Introduction: Empuraan Cast Guide
The 2025 Malayalam cinematic universe witnessed a groundbreaking sequel with Empuraan (L2: Empuraan), which electrified theaters and created a worldwide buzz. Following the colossal success of Lucifer, Empuraan brought back the legendary Mohanlal in a dual role while introducing an ensemble of Malayalam superstars and international actors. Directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, who also co-wrote the script with Murali Gopy, the movie redefined political action thrillers in Indian cinema and set new benchmarks in production scale, storytelling, and box office performance.
With a staggering budget of ₹150-175 crore, it became the costliest Malayalam film to date, and its worldwide gross of ₹265-268 crore solidified its position as the second-highest-grossing Malayalam film after its predecessor. Fans searching for the Empuraan cast or L2 Empuraan full cast are in for a rich tapestry of legendary actors, emerging talents, and globally recognized stars. This guide combines information from Wikipedia, Filmibeat, IMDb, and top reviews to present a comprehensive look at the cast and characters that made Empuraan a cinematic spectacle.
Table of Contents
About the Movie
Empuraan, often abbreviated as L2E, is more than just a sequel to Lucifer—it’s an expansion of the universe, offering a self-contained story that also pays homage to the original. While Lucifer laid the foundation for Kerala’s political crime universe, Empuraan delves deeper into international crime syndicates, political conspiracies, and personal vendettas.
Direction and Production
Prithviraj Sukumaran, making his third directorial venture, took the reins both behind and in front of the camera. He co-wrote the script with Murali Gopy, ensuring a seamless continuation of the Lucifer universe. Production was handled by Aashirvad Cinemas, Lyca Productions, and Sree Gokulam Movies, with shooting spanning multiple countries including India, the UK, the US, and the UAE. The filming schedule lasted 145 days, from October 2023 to December 2024, overcoming delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Technical Brilliance
Empuraan made history as the first IMAX film in Malayalam cinema, captured meticulously by cinematographer Sujith Vasudev. The musical score, composed by Deepak Dev, added grandeur and depth, complementing the high-octane action sequences and political intrigue. The film also experimented with extensive VFX, action choreography, and scale, making every frame a spectacle on the big screen.
Storyline Overview
Empuraan explores themes like political corruption, organized crime, social riots, and the quest for justice. While it received mixed reviews for screenplay and pacing, critics and audiences universally praised Mohanlal’s performance, Prithviraj’s direction, and the technical finesse of the film. The story bridges multiple timelines and geographies, connecting domestic politics in Kerala with international crime syndicates, ensuring that viewers are constantly engaged in a thrilling ride.
Empuraan Cast: The Stars Behind the Spectacle
The Empuraan cast is an ensemble of veterans, emerging talent, and international stars, each delivering performances that contribute to the movie’s cinematic grandeur. Below is an in-depth look at the characters and actors who brought Empuraan to life.
Mohanlal as Khureshi Ab’raam / Stephen Nedumpally
Mohanlal reprises his iconic role from Lucifer, taking on a challenging dual role as Khureshi Ab’raam and Stephen Nedumpally. His portrayal is layered, reflecting both the cunning strategist and the righteous avenger. As Khureshi, Mohanlal embodies political strength and intimidation, while as Stephen, he navigates complex personal vendettas and moral dilemmas.
His dual performance became the emotional core of the movie, allowing audiences to experience both tension and empathy. Critics noted that Mohanlal delivered one of his career-best performances, seamlessly transitioning between the two roles and providing a masterclass in screen presence.
Prithviraj Sukumaran as Zayed Masood
Prithviraj plays Zayed Masood, the loyal lieutenant and moral compass of the storyline. Zayed’s journey begins with trauma during the 2002 Gujarat riots, where he loses his family at the hands of Balraj Patel, setting the stage for revenge and redemption.
Prithviraj brings gravitas to Zayed, balancing action sequences with emotional depth. His chemistry with Mohanlal’s characters and Manju Warrier’s Priyadarshini Ramdas adds layers to the political and personal stakes of the narrative. Fans appreciated his directorial vision and performance synergy, making him a standout among the ensemble.
Tovino Thomas as Jathin Ramdas
Tovino Thomas portrays the corrupt Chief Minister Jathin Ramdas, a character that embodies political manipulation and moral ambiguity. Tovino captures the cunning and ruthlessness required for the role, creating a credible antagonist whose actions drive much of the plot.
Jathin’s arc, from political opportunist to victim of his own schemes, is executed with precision, highlighting Tovino’s ability to portray complex characters without making them one-dimensional.
Manju Warrier as Priyadarshini Ramdas / Priya
Manju Warrier shines as Priyadarshini Ramdas, an emerging political leader navigating a male-dominated world of power and crime. Priya’s arc showcases her transformation from a strategic observer to a decisive leader who influences critical outcomes in the story.
Manju’s performance balances emotional intelligence and strategic acumen, making her one of the most celebrated characters of the film. Her interactions with Mohanlal and Prithviraj anchor the emotional and moral center of the story.
