L2: Empuraan review and rating:
L2: Empuraan is the much-anticipated sequel to Lucifer, directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran. The film promises a gripping political thriller with intense action sequences and stylish presentation. But does it live up to the expectations? Let’s find out.
Story
The political landscape of Kerala is in turmoil as Jathin Ramdoss (Tovino Thomas) forms an alliance with a right-wing party. Amidst this, Stephen Nedumpally (Mohan Lal), also known as Lucifer, must step in to restore order. The story unfolds across multiple locations, including Gujarat, West Africa, and Kerala, setting up a larger-than-life political battle. However, the narrative often shifts focus, making it difficult to stay engaged.
Performances
Mohan Lal, an acting powerhouse, delivers a performance that leans more on style than substance. His slow-motion walks and grand entry scenes dominate, but there is little room for depth in his character. Tovino Thomas, Prithviraj Sukumaran, and Manju Warrier reprise their roles, but their characters lack strong development. Even notable actors like Abhimanyu Singh and Indrajit Sukumaran fail to leave a lasting impact. Game of Thrones actor Jerome Flynn’s presence is wasted in an underwhelming role.
Technical Aspects
– Cinematography: The film is visually stunning, with excellent camera work that captures vast landscapes and intense action sequences.
– Music: Deepak Dev’s background score is loud but lacks emotional depth. The only song in the film does not make an impression.
– Editing: The film’s three-hour runtime feels stretched, with multiple redundant scenes. A tighter edit would have enhanced the pacing.
– Dubbing: The Telugu dubbing lacks emotional weight, making the dialogues feel flat.
Analysis
L2: Empuraan has a strong visual appeal but struggles with an inconsistent screenplay. The film spends a lot of time setting up the third installment, resulting in a weak standalone story. The narrative jumps between multiple locations, making it confusing at times. The best sequence comes post-interval, where Priya’s speech and a subsequent attack create the film’s most gripping moments. However, the climax is predictable, leaving little impact.
Verdict
L2: Empuraan is a classic case of style over substance. While the visuals and action sequences impress, the film lacks a compelling story and emotional depth. Unless you are a die-hard Mohan Lal fan or eagerly waiting for the third part, this film might not be worth your time.
Rating: 2.25/5
