L2: Empuraan Explained
L2: Empuraan (stylised as E.M.P.U.R.A.A.N), also called L2E, is an upcoming Indian Malayalam-language action thriller film directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran and written by Murali Gopy. It is the second instalment in a planned trilogy, following the 2019 film Lucifer. The film is jointly produced by Lyca Productions and Aashirvad Cinemas. It stars Mohanlal as Khureshi-Ab'raam / Stephen Nedumpally, reprising his role from the original, alongside an ensemble cast of Prithviraj Sukumaran, Indrajith Sukumaran, Tovino Thomas, Manju Warrier, Shakti Kapoor, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Sharaf U Dheen, Manoj K. Jayan, Arjun Das, Bobby Simha, Rahul Madhav, Sai Kumar, Sachin Khedekar, Jisshu Sengupta and Fazil.
Lucifer was always intended to be a series from its inception, originally conceived as a three-part film. The first part was made into the film Lucifer. The success of the first film led to the decision to proceed with the second instalment in the series. The announcement for Empuraan was made in June 2019, and production, originally planned for mid-2020, faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Murali took the opportunity to expand the scale and scope of Empuraan. The screenplay was finalised in July 2022, and pre-production began the following month. Lyca Productions joined as a producer in 2023, marking their debut in Malayalam, alongside Aashirvad Cinemas, the producer of the original. The film's music was composed by Deepak Dev.
Principal photography began on October 5, 2023, in Faridabad. Subsequent sporadic schedules took place at various locations, including the United States, United Kingdom, UAE, Iran, Turkey, Georgia, Mexico and Russia.
Cast
Production
Development
No official announcement of a follow-up was made for Lucifer (2019), despite its open ending. The possibility of a continuation was confirmed by writer Murali Gopy in an April 2019 interview, shortly after the release of Lucifer. He clarified that "Lucifer is definitely designed as a franchise, and it is very evident from its structure and progression."[1] The official announcement of a second film and its title took place during a press conference on 18 June 2019. Shedding light on the meaning of the title, Prithviraj Sukumaran said that Empuraan signifies "someone who is more than a king, but less than a god," with a more literal translation being "overlord". Murali revealed that Lucifer was conceived as a series right from its inception. The success of the first film gave them confidence to proceed with Empuraan, said Prithviraj. Production was planned to commence in the second half of 2020.[2]
In September 2019, Prithviraj further revealed that Empuraan is part of a three-film series.[3] The trilogy was originally envisioned as a three-season web series, the first season was transformed into the film Lucifer, while the second and third seasons were adapted for the subsequent instalments.[4] Prithviraj clarified that Empuraan does not continue the story of Lucifer but rather delves into the events that occurred before and after it, and that they have built "a franchise structure that visits every aspect of the story".[5] Murali hinted that Empuraan would unveil more layers of the narrative.
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 led to the postponement of the production.[6] In September 2020, Murali presented a comprehensive design brief of Empuraan to Prithviraj, who stated that it assisted him in visualising an edited and colour-corrected version of the film.[7] Pre-production, that was set to begin in 2021, was again delayed due to the pandemic.[8] In the meantime, Prithviraj directed another film, Bro Daddy (2022), in the third quarter of 2021.[9] In October 2021, Prithviraj disclosed that they were still waiting for the pandemic situation to subside, as they could not proceed with location scouting under that situation and expressed hope to start filming by mid-2022.[10]
In 2022, Murali revealed plans to "scale up the magnitude and scope" of Empuraan.[11] He was in the process of writing the screenplay in May 2022,[12] which he completed that month.[13] In July, Prithviraj announced the completion of Empuraan final script and informed lead actor Mohanlal and returning producer Antony Perumbavoor.[14] The following month, the team officially announced through social media that they had entered the pre-production phase, "we are starting the actual process of making the film from today (17 August 2022)", wrote Prithviraj. Murali categorised Empuraan as a second instalment rather than a sequel. Prithviraj described the film as a "commercial entertainer".[15] In September 2023, the Tamil film production house Lyca Productions announced their involvement in the production of Empuraan, marking their debut in Malayalam cinema, along with Aashirvad Cinemas, the producer of Lucifer. Additionally, Prithviraj's company Prithviraj Productions is credited for "project design".[16]
Casting
