A Grand Opening for L2 Empuraan
The highly anticipated sequel, L2: Empuraan, starring the legendary Mohanlal, has taken the box office by storm. Released on March 27, 2025, this follow-up to the 2019 action-thriller Lucifer has surpassed expectations, setting new benchmarks for Malayalam cinema. Fans and critics alike have lauded the film’s grand spectacle, gripping narrative, and power-packed performances.
L2 Empuraan Box Office Collection Day 1: A Record-Breaking Start
According to industry tracker Sacnilk, L2: Empuraan amassed a staggering ₹22 crores on its first day, marking one of the biggest openings in Malayalam cinema history. With a strong 61.02% overall occupancy, the film witnessed packed houses across multiple screenings.
Detailed Occupancy Breakdown:
| Show Timing | Occupancy Rate |
|---|---|
| Morning | 63.32% |
| Afternoon | 54.32% |
| Evening | 60.43% |
| Night | 66.00% |
The night shows saw the highest turnout at 66.00%, showcasing the audience’s immense enthusiasm for the film.
Trade Experts React: A Game-Changer for Malayalam Cinema
Renowned film critic and trade analyst Taran Adarsh took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to share his thoughts on the film’s opening. He stated:
“EMPURAAN TAKES A HISTORIC START ACROSS KERALA. The much-awaited biggie, L2: Empuraan, has opened to record-breaking numbers across Kerala—Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Kozhikode, Kottayam, Thrissur, Palakkad—theatres are witnessing packed shows, signaling an earth-shattering opening.”
He further added:
“Empuraan is on track to rewrite opening-day records. If this momentum continues, it could very well be a game-changer for the Malayalam film industry!”
Star-Studded Cast & Stellar Performances
Directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, L2: Empuraan boasts an ensemble cast that has only added to the film’s appeal. The movie features:
- Mohanlal in the lead role
- Prithviraj Sukumaran (also the director)
- Tovino Thomas
- Manju Warrier
- Sachin Khedekar
- Abhimanyu Singh
- Jerome Flynn (famous for Game of Thrones)
- Eriq Ebouaney
- Suraj Venjaramoodu
- Indrajith Sukumaran
The film is produced under Aashirvad Cinemas, Sree Gokulam Movies, and Lyca Productions, helmed by Antony Perumbavoor, Gokulam Gopalan, and Subaskaran.
The Making of L2: Empuraan – Prithviraj’s Vision
Director Prithviraj Sukumaran revealed in a recent interview why maintaining a coherent visual narrative was crucial. He said:
“With so many events unfolding back to back, it’s easy for the audience to lose focus. L2: Empuraan is a fast-paced film that shifts rapidly between timelines, locations, and different parts of the world, often depicting simultaneous events across multiple timelines. Because of this, I had to be constantly aware of where the narrative was headed and ensure that the pacing remained consistent throughout.”
Audience Reactions: Fans Hail the Spectacle
Social media has been buzzing with fans expressing their excitement. Many viewers shared their struggles of securing tickets amid heavy demand. Others lauded Mohanlal’s power-packed performance, Prithviraj’s directorial prowess, and the film’s high-octane action sequences.
L2 Empuraan vs. Other Blockbusters: Can It Outperform?
With such a stellar opening, comparisons have been drawn between L2: Empuraan and pan-Indian hits like Baahubali, KGF, and Pushpa. Given the film’s strong word-of-mouth and extraordinary occupancy rates, trade experts predict that it may very well join the league of these cinematic giants.
Comparative First-Day Box Office Collections:
| Film | Opening Day Collection |
| Baahubali 2 | ₹121 crores |
| KGF: Chapter 2 | ₹116 crores |
| Pushpa: The Rise | ₹50 crores |
| L2: Empuraan | ₹22 crores |
Pre-Sales & Overseas Rights: A Record-Breaking Deal
Even before its theatrical release, L2: Empuraan set new benchmarks with its pre-sales figures. The film secured ₹30 crores for its overseas distribution rights, surpassing the previous records held by Malayalam blockbusters.
Moreover, the advance bookings were so overwhelming that within just 10 hours, it surpassed the opening-day collection of Lucifer!
FAQs
1. How much did L2: Empuraan collect on its first day?
The film earned ₹22 crores on its opening day, making it one of the biggest Malayalam openings ever.
2. What was the occupancy rate for L2: Empuraan on Day 1?
The overall occupancy rate stood at 61.02%, with the night shows peaking at 66.00%.
3. Who directed L2: Empuraan?
The movie is directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, who also plays a significant role in the film.
4. How does L2: Empuraan compare to other blockbusters?
With a ₹22 crore opening, L2: Empuraan has entered the league of top Malayalam openers, drawing comparisons to pan-Indian hits like Baahubali and KGF.
Conclusion: A Box Office Juggernaut in the Making?
L2: Empuraan has already cemented its place as one of the biggest openers in Malayalam cinema. With its grand narrative, powerhouse performances, and extraordinary direction, the film is expected to continue its dream run at the box office. If this momentum sustains, L2: Empuraan could go on to become one of the highest-grossing Malayalam films of all time.
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