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.
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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.
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.
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.