L2 Empuraan Movie Review: Prithviraj and Mohanlal Deliver a Gripping, Visually Stunning Action Thriller

Producing a sequel is never a cakewalk, and not even for a movie like Lucifer (2019), which was so well-received because of its engaging storyline and technical competence. The film's actor-director, Prithviraj Sukumaran, had the onus of building the world and yet keeping the essence of the first one. With Empuraan, he globalizes the level of the narrative, remaining loyal to his typical visual theme but venturing into that of crime, power, and revenge.

Storyline

The sequel is off to an enigmatic start with mysterious "L" (Mohanlal) whose presence is national. The film exhibits the constant game of guns between the Khureshi-Ab'raam gang and its arch-rivals, the Shen Triad, and spy rings such as MI6 intervening in the intricate game of crime and politics. While so, the antagonist Balraj (Abhimanyu Singh) enters as a ruthless one, more so than Lucifer's Bobby (Vivek Oberoi). One of the gruesome sequences involving a pregnant Muslim woman being attacked evokes real-life atrocities but is entrusted to Prithviraj in powerful visual imagery instead of gallons of gore. Gradually, as the narrative unfolds, the role of past traumas in influencing contemporary conflicts is explored, paving the way for massive action and behind-the-scenes politics.

Positive Points

Prithviraj directs Empuraan with his strength of dealing with gigantic action with down-to-earth mannerisms impressive.
The technical merit of the movie, from cinematography to production design, gives a visually interesting experience. Unlike most sequels that succumb to excess spectacle, Empuraan never lets go of its grip on the story, and every second is precious. Mohanlal's commanding presence is what keeps the movie together, and the rest of the cast does decent work. The projection of the story into the global criminal network lends depth, investing Empuraan with a feel of grandeur but for a reason.

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Negative Points

Although a good movie, Empuraan lacks in some aspects. The script by Murali Gopy reduces actual atrocities to a clash of political strength, avoiding communal violence that was the hallmark of such incidents. The second half of the movie also falters as far as pace is concerned, where the tension actually drops really low. When the story develops, some of the arguments are hurried and lose the punch of grand battles.

Overall Verdict: Empuraan is a visually beautiful and ambitious follow-up that manages to widen the world of Lucifer. Even if the writing loses control in some areas, Prithviraj's exceptional direction and engaging plot make it an engrossing experience. Fans of Lucifer will have much to enjoy, although it doesn't beat its predecessor.