Mohanlal’s L2: Empuraan is making history. Yes, we mean that! The film is officially the first-ever Malayalam movie to release in IMAX, a truly ground-breaking moment for the industry. As the countdown to its March 27 premiere begins, the film has already shattered records in North America, setting the stage for a monumental global release.
IMAX release: A game-changer for Malayalam cinema
The announcement that L2: Empuraan will be available in IMAX is a major breakthrough for Malayalam cinema. Director Prithviraj Sukumaran confirmed the news, emphasizing that this move will bring an unparalleled cinematic experience to audiences worldwide. IMAX’s massive screens, superior sound quality, and immersive visuals will completely elevate the film’s action sequences and storytelling, setting a new benchmark for the industry.
Actor Tovino Thomas, who also stars in the film, shared his excitement on social media, stating, “It gives us immense pride to announce that L2: Empuraan will be the first-ever Malayalam film to release in IMAX. We hope this is the beginning of a long and illustrious association between IMAX and Malayalam Cinema.”
Record-breaking advance sales in North America
Beyond its historic IMAX release, L2: Empuraan is already rewriting box office records. The film has become the highest-grossing Malayalam premiere in North America, with advance ticket sales crossing $125,000. In the USA alone, it has earned around $32,000 from just nine locations across 26 shows, selling nearly 1,500 tickets. With more than a week left until its release, experts predict these numbers will continue to climb.
A blockbuster in the making
The excitement around L2: Empuraan is at an all-time high. As the sequel to the 2019 blockbuster Lucifer, the first Malayalam film to cross Rs 200 crore worldwide, the stakes are massive. Industry predictions suggest an opening-day collection of at least Rs 40 crore globally, potentially setting new records for Malayalam cinema.
The global buzz was further amplified when hundreds of fans gathered at New York’s Times Square for the film’s teaser unveiling. Even superstar Rajinikanth, who got an exclusive first look at the trailer, showered it with praise, adding to the film’s growing hype.
Setting a new standard for Malayalam films globally
While Hindi and Telugu films have traditionally dominated international markets, L2: Empuraan is hopefully proving that Malayalam cinema is ready to take the global stage. Fingers crossed! The film’s IMAX release and record-breaking pre-sales indicate a shift in audience preferences, opening new doors for the industry.
To build excitement, the makers are also re-releasing Lucifer in theatres on March 20, allowing audiences to relive the first chapter before L2: Empuraan hits screens on March 27 in both standard and IMAX formats. As the release date approaches, all eyes are on the box office to see just how high this iconic sequel will soar.
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.