Prithviraj Sukumaran’s ‘Empuraan’ has finally hit theaters, bringing back the enigmatic world of Stephen Nedumpally, aka Abraam Khureshi (AK), in a larger-than-life action thriller. The highly anticipated sequel to ‘Lucifer’ (2019) takes the franchise to an unprecedented cinematic scale, blending Hollywood-style action with the emotional depth of Malayalam cinema.
A Panoramic Thriller That Expands the ‘Lucifer’ Universe
Picking up where ‘Lucifer’ left off, ‘Empuraan’ transports viewers across multiple countries, including Iraq, Senegal, England, China, and Yemen, where AK and his network fight against the drug trade and human trafficking. The film successfully stays true to its central plot, avoiding unnecessary distractions despite its global setting.
The narrative structure keeps the suspense alive, with Prithviraj and writer Murali Gopy carefully maintaining AK’s mysterious aura. However, the film’s ambitious storytelling slightly disrupts the flow at times, making it feel longer than necessary.
Abraam Khureshi’s Grand Entrance – A Moment to Remember
One of the film’s most electrifying moments comes 45 minutes into the runtime, when Abraam Khureshi finally makes his entry. This sequence, charged with cinematic brilliance, is elevated by an intense background score that will shake the theaters. Fans of mass-action moments will not be disappointed.
Strengths & Weaknesses: Action Thrills Over Emotional Depth
While ‘Lucifer’ deeply explored PK Ramdas’s political legacy and family dynamics, ‘Empuraan’ shifts focus to action and intrigue. The emotional connection with Ramdas’s children, which played a significant role in the first part, does not resonate as strongly here. However, what the film lacks in emotional depth, it compensates with high-octane action sequences.
Prithviraj’s Direction & Sujit Vaassudev’s Visual Brilliance
As a director, Prithviraj Sukumaran makes the most of his technical crew, ensuring that every frame exudes grandeur. The cinematography by Sujit Vaassudev is top-notch, capturing the film’s vast landscapes and high-stakes action sequences with breathtaking precision. The background score plays a pivotal role, seamlessly enhancing the film’s highs and covering up its lows.
Standout Performances: Manju Warrier Steals the Show
Among the stellar cast, Manju Warrier’s portrayal of Priyadarshini emerges as a highlight. Her restrained yet powerful performance outshines Tovino Thomas’s Jathin Ramdas, who was a crowd favorite in ‘Lucifer’. Her chemistry with Tovino adds depth to the narrative, making their scenes particularly engaging.
Final Verdict: A Must-Watch Action Extravaganza
Despite a slightly stretched narrative, ‘Empuraan’ is an unmissable theatrical experience that takes Malayalam cinema to new technical heights. With stunning action sequences, grand visuals, and an intriguing storyline, the film lives up to its hype.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
✔ Watch it for: Prithvir
