L 2 Empuraan is one of the most-awaited films in Malayalam cinema and is the sequel to Lucifer featuring Mohanlal. Well, the second part directed by Prithiviraj has hit the screens today, and let’s review it here.
Story
Jathin Ramdas (Tovino Thomas) is seated as the Chief Minister, only for Stephen (Mohanlal) to mysteriously disappear from Kerala. Everything seems fine until the IUF party splits. For the sake of money and power, Jathin joins hands with the ASM party, while Bhajarangi (Abhimanyu Singh) establishes the IUF-PKR party. This leads to a major crisis in Kerala.
The only person capable of resolving this crisis is Stephen, also known as Abraham Qureshi. What did Govardhan (Indrajith Sukumaran) do to bring Stephen back to Kerala? How did Stephen confront these challenges? This forms the core plot of Empuraan: Lucifer 2.
What about on-screen performances?
There is no denying the fact that Mohan Lal is a powerhouse of talent and whatever he does is always special. He brings his A-game to Empuraan and gives a very stylish performance.
Though he has less screen time, Mohanlal makes sure he creates an impact with his performance and screen presence. The way he mouths those powerful dialogues is good to see on screen.
Prithviraj Sukumaran, the director of the film also has a great role. The way he manages his two jobs is good to see on screen. The casting of the film has been done right.
Abhimanyu Singh is also neat in his negative role and the way he has brought a lot of impact is so good to see on the big screen. The actor who plays his side kicks is also good.
Tovino Thomas has played a key role and he is very good in the film. There is something special about his character that gives him an edge in the film throughout.
Manju Warrier is just about okay in her role but one gets a feeling that she has not been used properly in the setup. The rest of the cast was there just for styling purposes.
What about off-screen talents?
Prithviraj Sukumaran has directed the film and there is no denying the fact that he has chosen style over substance. For Malayalam cinema, Empuraan is one of the biggest and also looks grand.
The production values are the ones that take you by surprise and impress big time. Be it the graphics or the cast and crew, a lot of money has been spent and that shows on screen.
Deepak Dev has composed the music and his BGM is quite good. The manner in which it elevates the action and drama is so good to see on the big screen.
Story-wise things are quite ordinary and show nothing novel. It is more about the drama that needs to do the talking but that does not happen and makes things a bit boring.
The runtime of the film is a big issue. At three hours of runtime, Empuraan looks lengthy and sounds boring at times. There is so much lag in the proceedings and there was no need for it one bit.
Things would have been quite good if the makers had edited the runtime. Also, the emotions in the film are quite dull and are there just for the sake of it.
Prithviraj has ensured that he showcases Malayalam cinema on a grand note, and he does the same. While the fans in Kerala will love the grand affair, the Telugu audience might have reservations.
What’s Good?
- Mohalal’s performance
- Production values
- Action blocks
What’s bad?
- Runtime
- Slow Pace
- Dull emotions
Verdict
Overall, L 2 Empuraan is a stylish action drama that has great visuals and a never-before-seen Mohanlal. The action blocks are amazing but the slow pace is an issue. If you love action dramas, give the film a shot as it is stylish and richly made.
Telugubulletin.com Rating: 2.5/5