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.
Mukerji parts ways with YRF’s Dhoom 4 after reported creative disagreements.
Decision said to be amicable, with Aditya Chopra and Ranbir Kapoor supportive.
Director shifts focus to Brahmastra: Part Two – Dev, expected to begin filming in 2026.
Filmmaker steps away from YRF’s action franchise
Filmmaker Ayan Mukerji has stepped away from Yash Raj Films’ (YRF) highly anticipated action project Dhoom 4, reportedly due to creative differences. According to Bollywood Hungama, Mukerji’s vision for the film did not align with the studio’s direction, prompting him to withdraw from the project.
Mukerji, who was in discussions to direct the next instalment of the hit franchise—expected to star Ranbir Kapoor—was said to have limited control over the script, which was reportedly written by Shridhar Raghavan. The director, best known for Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani and Brahmastra, was keen on shaping the film creatively rather than simply executing an existing plan.
A source quoted in the report said, “Ayan didn’t have much say in the screenplay and didn’t want to embark on another journey of just execution.”
Amicable parting after discussions with Aditya Chopra
Before stepping away, Mukerji is believed to have held several discussions with YRF head Aditya Chopra and actor Ranbir Kapoor. Both reportedly supported his decision, with insiders describing the split as “completely amicable.”
The director’s departure does not mark the end of Dhoom 4, as YRF plans to continue with the project under a new director. The studio may also reconsider casting options, despite earlier reports that Ranbir Kapoor had set aside dates for the film.
Focus returns to the Brahmastra universe
Following his exit from Dhoom 4, Mukerji has shifted attention back to his passion project—the Brahmastra series. The filmmaker is currently developing Brahmastra: Part Two – Dev, the sequel to the 2022 fantasy epic.
The film, initially expected to begin production earlier, is now likely to go on floors in 2026. Sources suggest Mukerji intends to expand the Astraverse with more depth in storytelling, combining elements of mythology, drama, and spectacle.
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