International Cast Members
Empuraan expanded the cinematic universe by including globally recognized actors:
- Jerome Flynn as Boris Oliver, an MI6 chief, brings a European espionage flair.
- Andrea Tivadar as Michele Menuhin, an MI6 agent, complements Flynn, adding layers to the international intrigue.
- Eriq Ebouaney as Kabuga, the African cartel leader, adds a dangerous global dimension to the narrative.
- Rick Yune as Shenlong Shen (cameo) introduces an element for potential L3 expansion.
Their presence elevated the movie beyond regional cinema, appealing to a global audience and giving Empuraan an international cinematic footprint.
Supporting Malayalam Cast
- Indrajith Sukumaran as Govardhan, a spy operating in Kerala.
- Abhimanyu Singh as Balraj Patel / Baba Bajrangi, the ruthless antagonist whose actions trigger major conflicts.
- Suraj Venjaramoodu as Sajanachandran, the ASM leader in Kerala.
- Saikumar as Mahesha Varma, the Home Minister.
- Baiju Santhosh as Murugan, an IUF member.
- Sukant Goel as Munna, Balraj’s brother.
- Kishore as Karthik, an IB officer.
- Pranav Mohanlal in a cameo as Young Stephen, adding emotional resonance through flashbacks.
- Other notable appearances include Saniya Iyappan (Jhanvi), Nyla Usha (Arundhathi), Fazil (Father Nedumpally), and cameos by Kalabhavan Shajohn and Sachin Khedekar.
The supporting cast provides depth, regional flavor, and emotional context, making the movie feel both grounded and expansive.
Plot Summary
Empuraan combines political intrigue, personal revenge, and international crime into a gripping narrative.
The story begins with a flashback to the 2002 Gujarat riots, where Zayed Masood loses his family to Balraj Patel’s mob. In present-day Kerala, CM Jathin Ramdas is exposed as a corrupt politician and collaborates with Baba Bajrangi, a right-wing ASM leader.
To eliminate threats, Stephen Nedumpally impersonates Khureshi Ab’raam, executing precise revenge. Simultaneously, international agencies like MI6, Interpol, and African crime syndicates intersect with Kerala’s political turmoil. Priyadarshini Ramdas rises as a formidable leader, executing strategic arrests and rescues.
The climax unfolds with Balraj and Munna killed in a meticulously planned retribution, and Jathin falling victim to a helicopter bomb. The post-credits scene teases L3, featuring Shenlong Shen investigating Stephen’s past, setting the stage for the next installment.
Box Office Performance
Despite controversies surrounding its depiction of the Gujarat riots, Empuraan became a box office blockbuster:
Week 1 Day-Wise India Net (₹ Cr)
| Day | Collection |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | 35-40 |
| Day 2 | 28-30 |
| Weekend | 85+ |
| Week 1 Total | 135+ |
Final Collections (₹ Cr)
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Budget | 150-175 |
| India Net | 180-190 |
| India Gross | 220-230 |
| Overseas | 45-50 |
| Worldwide Gross | 265-268 |
| Verdict | Blockbuster (2nd highest Malayalam) |
The movie’s success is attributed to Mohanlal-Prithviraj star power, stunning visuals, and international appeal. While reviews were mixed, the spectacle, action, and technical achievements were widely praised.
Reviews and Legacy
Critics gave Empuraan an average rating of 3/5:
- Pinkvilla (4/5): Socio-political reflection with cinematic grandeur.
- India Today (3/5): Recognized for scale, visual effects, and action choreography.
- Firstpost: Highlighted technical brilliance, including stunts by Stunt Silva and VFX by Praveen Ghanta.
The movie sparked debates due to its portrayal of sensitive historical events, increasing public discourse. On OTT platforms like Jio Hotstar, Empuraan reached a wider audience, ensuring cultural impact beyond theatrical revenue.
Why Empuraan Cast Stands Out
Empuraan’s cast is notable for:
- Veteran performances: Mohanlal, Manju Warrier, and Tovino Thomas delivering career-best performances.
- Director-actor synergy: Prithviraj effectively balances direction and acting.
- International collaboration: Jerome Flynn, Eriq Ebouaney, and Rick Yune broadened the film’s scope.
- Supporting ensemble: Adds emotional depth, political realism, and narrative cohesion.
Their combined efforts have solidified the Lucifer universe as a leading cinematic franchise in Indian cinema.
Conclusion
The Empuraan Cast Guide highlights the talent, scale, and ambition behind one of Malayalam cinema’s most talked-about films. From Mohanlal’s dual-role brilliance to Prithviraj’s directorial finesse and Manju Warrier’s political powerhouse performance, the ensemble cast brings a layered, thrilling narrative to life. The inclusion of international stars and technically advanced production makes Empuraan a landmark film, setting a high bar for sequels, political thrillers, and cinematic universes in India.
As the franchise progresses toward L3, the Empuraan cast has already left an indelible mark on the audience, proving that a compelling storyline, when combined with a stellar ensemble, can create both critical acclaim and commercial triumph.
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