L2: Empuraan leaked online hours after release, piracy threatens box office

Dubai: Mohanlal and Prithviraj Sukumaran’s highly anticipated film L2: Empuraan has reportedly been leaked online just hours after its theatrical release.

According to media reports, pirated copies of the film have surfaced on multiple websites and Telegram channels. Outlets have cited that platforms like Filmyzilla, Movierulz, and Tamilrockers, along with Telegram, have made the film available illegally. Following a complaint from filmmakers, the Kerala Police cyber wing has launched an investigation.

A national media report highlighted that such unauthorised leaks can significantly impact box office earnings.

In response to the piracy issue, director Prithviraj Sukumaran had earlier urged fans to avoid spoilers and illegal copies, sharing a social media post with the message, "Say No to Spoilers and Piracy."

Piracy hits major releases

The report highlighted that Empuraan is not the first film to be targeted by piracy, citing similar incidents with major releases like Pushpa 2: The Rule.

In December, Sookshmadarshini, starring Basil Joseph and Nazriya Nazim, was leaked online soon after its theatrical debut, with pirated copies even appearing on YouTube.

More recently, Mumbai police arrested three individuals for allegedly leaking Vicky Kaushal’s Chhaava online.

About Empuraan

Directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, Empuraan serves as both a prequel and sequel to the 2019 blockbuster Lucifer. Written by Murali Gopy, the film stars Mohanlal, Manju Warrier, Tovino Thomas, and Indrajith Sukumaran, among others. The highly anticipated film is produced jointly by Lyca Productions, Aashirvad Cinemas, and Sree Gokulam Movies.

Empuraan is available in IMAX, EPIQ, and standard formats and has been released in multiple languages, including Malayalam, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada.

Following the success of Lucifer, which became the highest-grossing Malayalam film of all time, Empuraan continues the saga with an intense socio-political narrative. The film's music is composed by Deepak Dev, with cinematography by Sujith Vaassudev and editing by Akhilesh Mohan.

Mohanlal reprises his role as Khureshi-Ab'raam, delivering a commanding screen presence. The ensemble cast also includes Tovino Thomas, Abhimanyu Singh, Indrajith Sukumaran, and Manju Warrier. Notably, Empuraan will be the first-ever Malayalam film to be released in IMAX.