L2 Empuraan Twitter Reviews: Fans Love Mohanlal’s Entry and Fight Scenes, Criticise ‘Poor Writing’ of Prithviraj’s Film
The much-anticipated sequel to the 2019 blockbuster *Lucifer*, *L2: Empuraan*, stormed into theaters on March 27, 2025, igniting a firestorm of reactions across Twitter. Directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, who also stars alongside the legendary Mohanlal, the film arrived with the weight of colossal expectations. As fans rushed to catch the first screenings, Twitter transformed into a vibrant arena of opinions, where praise for Mohanlal’s electrifying entry and breathtaking fight scenes clashed with sharp critiques of the film’s writing. In this 3000-word blog post, we’ll dive deep into the Twitterverse to explore why fans adored certain elements of *L2: Empuraan* while expressing disappointment over Prithviraj’s narrative choices, weaving together fan reactions, industry context, and the broader implications for this ambitious Malayalam film.
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## Background: The Legacy of *Lucifer* and Sky-High Expectations
To fully appreciate the Twitter reactions to *L2: Empuraan*, we must first revisit its predecessor, *Lucifer*. Released in 2019, *Lucifer* was a game-changer for Malayalam cinema, raking in massive box office numbers and cementing its status as one of the industry’s highest-grossing films. Prithviraj Sukumaran, in his directorial debut, crafted a gripping tale of political intrigue and action, with Mohanlal delivering a powerhouse performance as Stephen Nedumpally—a enigmatic figure whose charisma captivated audiences. The film’s success set an extraordinarily high bar, leaving fans clamoring for a sequel that would expand this thrilling universe.
Enter *L2: Empuraan*, the second chapter in a planned trilogy. With Prithviraj returning as director and actor, joined by a stellar cast including Tovino Thomas and Manju Warrier, the film promised to elevate the stakes. Shot across multiple countries and boasting IMAX visuals, *L2: Empuraan* positioned itself as a cinematic spectacle. Yet, sequels to beloved films often face a daunting challenge: satisfying fans’ nostalgia while pushing the story forward. As Twitter erupted with reviews post-release, it became clear that *L2: Empuraan* both dazzled and divided its audience.
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## Twitter Reviews: A Tale of Triumphs and Disappointments
The moment the credits rolled on the first screenings, Twitter became a melting pot of excitement, admiration, and frustration. Fans wasted no time dissecting the film, revealing a polarized reception: while Mohanlal’s entry and the fight scenes earned roaring applause, the writing drew sharp criticism.
### The Triumphs: Mohanlal’s Entry and Fight Scenes Steal the Show
If there’s one thing Twitter users agreed on, it’s that Mohanlal remains the beating heart of *L2: Empuraan*. His entry scene—a carefully orchestrated moment arriving an hour into the film—sent fans into a frenzy. Described as “bang on” and “peak commercial elevation,” the sequence masterfully built anticipation, culminating in a reveal that showcased Mohanlal’s unmatched screen presence. One fan tweeted, “Mohanlal’s entry in #L2Empuraan is pure goosebumps! The camera work and music—it’s cinema at its finest.” This wasn’t mere fan service; it was a reminder of why Mohanlal, affectionately called “Lalettan,” is a titan of Indian cinema.
The fight scenes, particularly the much-discussed forest fight, were another highlight that dominated Twitter chatter. Fans hailed the “Hollywood-level stunts” and “perfect execution,” with one user declaring, “The forest fight is insane—best action sequence in Indian cinema this year!” The film’s production value and scale impressed audiences, with comments like “It easily feels like the biggest film made in India” reflecting the awe inspired by its visuals. The background music (BGM) by Deepak Dev also received glowing praise, with fans noting how it amplified the intensity of these moments. From choreography to cinematography, these sequences underscored *L2: Empuraan*’s technical prowess.
### The Disappointments: Writing Falls Flat
However, the euphoria over Mohanlal’s performance and the action was tempered by widespread dissatisfaction with the film’s writing. A recurring complaint on Twitter was the reliance on a “typical revenge story,” which many felt squandered the rich world established in *Lucifer*. One disappointed fan wrote, “Why go for a clichéd revenge plot when *Lucifer* gave us such a great universe? Prithviraj could’ve explored so much more.” This sentiment echoed across the platform, highlighting a perceived disconnect between the film’s ambitious visuals and its narrative depth.
