The much-anticipated sequel L2: Empuraan, starring Mohanlal and directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, has taken the Malayalam film industry by storm, grossing an unprecedented ₹21 crore net on its opening day in India. This marks the highest-ever opening for a Malayalam film, surpassing all previous records in the industry.
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According to trade tracker Sacnilk, the film recorded an overall 60% occupancy across Malayalam showings, with several regions witnessing over 90% theater occupancy. The film has set the bar higher than ever, surpassing records set by The Goat Life (₹8.95 crore on its first day in 2024) and Lucifer (₹6.10 crore in 2019).
L2: Empuraan Achieves Massive First-Day Collections
Trade analysts confirm that L2: Empuraan is on track to become the biggest-ever Malayalam box office hit. The film has not only shattered regional records but has also shown strong potential for a historic run.
In Kochi, Trivandrum, and Kozhikode, which are known as strongholds for Mohanlal, the film saw near-total occupancy, with many screenings selling out within minutes of release. The early morning shows, a phenomenon usually seen for Tamil or Telugu blockbusters, also reported an overwhelming response.
Reports suggest that the film’s worldwide gross collection is expected to reach ₹50 crore within the first two days, making it a strong contender to become one of the highest-grossing Malayalam films ever.
A New Era for Malayalam Cinema
Until 2019, Malayalam films were not known for box office dominance in terms of high collection numbers. However, this changed with Lucifer, directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, which became the first Malayalam film to gross ₹100 crore worldwide.
The recent trend of Malayalam cinema performing exceptionally well at the box office continued with Manjummel Boys, which became the first-ever Malayalam film to surpass ₹200 crore in global collections.
Given the spectacular opening figures of L2: Empuraan, the film is expected to join this elite club, with many predicting that it could surpass the ₹300 crore mark by the end of its theatrical run.
Star-Studded Cast and Multi-Language Release
L2: Empuraan features an ensemble cast, including:
- Mohanlal in the lead role, reprising his character from Lucifer.
- Prithviraj Sukumaran, who not only directed the film but also plays a pivotal role.
- Tovino Thomas, Indrajith Sukumaran, Manju Warrier, and Abhimanyu Singh in key supporting roles.
The film has been released in multiple languages—Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi—ensuring a pan-India reach. With the increasing popularity of Malayalam cinema across India and abroad, the multi-language release strategy is expected to boost its total box office earnings significantly.
Industry Expectations and Future Predictions
Film trade experts predict that L2: Empuraan will continue to dominate the box office over the next few weeks, particularly due to:
- Strong Word-of-Mouth: The film has received positive feedback from audiences, praising its storytelling, performances, and action sequences.
- Long Weekend Advantage: With an extended weekend and no major competitors in the Malayalam film circuit, the movie is likely to sustain its momentum.
- Repeat Viewings: Mohanlal’s fans are known for their repeat cinema visits, which could push collections even higher.
Despite these positives, the second-day figures are expected to see a slight dip, a common trend for any big release. However, trade analysts believe that a strong weekend could propel the film toward ₹100 crore in India alone within its first week.
What’s Next for L2: Empuraan?
Being the second installment in a planned trilogy, L2: Empuraan has successfully expanded the storyline and themes introduced in Lucifer. Fans are already eagerly anticipating the third and final film, which is expected to wrap up the franchise’s gripping narrative.
The makers have hinted that the third film will be even grander in scale, with more action, political drama, and suspense, solidifying this trilogy as one of the most ambitious projects in Malayalam cinema history.
As the box office numbers continue to grow, L2: Empuraan stands as a testament to the rising power of Malayalam films in the Indian film industry. With its record-breaking start, it is set to leave an indelible mark on Indian cinema history.
By – Kartik
