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| L2: Empuraan Movie Review |
What is a Magnum Opus?
The review starts by explaining the term Magnum Opus, which means the greatest work of an artist, actor, or creator. In Indian cinema, Baahubali was considered a Magnum Opus, and now, after ten years, Empuraan from the Malayalam film industry is being called the next big Magnum Opus.
Budget & Industry Growth
The movie Empuraan is said to be the most expensive Malayalam film ever made, with an estimated budget between ₹100 to ₹180 crores. The reviewer highlights how the Malayalam industry has evolved and is now a major part of Indian cinema. The movie has already made ₹50 crores in advance bookings, proving its massive popularity.
Hype vs. Reality
The reviewer questions whether the film truly deserves the hype or if it is just a publicity stunt to attract neutral audiences. According to them, Empuraan will have two types of reviews:
- Some people will absolutely love it.
- Some will find it slow and boring.
The reason is that this movie is not just about action and mass appeal like KGF, Pushpa, or RRR. Instead, it has a deep story-driven plot with hidden messages, making it an intelligent film that requires focus.
Important Note: Watch Lucifer First
The reviewer strongly advises watching Lucifer (Part 1) before watching Empuraan. Otherwise, the characters and storyline will be confusing, as the sequel directly continues from where Lucifer ended. Unlike many sequels made just for money, this one genuinely extends the story.
Political Controversies & Sensitive Topics
The movie deals with political themes, which might cause controversies. The first 30 minutes of the film include political scenarios that may seem based on real-life events. There are also disturbing scenes related to religion (Hindu-Muslim conflicts), which could spark debates and anger some people.
Story Overview (Dark Web & Politics)
The movie is about the dark web, a hidden part of the internet where illegal activities happen. The most dangerous figure in this world is Abraham Qureshi, who is linked to the Illuminati, an organization controlling world politics, high-profile murders, and major events. However, his true identity is a mystery.
Parallel to this, the story also focuses on Kerala's politics, where a young man takes over as Chief Minister after his father. But one name is feared more than the CM—Stephen (Mohanlal's character), also called Lucifer, the son of the devil. The movie explores what happens if Stephen's dominance is suddenly challenged and how that impacts Kerala's political future.
Comparison with Lucifer (Part 1)
- Empuraan is slightly weaker in story compared to Lucifer.
- It still has an intelligent plot, but with fewer layers than Lucifer.
- Lucifer had many hidden details, which are missing in Empuraan.
- However, the film’s scale is 4-5 times bigger than Lucifer, giving it an international feel.
Mohanlal’s Performance & Presentation
- Mohanlal’s entry scene and a forest action sequence are among the best moments in the film.
- The director Prithviraj Sukumaran, who is a huge Mohanlal fan, has made every scene like a tribute to him.
- The film balances all characters, rather than focusing only on one actor.
- Mohanlal’s screen presence is powerful, but his villain has no strong competition.
Negatives & Missed Opportunities
- Weak Villain: Abhimanyu Singh, who plays the villain, is well-presented, but he never really challenges Mohanlal’s character.
- Underused Characters: Some characters had potential but were sidelined.
- Missed a Big Cameo: A shocking face reveal could have made Empuraan iconic, but it didn’t happen.
- Lack of Surprises: Unlike Lucifer, the film doesn’t have many unexpected moments.
Final Verdict: Should You Watch It?
- If you enjoy intelligent, story-driven movies, this is for you.
- If you prefer fast-paced, action-packed movies without deep storytelling, then skip it.
The reviewer gives 3 out of 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐ for:
✅ Grand scale & visuals
✅ Strong character development
✅ Bold storytelling & controversies
✅ Mohanlal’s powerful screen presence
But the negatives are:
❌ Story weaker than Lucifer
❌ Missed chances to make the movie more iconic
Conclusion
The Malayalam industry is growing, and Empuraan is a big step forward. If this is just the beginning, then in 2-3 years, Malayalam cinema could dominate Indian cinema. The reviewer predicts that if this movie made ₹50 crores in advance, then future Malayalam films could break all records.
Your choice: If you love intelligent cinema, book your ticket. If not, skip it.