With just days left for its planned release on March 27, the big-budget Malayalam sequel L2: Empuraan finds itself in an uncertain spot. So, what exactly is happening? The UK-based production house Lyca Productions, originally a co-producer of the film, is reportedly facing serious financial trouble, and this is threatening to derail the project’s smooth release.
Mohanlal and Prithviraj’s L2: Empuraan Faces Uncertainty After Lyca Productions Exit
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Lyca Productions, a major player in Tamil cinema, had partnered with Aashirvad Cinemas for Empuraan, the highly anticipated sequel to Lucifer. Directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran and starring Mohanlal in the lead, Empuraan has been one of the most talked-about films in recent times. But Lyca’s ongoing financial problems, made worse by the underperformance of several of its recent projects, have caused major setbacks.
Prithviraj Sukumaran returns as Zayed Masood—Character No.02 in L2 EmpuraanInstagram/empuraanmovie
According to reports, Lyca’s financial strain has been building up following a string of big-budget flops like Lal Salaam, Indian 2, Vidaamuyarchi, and Vettaiyan. With debts piling up and investors pressuring the company to settle dues, Lyca has reportedly decided to back out of Empuraan. Their exit has sparked concerns about the release timeline of the film.
Game of Thrones star Jerome Flynn steps into L2: Empuraan as the enigmatic Boris Oliver—Character No.07Instagram/empuraanmovie
In response to this crisis, Aashirvad Cinemas has stepped in to stabilise the situation. They have now partnered with Sree Gokulam Movies to manage the film’s distribution and other business aspects. This move is expected to clear the hurdles and ensure the film sees the light of day as planned.
Power and mystery collide! Andrea Tivadar is Michele Menuhin in L2: Empuraan, Character No.06Instagram/empuraanmovie
Despite all the back-and-forth, there’s been no official statement yet about a delay. Insiders claim the release is still on track for March 27, but fans are understandably anxious. Adding to the complexity, the film’s post-theatrical rights have not yet been finalised, which could be another factor influencing the release plan.
Meet Kabuga! Eriq Ebouaney brings intensity and intrigue to L2: Empuraan as Character No.13Instagram/empuraanmovie
For Lyca Productions, Empuraan was supposed to be a much-needed win, but their financial troubles may have forced them to step aside. Now, all eyes are on Aashirvad Cinemas and Gokulam Movies to navigate the remaining challenges and deliver one of Malayalam cinema’s most-awaited sequels to screens without further hiccups.
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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.