Pooja Pillai is an entertainment journalist with Asian Media Group, where she covers cinema, pop culture, internet trends, and the politics of representation. Her work spans interviews, cultural features, and social commentary across digital platforms.
She began her reporting career as a news anchor, scripting and presenting stories for a regional newsroom. With a background in journalism and media studies, she has since built a body of work exploring how entertainment intersects with social and cultural shifts, particularly through a South Indian lens.
She brings both newsroom rigour and narrative curiosity to her work, and believes the best stories don’t just inform — they reveal what we didn’t know we needed to hear.
Mohanlal’s 'L2: Empuraan' is already making waves before its release, setting new benchmarks in pre-sales. The much-awaited sequel to the 2019 hit 'Lucifer' has generated massive anticipation, and early box office figures reflect that excitement.
The pre-release ticket sales for 'L2: Empuraan' have crossed Rs 12 crore globally, a new high for a Malayalam film in the international market. With advance booking now open in India, the numbers are expected to climb further. According to industry reports, the film could see an opening weekend collection between Rs 40 crore and Rs 50 crore worldwide.
Directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, 'L2: Empuraan' expands the universe established in 'Lucifer,' with Mohanlal reprising his role as the enigmatic Stephen Nedumpally. The film will be released in multiple languages, including Malayalam, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada, ensuring a wider audience reach.
One of the key factors contributing to the record-breaking pre-sales is Mohanlal’s immense popularity across different regions, especially in Gulf countries and international markets like Australia, the US, and the UK. The film also holds a unique distinction as the first Malayalam movie to be released in IMAX, adding to the excitement.
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Advance bookings opened on March 21, and the response was immediate. Within an hour of launch, nearly 93,500 tickets were sold through BookMyShow. This rush even outpaced some major Bollywood and South Indian blockbusters, including 'Pushpa 2,' which previously set records for early bookings.
Prithviraj Sukumaran himself took to social media to announce the opening of bookings, urging fans to secure their tickets before release day on March 27. The trailer, which dropped on March 20, further amplified the buzz, teasing a gripping storyline and high-octane action sequences.
A Grand Cinematic Experience – The first Malayalam film to release in IMAX, promising larger-than-life action and storytellingInstagram/empuraanmovie
The current highest-grossing Malayalam film, 'Manjummel Boys,' holds a record of Rs 241 crore. If 'L2: Empuraan' receives positive reviews and maintains strong word-of-mouth, it could challenge this record and become the highest-grossing Malayalam movie ever.
With a stellar cast featuring Prithviraj Sukumaran, Manju Warrier, Tovino Thomas, and international actor Jerome Flynn, 'L2: Empuraan' is set for a grand opening. If early numbers are any indication, this film is set to make history at the box office.
R Madhavan shares his experience portraying a father’s role for the first time alongside Ajay Devgn.
Actor addresses rumours about de-ageing technology, confirming he relied on diet and fitness instead.
Madhavan reflects on sequels and preparation for previous physically demanding roles like Saala Khadoos.
Nervous about a father’s role
At the trailer launch of De De Pyaar De 2, R Madhavan admitted he was initially nervous about playing Ajay Devgn’s on-screen father-in-law.
“I have never done a father’s role before, and competing with Ajay, I was very nervous,” Madhavan said. “I have seen other actors who are so busy when they come to the set, but Ajay sir is always present and dedicated. We have always felt connected.”
The actor also commented on the appeal of sequels. Devgn, who stars alongside Madhavan, stated, “I don’t mind sequels as long as there is a good script. I hope the film is liked by audiences. We all believe we have made a good film.”
Madhavan addressed recent rumours about de-ageing technology in his films, stating, “They’ve all been accusing me of de-ageing, but I don’t think I have the budget for that. It hasn’t happened.”
Instead, the actor relies on traditional methods of preparation, including fitness and diet adjustments, to meet the physical demands of roles.
Reflections on past roles
Madhavan reflected on the preparation for his earlier role in Saala Khadoos, a physically demanding sports drama. “When I went to train for Saala Khadoos, I consulted numerous dieticians and several people who advised me on how to lose weight and get fit, what diet to follow, what time to eat, and so on, but I couldn’t find anyone I truly resonated with,” he said.
The actor’s candid reflections reveal a focus on dedication and personal preparation rather than technological shortcuts, highlighting his commitment to authentic performances.
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