Mohanlal-Prithviraj's L2: Empuraan becomes first Malayalam film to breach Rs 250 crore mark

The makers of L2: Empuraan have announced that the film has grossed over Rs 250 crore worldwide within 11 days of its release, making it the first-ever Malayalam film to register this milestone. In a statement shared on social media, the team hailed the achievement as a historic first: “Malayalam cinema breaches the 250 cr barrier for the first time in its history! The Emperor and his General, navigating never-seen-before territory!”

Starring Mohanlal and directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, L2: Empuraan is the second instalment in the Lucifer franchise, scripted by Murali Gopy. The film was released on March 27 to mixed reviews but saw massive turnout from fans, eventually surpassing Manjummel Boys to become the highest-grossing Malayalam film to date. Soon after the release, the film was also caught in a major controversy when Sangh Parivar came out strongly alleging a negative portrayal of Hindus. The issue soon caught nationwide attention, leading to debates in Lok Sabha.

Eventually, amidst all the boycott calls from right-wing groups, the makers decided to recensor L2: Empuraan after making 24 cuts to the original version. Mohanlal also issued a statement regretting the distress caused by the film to a section of the audience. However, in hindsight, it seems that all the negative talk and controversies have only raised interest for the film among the people.

On April 4 and 5, the Enforcement Directorate conducted searches at premises associated with L2: Empuraan's co-producer Gokulam Gopalan's Sree Gokulam Chits and Finance under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), seizing Rs 1.5 crore in cash. In addition, both Prithviraj and Antony Perumbavoor of Aashirvad Cinemas—another key co-producer—have also received Income Tax notices.