Prithviraj Sukumaran’s directorial venture L2: Empuraan is proving to be an unstoppable force at the box office despite ongoing controversies surrounding its content. The Mohanlal-led action thriller, touted as one of Malayalam cinema’s grandest and most ambitious projects, has continued its impressive run, pulling in ₹13.50 crore on its third day. The film has been receiving tremendous support from fans, who are hailing it as a game-changer in the Malayalam industry in terms of scale, storytelling, and action sequences.
The film has, however, found itself embroiled in a heated controversy over its alleged allusions to the 2002 Gujarat riots, which led to a wave of political and social backlash. The debate surrounding Empuraan intensified after certain sections of the audience claimed that the film portrayed real-life events in a manner that could be considered politically sensitive. In response to the controversy, Mohanlal issued an apology, clarifying that the intent was never to cause distress or hurt sentiments. Despite the backlash, the controversy has only added to the film’s visibility, drawing more curiosity among audiences eager to watch and judge it for themselves.
As per trade tracker Sacnilk, Empuraan has amassed an impressive ₹46 crore at the domestic box office within just three days. The film has been performing steadily, with its collections showing a positive trend. After earning ₹11.5 crore on Friday, the film saw an increase in collections on Saturday, raking in ₹13.50 crore. This upward trend suggests strong word-of-mouth, which could help sustain its momentum over the coming weeks.
However, Empuraan is now set to face a significant challenge with the release of Salman Khan’s highly anticipated Sikandar. Given Khan’s massive pan-India fan following, coupled with the film’s action-packed narrative and Eid release advantage, Sikandar is expected to register a phenomenal opening at the box office. Trade analysts predict that Sikandar could pose formidable competition to Empuraan, particularly in the northern belt and international markets. Nevertheless, Empuraan has managed to carve out a strong position for itself, and its performance in the coming days will be crucial in determining its long-term success.
On the global front, Empuraan has shattered multiple records, becoming the fastest Malayalam film to cross the ₹100 crore mark worldwide. This achievement places it alongside some of the biggest hits from the Malayalam industry, including Manjummel Boys, Lucifer, Premalu, Pulimurugan, Aadujeevitham, and 2018. The film’s international box office numbers indicate its growing popularity beyond regional audiences, with strong performances in overseas markets such as the UAE, the United States, and Australia.
Starring an ensemble cast that includes Prithviraj Sukumaran, Abhimanyu Singh, and Manju Warrier, Empuraan continues to receive praise for its gripping narrative, high-octane action sequences, and technical brilliance. With its grand production values and intense performances, the film has managed to create a lasting impact on audiences.
As the competition with Sikandar unfolds in the coming days, it remains to be seen how Empuraan will hold its ground. But with its current momentum and audience support, the film has positioned itself as one of the most successful Malayalam films of the year. Whether it continues to dominate at the box office or faces a dip with the arrival of Sikandar will be an interesting trend to watch.
