L2: Empuraan release sparks fan frenzy as Bengaluru college declares holiday, organises special screening

The highly anticipated release of L2: Empuraan, the sequel to the blockbuster Malayalam film Lucifer, has set the stage for an unprecedented wave of fan enthusiasm. With the film slated to hit theatres on March 27, excitement has reached fever pitch, leading to record-breaking advance bookings and unique fan-driven celebrations. In a striking display of devotion to cinema and fandom, Good Shepherd Institutions in Bengaluru has declared a holiday on release day and arranged a special 7 a.m. fan screening at Movietime Cinemas, YGR Mall, Rajarajeshwari Nagar.

The initiative comes as the film industry watches closely, with director Prithviraj Sukumaran expressing hopes that the sequel could elevate Malayalam cinema’s presence in the mainstream commercial space. Meanwhile, Mohanlal fans are pulling out all the stops to celebrate the return of their iconic star in what is shaping up to be a cinematic spectacle.

Why Is L2: Empuraan Generating Such Hype?

The excitement surrounding L2: Empuraan stems from multiple factors. As a sequel to 2019’s Lucifer, which became the highest-grossing Malayalam film of its time, the film carries high expectations. Directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran and headlined by Mohanlal, the franchise has developed a cult following, particularly for its gripping political thriller narrative and stylish execution.

Unlike traditional Malayalam cinema, which has often been recognised for its strong storytelling and independent films, Lucifer introduced a pan-Indian sensibility, blending action, politics, and larger-than-life characters. Given its success, L2: Empuraan is expected to push boundaries further, offering a more expansive storyline and intense action sequences.

Adding to the anticipation, Mohanlal’s character, Stephen Nedumpally, left audiences on a cliffhanger in the first film, hinting at a deeper and more layered narrative in the sequel. Fans are eager to see how his journey unfolds, especially as the franchise explores global crime syndicates, political power plays, and high-stakes action.

Bengaluru College Declares Holiday To Celebrate L2: Empuraan Release

In an unusual but passionate move, Good Shepherd Institutions in Bengaluru announced a day off for its students on March 27 to mark the release of L2: Empuraan. The decision was made by the institution’s Managing Director, a devoted Mohanlal fan, who wanted students to fully immerse themselves in the experience without academic obligations getting in the way.

Taking things a step further, the college has booked an exclusive fan show at 7 a.m., ensuring that students get to watch the film as part of a collective celebration. The announcement, made via an Instagram post, emphasized that this was more than just a movie screening—it was a tribute to the cultural phenomenon that Empuraan represents.

“When passion and fandom come together, records are shattered! Our beloved MD, a die-hard Lalettan fan, has gone the extra mile to celebrate the magic of cinema by booking an exclusive 7 a.m. fan show of #Empuraan just for the students of our college!”

The initiative has sparked discussions about the power of fandom in shaping movie culture. While such large-scale celebrations are common in Tamil and Telugu cinema, where fan groups often book entire theatres or arrange early morning screenings, this level of organised enthusiasm is relatively rare in Malayalam cinema.

Record-Breaking Advance Bookings Indicate A Massive Opening

Industry insiders are already predicting a sensational box office performance for L2: Empuraan. Advance booking trends suggest that the film could surpass opening-day records set by previous Malayalam films, with early ticket sales skyrocketing across key regions.

With the increasing demand for pan-Indian releases, L2: Empuraan is expected to cater to audiences beyond Kerala, with substantial interest in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and even northern states where Malayalam films are gaining traction.

Furthermore, the movie’s international release strategy is also generating significant buzz, with major overseas markets, including the UAE, the US, and the UK, witnessing strong pre-sales. Given that Malayalam films have traditionally performed well in the Gulf region, the expectations for L2: Empuraan are particularly high in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where Mohanlal enjoys a massive fan base.

Is L2: Empuraan A Game-Changer For Malayalam Cinema?

The sequel’s success could mark a significant shift for the Malayalam film industry, which has long been praised for its content-driven storytelling but has struggled to break into the mass-market commercial space. Prithviraj Sukumaran, who returns as director, has spoken about his ambition to bridge this gap, ensuring that Malayalam films gain the kind of nationwide recognition that Telugu and Tamil films have achieved in recent years.

His approach to L2: Empuraan appears to be in line with this vision. The film reportedly features a larger budget, extensive action sequences, and a more ambitious narrative scope, all of which are designed to appeal to a wider audience while retaining the essence of Malayalam storytelling.

The Fan Phenomenon: How Fandom Is Redefining Cinema Culture

The announcement by Good Shepherd Institutions reflects the growing role of fan culture in shaping film success. Across India, fan groups are increasingly organising events, special screenings, and promotional activities that drive excitement and engagement around major releases.

In Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, early morning shows, theatrical celebrations, and even city-wide processions are common for major stars like Rajinikanth, Vijay, and Allu Arjun. With L2: Empuraan, a similar trend seems to be taking root in Malayalam cinema, reinforcing the idea that fan-driven marketing can significantly impact a film’s box office trajectory.

As the countdown to March 27 continues, all eyes are on whether L2: Empuraan will live up to its immense expectations. With record-breaking bookings, unprecedented fan enthusiasm, and industry-wide curiosity, the film is well on track to become one of the most significant Malayalam releases of the year.