Mohanlal reprises his role of Khureshi-Ab'raam / Stephen Nedumpally. During the film's announcement, it was revealed that Prithviraj's character Zayed Masood would have more prominence in Empuraan. Prithviraj said that Zayed's role in Stephen's life is bigger than what was shown in Lucifer. In February 2020, Tovino Thomas confirmed his involvement in the project.[17] In February 2023, Baiju Santhosh confirmed that he would reprise his role as Murugan.[18] Manju Warrier, Indrajith Sukumaran, Saikumar, Sachin Khedekar and Nandu also reprise their repsective roles.[19] In May 2023, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Arjun Das, Sharafudheen, Shine Tom Chacko, and Rahul Madhav were cast in pivotal roles.[20] In October 2023, Saniya Iyappan announced that she would be reprising her role as Jhanvi, despite having announced that she would take a break from acting to pursue a bachelor's degree in acting in the United Kingdom.[21]
Filming
Sujith Vaassudev was retained as the cinematographer. Following a six-month-long location scouting process in India, which concluded in February 2023, the film crew embarked on a recce in international locations.[22] Principal photography was originally scheduled to commence on 15 August.[23] However, it was postponed after Prithviraj sustained an injury on the sets of Vilayath Buddha.[24] Production eventually began with a customary muhurtam shot on 5 October at Faridabad on the outskirts of Delhi and Haryana. It primarily featured foreign actors and extras. Shooting was shifted to Shimla, Himachal Pradesh after a day of shooting in Faridabad.[25] [26] Filming also took place in Leh, Ladakh.[27] First schedule was completed in Ladakh on 28 October.[28] Nirmal Sahadev served as the creative director.[29] Suresh Balaje and George Pius of Wide Angle Creations serve as the film's line producers.[30] The action sequences were choreographed by Stunt Silva.[24]
The crew went for location scouting in London in November.[31] The second schedule took place in January 2024 across the United Kingdom. [32] Tovino Thomas and Indrajith Sukumaran joined production during the third schedule in the USA, with Albuquerque, New Mexico, Louisiana and New York serving as the locations.[33] [34] [35]
Music
The film's music is composed by Deepak Dev, who composed music for the prequel. In March 2023, Dev said that he had already started the music work for Empuraan.[36]
Release
In November 2022, while the film was in pre-production, Prithviraj stated that they have not decided on a release date for the film.[37] Beside its original release in Malayalam, the film would be released in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Hindi languages.[38] The film is also marketed with the short title L2E by the makers and would be the first Malayalam film to release in IMAX format.[39]
Future
As announced by the team, Lucifer is a trilogy, implying the existence of a third film as a continuation of the series. During a September 2019 event, Prithviraj mentioned that the third film will explore a much darker theme in the series.[40]
Notes and References
- News: Narayanan . Nirmal . 4 April 2019 . Exclusive: Murali Gopy talks about Lucifer sequel, artistic freedom and Illuminati link . . live . 18 May 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230518200213/https://www.ibtimes.co.in/exclusive-murali-gopy-talks-about-lucifer-sequel-artistic-freedom-illuminati-link-795275 . 18 May 2023.
- News: 19 June 2019 . Lucifer-sequel Empuraan to follow Mohanlal's directorial debut Barroz . . live . 18 May 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221006194844/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/news/2019/jun/19/lucifer-sequel-empuraan-to-follow-mohanlals-directorial-debut-barroz-12408.html . 6 October 2022.
- News: 26 September 2019 . From Lucifer trilogy to Barroz's 13 year old music composer, Mohanlal sets new benchmarks of excellence . . live . 18 May 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230518200212/https://www.financialexpress.com/entertainment/from-lucifer-trilogy-to-barrozs-13-year-old-music-composer-mohanlal-sets-new-benchmarks-of-excellence/1718216/ . 18 May 2023.
- Web site: Chopra . Anupama . Anupama Chopra . 5 August 2021 . Prithviraj On A Potential Hindi Spinoff For Lucifer . 17 November 2023 . Film Companion.
- News: George . Anjana . 24 June 2019 . Prithviraj on Zayed Masood's role in Empuraan? . . live . 18 May 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230518200712/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/prithviraj-on-zayed-masoods-role-in-empuraan/articleshow/69925872.cms . 18 May 2023.
- News: TimesofMoney . 30 September 2020 . Prithviraj Sukumaran's 'Empuraan' might be bigger than 'Lucifer', here's why . . live . 18 May 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230518201224/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/prithviraj-sukumarans-empuraan-might-be-bigger-than-lucifer-heres-why/articleshow/78404315.cms . 18 May 2023.
