When a film stops being just a film when it becomes a cultural earthquake, a global conspiracy, and a fan-fuelled religion you know something extraordinary is happening. L2: Empuraan is more than just a sequel, it’s a coronation, or can we say a myth in motion, or a phenomenon rewriting the rules of cinema itself.
In Kerala, a state fondly known as ‘God’s Own Country,’ Mohanlal’s on-screen presence is nothing short of a celestial event. He isn’t merely an actor; he’s a force of nature, a legend whose gaze commands empires. With Empuraan, he doesn’t just return he ascends.
Malayalam cinema has always been a realm of raw, unfiltered artistry. It defies borders, blending parallel cinema’s grit with commercial grandeur. But even by these legendary standards, Empuraan is in a league of its own. A sequel that eclipses its predecessor, a film that shattered records before its release, and a cultural juggernaut that has Bollywood scrambling, Hollywood watching, and fans across continents analysing every frame.
From Illuminati symbolism to Yakuza underworld wars, from Malayalam cinema’s first IMAX spectacle to global fan armies dissecting every detail, Empuraan is more than a film—it’s the game.
As they say, when the king rises, the world watches.
The unprecedented box office blitz
Even before its release, Empuraan is making history:
- First Malayalam film to sell over one million advance tickets on BookMyShow.
- £4.7M in pre-release ticket sales.
- Biggest-ever international opening for a Malayalam film (£5.5 million).
- Fifth-biggest Indian opener in the Gulf region.
Decoding Empuraan’s occult visual language
From its first teaser, Empuraan sparked a digital Da Vinci Code, with fans analysing every symbol and insignia.
- YouTubewww.youtube.com
1. The eagle, the eye, and the Illuminati enigma
- A golden eagle with spread wings—Freemasonry’s 33rd-degree emblem or the Roman Empire’s seal?
- A cicada (or bee) with the Eye of Providence—a nod to Cicada 3301, the cryptographic cult?
- The blood-red “L”—does it stand for Lucifer, Lux (light in Latin), or something more sinister?
2. The dragon and the Yakuza connection
- A crimson dragon on a white shirt; classic Yakuza insignia.
- In Lucifer, Vivek Oberoi’s lighter bore the same mark.
- Speculation suggests Rick Yune (Fast & Furious) plays a Yakuza overlord, locking horns with Khureshi.
Theories are running wild:
- “Khureshi and Ab’ram are two different people.”
- “Mammootty is Khureshi.”
- “The Yakuza are the true masterminds.”
The film isn’t even out yet, and fans have already turned into detectives.
Technical mastery: Crafting a visual spectacle
- Shot on Sony CineAlta Venice cameras (2.76:1 aspect ratio).
- First Malayalam film in IMAX.
- Cinematography by Sujith Vaassudev, Art Direction by Mohandas, maintaining perfect continuity from Lucifer.
- Stunt Silva’s action choreography bringing together raw realism within the high-octane action spectacle.
The casting wars: Hollywood, Bollywood, and the ghost of Fahadh Faasil
Director Prithviraj is in fact using casting as a weapon of intrigue.
1. The phantom antagonist, A shadowy figure in the poster has ignited speculation:
- Don Lee (Train to Busan)?
- Eriq Ebouaney (Hitman)?
- Giancarlo Esposito (Breaking Bad)?
Prithviraj’s response? “Fahadh Faasil? Tom Cruise? Robert De Niro? Sure.”
2. The Aamir Khan nuclear bomb
- A viral image of a silhouetted figure led fans to believe Aamir Khan has a role.
- His sister Nikhat Khan is confirmed in the film.
- Could this be Indian cinema’s ultimate showdown like The Perfectionist vs. The Complete Actor?
3. The Mammootty wildcard
- Reddit is convinced: Mammootty is Khureshi.
- The theory? Mohanlal is Ab’ram, Mammootty is his nemesis.
This isn’t casting anymore, it’s psychological warfare.
The lore expansion: Prequel, sequel, or time-bending saga?
Lucifer ended with the revelation that Stephen Nedumpally = Khureshi Ab’ram. But Empuraan is changing the game.
- The Afghanistan connection
- Govardhan (Indrajith) hinted at Stephen’s “reconstruction work” in war zones.
- Is Empuraan revealing how he built an empire from ashes?
- The K-A nexus vs. the dragon
- The trailer hints at a “war on drugs”, Khureshi’s code.
- But if the Yakuza are drug lords, is this a global underworld coup?
- The trilogy blueprint
- Lucifer = Rise.
- Empuraan = Reign.
- Part 3 = Fall?
The fan wars: When theories becomes canons
- Reddit detectives: “Empuraan ends with Mammootty’s entry.”
- Twitter conspiracists: “Aamir Khan is the dragon.”
- YouTube deep dives: “The bee is a Masonic bug.”
Final verdict: Empuraan is truly history in the making
It is safe to say; March 27, 2025 is going to witness a global cinematic event!
Will Khureshi and Ab’ram turn out to be two different people?
- Will Mammootty’s rumoured cameo rewrite the climax?
- Will Aamir Khan’s role shake Indian cinema’s foundations?
One thing is certain: the empire is rewriting history.
Before Empuraan: A quick Lucifer recap
Before stepping into Empuraan, let’s rewind to where it all began- Lucifer (2019), the film that redefined Malayalam cinema.
- YouTubeyoutu.be
- The power struggle – Following the death of Kerala’s political leader PK Ramdas, a fierce battle for power ensues. At its centre: Stephen Nedumpally, a calm yet formidable force with a past shrouded in mystery.
- Stephen = Khureshi Ab’ram – The climax reveals Stephen is actually Khureshi, a feared international crime lord.
- The global web – While Lucifer focused on Kerala’s politics, its ending hinted at a larger global empire.
- The unanswered questions – Who really is Khureshi Ab’ram? What is his ultimate goal? Empuraan promises the answers and maybe more.
If Lucifer was about the rise of a king, Empuraan is about his reign.
And the war has only begun.
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.