L2 Empuraan: Prithviraj Sukumaran confirms Pranav Mohanlal as young Stephen Nedumpally

Dubai: The highly anticipated sequel to Lucifer, L2 Empuraan, has captivated Mohanlal's fans, emerging as an instant hit. The film elevates his character, Stephen Nedumpally—also known as Khureshi Ab’raam—to a global crime syndicate leader, expanding on the mystery that surrounded him in the first installment. While Lucifer hinted at his deeper influence, L2 Empuraan solidifies his status as a feared international figure.

A major revelation in L2 Empuraan comes in the form of a flashback scene featuring a younger Stephen. Initially, speculation arose about AI de-aging technology being used to recreate Mohanlal’s younger look. However, director Prithviraj Sukumaran later confirmed that Pranav Mohanlal, Mohanlal’s son, played the role. His performance has fuelled excitement for the trilogy’s final chapter, where he is expected to return.

Beyond Stephen’s origins, the film also deepens the backstory of Zayed Masood (played by Prithviraj), shedding light on his journey and loyalty to Stephen. The narrative hints at the transformation of a young man in 1980s Bombay into the formidable crime lord he eventually becomes.

Since its release on March 27, 2025, L2 Empuraan has performed exceptionally well at the box office, earning Rs77.2 crore net in India and surpassing Rs200 crore worldwide within five days. Directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran and written by Murali Gopy, the film has continued to draw audiences, maintaining its momentum in theaters.

Despite its strong box office performance, L2 Empuraan faced backlash over its portrayal of the 2002 Gujarat riots. The political thriller drew criticism from right-wing groups, including the RSS and BJP, who objected to certain scenes.

Following criticism, the film underwent 24 edits, including the removal of certain violent sequences and a change in a key character’s name. However, the controversy has done little to dent its popularity.

The sequel builds upon Lucifer’s political themes while delving deeper into Stephen’s evolution. The film’s conclusion teases even more revelations in the trilogy’s final installment, which promises to unveil the full scope of Stephen Nedumpally’s transformation into Khureshi Ab’raam.

With high-octane action, L2 Empuraan has set the stage for a grand finale—one that will finally unravel the secrets behind one of Indian cinema’s most enigmatic characters.