer universe.
The ensemble cast, led by Mohanlal, became central to the movie’s enduring popularity, showcasing how a strong combination of talent, vision, and scale can create cinematic history.
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