- News: Mathews . Anna . 30 September 2020 . Prithviraj: I cannot wait to get Empuraan started . . live . 18 May 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230508192527/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/prithviraj-i-cannot-wait-to-get-empuraan-started/articleshow/78410327.cms . 8 May 2023.
- News: 18 April 2022 . Mohanlal's 'Empuraan': Murali Gopy is planning to complete the bound script by May . . live . 18 May 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230518201224/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/mohanlals-empuraan-murali-gopy-is-planning-to-complete-the-bound-script-by-may/articleshow/90905877.cms . 18 May 2023.
- News: 8 September 2021 . Prithviraj completes second directorial 'Bro Daddy' . . live . 18 May 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230206094732/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/2021/sep/08/prithviraj-completessecond-directorialbro-daddy-2355636.html . 6 February 2023.
- News: Korah . Nikhil Skaria . 6 October 2021 . Prithiviraj reveals details about Bhramam, and plans for Empuran and Aadujeevitham Interview . . live . 18 May 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230518200221/https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/interviews/2021/10/06/prithviraj-interview-bhramam-andhadhun-remake.html . 18 May 2023.
- News: 26 May 2022 . Mohanlal's 'L2: Empuraan' is ready for 'Launch'; Murali Gopy shares an update . . live . 18 May 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221018201056/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/mohanlals-l2-empuraan-is-ready-for-launch-murali-gopy-shares-an-update/articleshow/91810090.cms . 18 October 2022.
- News: 6 May 2022 . 'Empuraan': 'The writE cause', Murali Gopy shares a quirky update on the Mohanlal starrer . . live . 18 May 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230117040111/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/empuraan-the-write-cause-murali-gopy-shares-a-quirky-update-on-the-mohanlal-starrer/articleshow/91368697.cms . 17 January 2023.
- News: 27 May 2022 . Murali Gopy completes scripting 'Empuraan' . . live . 18 May 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230518200212/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/2022/may/27/murali-gopy-completes-scripting-empuraan-2458342.html . 18 May 2023.
- News: 12 July 2022 . Prithviraj on Empuraan: Script is ready, shoot next year . . live . 18 May 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230518201626/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/malayalam/prithviraj-on-empuraan-script-is-ready-shoot-next-year-8024879/ . 18 May 2023.
- News: 17 August 2022 . 'Empuraan', The Second Installment Of Superhit 'Lucifer', Announced . . . live . 18 May 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230518200207/https://www.outlookindia.com/art-entertainment/-empuraan-the-second-installment-of-superhit-lucifer-announced-news-217014 . 18 May 2023.
- News: Keralakaumudi Daily . 30 September 2023 . 'He's coming back!' much-awaited announcement is here, along with another surprise; 'Empuraan' launch video is out . . 12 November 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231112165159/https://keralakaumudi.com/en/news/news.php?id=1160136&u=hes-coming-back!-much-awaited-announcement-is-here-along-with-another-surprise-empuraan-launch-video-is-out . 12 November 2023.
- Web site: 25 February 2020 . എമ്പുരാനെ കുറിച്ച് ടോവിനോ Tovino Exclusive Interview Forensic Movie . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230519082507/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRKbIi2hniU . 19 May 2023 . 19 May 2023 . Movie Man Broadcasting . YouTube.
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- News: Local News Desk. Poster Of Mohanlal-starrer L2: Empuraan To Be Released Today At .... 13 November 2023. CNN-News18. 11 November 2023. 12 November 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20231112200733/https://www.news18.com/movies/poster-of-mohanlal-starrer-l2-empuraan-to-be-released-today-at-8658582.html. live.
- News: ETimes.in. 'L2 Empuraan' update! Arjun Das and Shine Tom Chacko roped in for the Mohanlal starrer. The Times of India. 26 May 2023. 26 May 2023. 26 May 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230526113531/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/l2-empuraan-update-arjun-das-and-shine-tom-chacko-roped-in-for-the-mohanlal-starrer/articleshow/100525041.cms. live.
- Web site: Sidhardhan. Sanjith. Empuraan: Saniya Iyappan to reprise role in Mohanlal film, here’s how long its shoot will last Exclusive. OTT Play. 13 November 2023. 10 October 2023. 13 November 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20231113093621/https://www.ottplay.com/news/empuraan-saniya-iyappan-to-reprise-role-in-mohanlal-film-heres-how-long-its-shoot-will-last-exclusive/f7deb609a6624. live.
