Mohanlal’s L2 Empuraan Eyes ₹300 Cr Amid Rival Releases
Mohanlal’s L2: Empuraan crosses ₹102.35 crore in India and ₹263 crore globally, facing new challenges from rival South Indian films.
Mohanlal’s L2: Empuraan Marches Past ₹263 Cr Globally, Battles New Box Office Rivals
As the South Indian box office heats up this April, L2: Empuraan—a bold and ambitious Malayalam film headlined by superstar Mohanlal—continues to forge ahead. Despite entering its third week in theaters, the political-action saga has managed to hold its ground, pushing its global earnings to an impressive ₹263 crore. Domestically, the film’s tally stands at ₹102.35 crore as of Day 14, a significant milestone for the Malayalam film industry.
But the journey is getting tougher. With Ajith Kumar’s Good Bad Ugly and Mammootty’s Bazooka now in theaters, the competition for audience attention has intensified.
A Strong Two-Week Run at the Indian Box Office
Released on March 27, 2025, L2: Empuraan opened to packed houses and overwhelming fan response, especially in Kerala and Gulf regions. Over its second weekend, the film showed resilience: ₹2.9 crore on Friday, ₹3.35 crore on Saturday, and ₹3.85 crore on Sunday. Even weekday numbers held steady, with ₹1.55 crore collected on Monday and a similar haul on Tuesday.
The Malayalam version maintained a 13.77% occupancy on Wednesday, while the Tamil version drew 11.85%, showcasing the film’s appeal across language lines. Despite a natural dip in momentum during its second week, the numbers suggest strong word-of-mouth and continued audience interest.
A Record-Breaking Milestone for Malayalam Cinema
With its ₹263 crore global haul, L2: Empuraan has now etched its name in the record books as the highest-grossing Malayalam film of all time. Industry watchers are closely tracking its path toward the coveted ₹300 crore milestone—a figure rarely seen in Malayalam cinema, and a testament to the expanding reach of regional films across India and beyond.
According to trade analyst Ramesh Bala, “Empuraan’s box office performance is reshaping the perception of Malayalam films. Its crossover success is a major win for the industry.”
Facing Controversy and Cuts: A Political Plotline Sparks Debate
While box office numbers remain solid, L2: Empuraan hasn’t escaped controversy. The film stirred a political storm for its fictional narrative involving the 2002 Gujarat riots. Some groups labeled it “anti-national,” prompting the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to intervene. After consultations, the filmmakers agreed to 24 cuts, trimming 2 minutes and 8 seconds from the final runtime. Scenes referencing the riots were edited and restructured, allowing the film to receive a fresh certificate.
Despite the edits, the narrative remains intense and politically charged. Mohanlal reprises his role as the enigmatic Stephen Nedumpally, also known as Khureshi Ab’raam—a character shrouded in mystery and moral ambiguity. This installment sees him return from exile, plotting a high-stakes move against Chief Minister Jathin Ramdas (played by Tovino Thomas) with the help of Zayed (Prithviraj Sukumaran).
New Releases Challenge Empuraan’s Dominance
The third week brings new threats to Empuraan’s theatrical reign. Ajith’s action-packed Good Bad Ugly and Mammootty’s high-octane thriller Bazooka debuted on Thursday, both drawing significant footfall. Early trade buzz suggests strong openings, especially in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. While Empuraan has carved a dedicated fanbase, maintaining its dominance amidst fresh releases will test the film’s staying power.
Still, the momentum from its loyal base could keep it afloat. Malayalam audiences are known for repeat viewings of well-crafted stories, and Empuraan’s layered plot offers exactly that.
A Cinematic Shift: The Rise of Political Thrillers in Indian Film
Beyond the box office, Empuraan signals a shift in Indian storytelling. With its complex characters, sharp political commentary, and gritty realism, the film represents a bold departure from formulaic action thrillers. It underscores a growing appetite for content that challenges viewers and sparks conversation—both in theaters and online.
Filmmaker Prithviraj Sukumaran, who also plays a pivotal role, stated in a recent interview: “We wanted to push boundaries—not just in scale and action, but in thought. That’s what Empuraan is all about.”
Final Takeaway
As L2: Empuraan inches closer to the ₹300 crore mark, its success story is more than just numbers. It’s a cultural moment—one that highlights the power of regional cinema, the resilience of storytelling, and the evolving tastes of Indian audiences. With new challengers at the gates and a nation-wide debate surrounding its plot, Empuraan is not just a movie—it’s a movement.
Whether it maintains its momentum or gives way to the next big hit, its legacy is already secure.
Disclaimer:
Box office figures mentioned are based on industry estimates and reports. Actual numbers may vary. This article is for informational purposes and does not reflect any political or personal stance.
source : News18