L2: Empuraan advance booking shatters records as Mohanlal-starrer prepares for monumental opening

The much-anticipated sequel to Lucifer, L2: Empuraan, is poised to rewrite box office history as it nears its theatrical release on March 27. Directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran and led by Malayalam cinema‘s megastar Mohanlal, the political thriller has generated unprecedented excitement among audiences. Within the first 24 hours of advance booking, the film has already recorded staggering pre-sales figures, solidifying its position as one of the biggest Malayalam openers ever.

With ₹30 crore already amassed globally before its release—₹12 crore from domestic pre-bookings (including fan shows) and ₹20 crore from international sales—the film is expected to set new industry benchmarks. The overwhelming response to advance bookings suggests L2: Empuraan is not only on track to surpass previous Malayalam box office records but also to elevate Mollywood‘s presence in the global cinema landscape.

How Is L2: Empuraan Redefining Mollywood’s Box Office Potential?

The Malayalam film industry, often known for its content-driven narratives, is witnessing a shift toward large-scale productions with wide-reaching appeal. L2: Empuraan exemplifies this transition by leveraging the success of its predecessor, Lucifer (2019), which became a milestone film in Malayalam cinema. Directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, Lucifer was one of the highest-grossing Malayalam films at the time, collecting over ₹200 crore worldwide.

The sequel is riding on this strong foundation, with heightened anticipation from fans eager to witness Mohanlal reprise his role as Khureshi-Ab’raam/Stephen Nedumpally. The film’s advance booking numbers reflect an unprecedented level of demand, reinforcing the growing market for high-budget Malayalam films with pan-Indian and international appeal.

Can L2: Empuraan Break Existing Mollywood Records?

Currently, the record for the highest opening-day collection for a Malayalam film belongs to Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea, which earned ₹20 crore on its first day. Given L2: Empuraan’s massive pre-sales, industry experts believe it will surpass this figure with ease.

With trade analysts projecting an opening-day gross of ₹50 crore worldwide, L2: Empuraan is set to establish a new milestone for Mollywood. If positive reviews and strong word-of-mouth follow its release, the film could challenge the all-time highest-grossing Malayalam movie, Manjummel Boys, which recently surpassed ₹240 crore in global collections.

Why Is L2: Empuraan Generating Such High Pre-Release Hype?

The film’s pre-release buzz can be attributed to several key factors:

• Star Power and Legacy: Mohanlal remains one of the most bankable actors in Indian cinema, with a dedicated fan base spanning generations. His collaboration with Prithviraj Sukumaran, both as a co-star and director, has amplified expectations.
• Success of Lucifer: Lucifer established a strong narrative foundation, ending on an open-ended note that paved the way for an equally ambitious sequel. The film was praised for its political thriller elements, intense action sequences, and gripping screenplay.
• Pan-Indian and International Reach: Unlike many regional films that primarily target a domestic audience, L2: Empuraan is releasing in multiple languages—Malayalam, Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, and Tamil—expanding its viewership significantly. The pre-sales of ₹20 crore overseas indicate strong demand among Indian film enthusiasts worldwide.
• Big-Budget Production and High-Octane Action: The sequel is expected to feature grander visuals, high-stakes political drama, and intense action sequences, making it a spectacle on par with Bollywood and South Indian industry standards.
• Strategic Release Timing: With no major competing releases in Malayalam cinema during this period, L2: Empuraan enjoys a clear window to dominate the box office.

Will L2: Empuraan Set New Standards for Malayalam Cinema?

Beyond box office numbers, L2: Empuraan represents a paradigm shift for Mollywood, demonstrating the industry’s ability to create large-scale commercial films without compromising storytelling depth. The Malayalam film industry has historically been known for its focus on strong narratives and character-driven plots rather than spectacle-driven cinema. However, films like Lucifer, Marakkar, and now L2: Empuraan signal a shift toward bigger productions with national and international appeal.

With an ensemble cast including Abhimanyu Singh, Tovino Thomas, Manju Warrier, Saniya Iyappan, and Sachin Khedekar, the film is set to offer an engaging cinematic experience beyond its commercial success.

What Lies Ahead for L2: Empuraan?

If the film lives up to expectations, it could redefine box office standards for Malayalam cinema, making way for more big-budget ventures. The advance booking trends, combined with strong overseas interest, suggest that L2: Empuraan could cross ₹300 crore in lifetime earnings if post-release word-of-mouth remains positive.

As March 27 approaches, all eyes are on whether L2: Empuraan will cement its place as the highest-grossing Malayalam film of all time. If the current trajectory continues, the film’s opening weekend could be historic, setting a new benchmark not just for Mollywood but for regional Indian cinema as a whole.