- News: 5 May 2023 . എമ്പുരാന് പൃഥ്വിരാജ് വിദേശത്ത് . ml . . 19 May 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230519072611/https://keralakaumudi.com/news/news.php?id=1060299&u=cinema . 19 May 2023.
- Web site: Sidhardhan. Sanjith. Empuraan update: Prithviraj Sukumaran completes recce of Mohanlal-starrer, to shoot in 6 countries. OTT Play. 13 November 2023. 21 February 2023. 13 November 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20231113093619/https://www.ottplay.com/news/empuraan-update-prithviraj-sukumaran-completes-recce-of-mohanlal-starrer-to-shoot-in-6-countries/bcad5e8576971. live.
- News: Express News Service. Mohanlal-Prithviraj film Empuraan starts rolling. 13 November 2023. The New Indian Express. 6 October 2023. 3 November 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20231103160033/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/2023/oct/06/mohanlal-prithviraj-film-empuraan-starts-rolling-2621183.html. live.
- Web site: Canchannels. എമ്പുരാന് ഫരീദാബാദില് തുടക്കം. പൂജാചടങ്ങില് പങ്കുകൊള്ളാന് മോഹന്ലാല് എത്തി. Empuraan started in Faridabad. Mohanlal came to participate in the puja ceremony. Canchannels.com. 13 November 2023. ml. 5 October 2023. 13 November 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20231113095121/https://www.canchannels.com/empuran-started-in-faridabad-mohanlal-came-to-participate-in-the-puja-ceremony/. live.
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- News: Das. Soujannya. Khufiya actor Alexx O’Nell: ‘I’m fortunate that I’ve done enough work for filmmakers to know me’. 13 November 2023. Telegraph India. 8 November 2023. 13 November 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20231113093618/https://www.telegraphindia.com/entertainment/khufiya-actor-alexx-onell-im-fortunate-that-ive-done-enough-work-for-filmmakers-to-know-me/cid/1978558. live.
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- News: Warrier. Unni. K.. ‘എംപുരാൻ’ ഓഗസ്റ്റ് 15 ന് തുടങ്ങും; ലൊക്കേഷൻ ഹണ്ട് അവസാനിച്ചു. 'Empuraan' will start in August 15; location hunting completed. 13 November 2023. Manoramaonline.com. 21 February 2023. ml. 13 November 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20231113095120/https://www.manoramaonline.com/movies/movie-news/2023/02/21/empuraan-rolling-from-august.html. live.
- News: ETimes.in. Mohanlal's 'L2: Empuraan' location scouting in the UK; details inside. 13 November 2023. The Times of India. 7 November 2023. 13 November 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20231113093618/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/mohanlals-l2-empuraan-location-scouting-in-the-uk-details-inside/articleshow/105030481.cms. live.
- Web site: Prithviraj Sukumaran Wraps The UK Schedule Of His Upcoming Project L2: Empuraan. News18.
- Web site: Tovino Thomas joins the set of ‘L2: Empuraan’. Times of India.
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- Adhi . AdhiMFC2255 . 1762762766308548911 . Empuraan L2 Shoot Progressing On New Mexico the place which was ruled by Walter White (Breaking Bad Series) Vidhyut L combination scenes will be shot there.. February last week to March 1st week.. . June 20, 2024.
- News: News18 Malayalam . 19 March 2023 . Empuraan സാറെ എമ്പുരാന്റെ വര്ക്ക് തുടങ്ങിയോ? 'എന്റെ പണി തുടങ്ങി'യെന്ന് സംഗീത സംവിധായകന് ദീപക് ദേവ് . ml . . live . 18 May 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230326121342/https://malayalam.news18.com/news/film/music-director-deepak-dev-give-update-on-mohanlal-prithviraj-movie-empuraan-shooting-and-music-composing-ak-590196.html . 26 March 2023.
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- News: HT Entertainment Desk. Empuraan first look: Mohanlal all set to mark his return as Khureshi Ab'ram from Lucifer. 13 November 2023. Hindustan Times. 11 November 2023. 12 November 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20231112201606/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/others/empuraan-first-look-mohanlal-all-set-to-mark-his-return-as-khureshi-abram-lucifer-101699711436548.html. live.
- News: 24 September 2019 . Mohanlal's Lucifer will be a trilogy, reveals Prithviraj . . live . 18 May 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230518201627/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/malayalam/mohanlal-lucifer-will-be-a-trilogy-reveals-prithviraj-6023740/ . 18 May 2023.