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.
Tom Cruise and Ana de Armas have ended their relationship after nine months of dating
They got together in February but decided they work better as friends
They will still appear together in the supernatural thriller Deeper despite the split
Ana previously dated Ben Affleck; Tom’s last major romance was with Katie Holmes
The pair attended David Beckham’s 50th birthday and an Oasis gig at Wembley
Tom Cruise and Ana de Armas have called it quits after nine months, sources say. The Hollywood stars, who started dating back in February, have gone their separate ways. But it’s not messy, apparently they’re still on good terms. The spark, people say, just kind of fizzled out.
Tom Cruise and Ana de Armas photographed holding hands in Vermont sparking romance talk during 'Deeper' preps www.easterneye.biz
Why did Tom Cruise and Ana de Armas split?
According to sources talking to The Sun, “Tom and Ana had a good time, but their time as a couple ran its course.” They’re staying friends, no bad blood, but dating? Not happening. “They realised they weren’t going to go the distance,” the insider added.
Some might be surprised since there were whispers about engagement, even a “space wedding” floating around. Turns out, that wasn’t real.
Tom Cruise and Ana de Armas spotted leaving a London heliport, sparking dating rumours X/Tom Cruise News
Will Tom Cruise and Ana de Armas still work together?
Yes. Professional commitments aren’t stopping. They’ll still work together on Deeper, a supernatural thriller that’s on hold. “She’s already cast, so they’ll be on set together,” a source said.
The romance kicked off in Vermont, hand-holding, photo ops, the whole thing. From there, it moved quickly: a private jet to Madrid, celebrating Ana’s 37th birthday in London with selfies and nights out. They didn’t avoid public appearances either: David Beckham’s 50th in May, and an Oasis concert at Wembley. Tom even gave Ana helicopter rides a few times.
Ana de Armas keeps it professional despite romance speculation with Tom Cruise Instagram/Vogue/People
Ana de Armas and Tom Cruise’s past relationships
Ana, known for Knives Out, No Time to Die, and Ballerina, was previously with Ben Affleck for about ten months. Tom hasn’t had a serious romance since Katie Holmes. He’s been married three times; to Mimi Rogers, Nicole Kidman, and Holmes.
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