Others critiqued specific aspects of the screenplay. A detailed review split the film into halves: “First half—production value and scale were fire, BGM elevates everything. Second half—the forest fight was top-notch, but the writing could’ve been better, and the natural elevations were missing.” Complaints about pacing surfaced too, with the first half deemed slow and the second half failing to deliver a satisfying payoff. Terms like “average,” “predictable,” and “mediocre” peppered the critiques, painting a picture of a story that didn’t match the grandeur of its execution.
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## Breaking Down the Sentiments: What Worked and What Didn’t
To unpack the Twitter reactions, let’s categorize the sentiments into strengths and weaknesses.
### Strengths: Technical Brilliance and Mohanlal’s Magic
The technical aspects of *L2: Empuraan* were a clear winner. Fans raved about the “international-level” cinematography, visual effects, and production design, with the film’s global shooting locations adding to its epic scope. The BGM was lauded as a scene-stealer, enhancing both action and emotion. One user enthused, “The visuals and sound design are top-tier—Malayalam cinema is setting new benchmarks!”
Mohanlal’s performance was the crown jewel, with his entry and action sequences earning superlatives. His ability to dominate the screen, even with a delayed introduction, reaffirmed his status as a fan favorite. The forest fight, in particular, was a testament to the synergy between his star power and the film’s choreography, leaving audiences spellbound.
### Weaknesses: A Narrative Misstep
Conversely, the narrative drew the most flak. Fans felt the revenge-driven plot was a step backward from *Lucifer*’s layered storytelling, with one user lamenting, “The dialogue was lengthy and boring—where’s the depth we loved in the first film?” The consensus was that Prithviraj and screenwriter Murali Gopy prioritized commercial appeal over substance, resulting in a story that felt formulaic. This criticism was especially poignant given the expectations for a sequel to expand, not simplify, the original’s universe.
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## The Sequel Struggle: Balancing Legacy and Innovation
The mixed reception to *L2: Empuraan* mirrors a broader trend in cinema: sequels often grapple with the dual mandate of honoring their predecessors while forging new paths. *Lucifer* blended political drama with action, creating a fresh narrative that *L2: Empuraan* struggled to replicate. While the sequel amplified the spectacle, it seemingly sacrificed the complexity that made the original a standout.
This isn’t unique to *L2: Empuraan*. Indian cinema has seen similar patterns—think of *Baahubali 2*, which maintained narrative momentum, versus other franchises that faltered under the weight of expectations. For *L2: Empuraan*, the challenge was compounded by Prithviraj’s dual role as director and actor, placing him under intense scrutiny to deliver on all fronts.
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## Mohanlal and Prithviraj: A Collaboration Under the Spotlight
The Mohanlal-Prithviraj partnership is central to the *Lucifer* franchise’s appeal. Mohanlal, a veteran with a legacy spanning decades, brings gravitas and charisma that few can match. Prithviraj, a dynamic actor-turned-director, represents the new guard of Malayalam cinema, blending ambition with talent. Their collaboration in *Lucifer* was a triumph, raising hopes for *L2: Empuraan*.
While Mohanlal’s performance met expectations, Prithviraj’s directorial choices faced criticism. Fans praised his vision for the visuals and action but questioned his oversight of the screenplay. As one tweet put it, “Prithviraj’s direction is stunning, but the story feels like a letdown—did he focus too much on the spectacle?”
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## Twitter’s Influence and Box Office Buzz
In the digital era, Twitter wields immense power in shaping a film’s narrative. For *L2: Empuraan*, the platform amplified both praise and critique, with hashtags like #L2Empuraan and #Mohanlal trending for days. Positive reactions to the action and Mohanlal’s entry fueled buzz, likely contributing to the film’s reported Rs 50 crore opening day gross—one of the biggest for a Malayalam film.
Yet, the criticisms of the writing pose a potential risk. While initial ticket sales reflect Mohanlal’s draw and the film’s hype, sustained success hinges on word-of-mouth. If the narrative backlash grows, it could dampen the film’s momentum. Conversely, if audiences prioritize the spectacle, *L2: Empuraan* might maintain its box office reign.
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## Marketing Hype vs. Reality
The film’s marketing campaign played a pivotal role in building anticipation. Trailers highlighted the grand scale, international locales, and action-packed sequences, promising a blockbuster experience. However, some fans felt misled. “The trailer was all style, no hint of a strong plot,” one user tweeted. “The movie didn’t deliver what it teased.” This disconnect suggests the marketing leaned heavily on visuals, potentially overshadowing the narrative weaknesses that later surfaced.
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## Cultural Impact and Fan Passion
*L2: Empuraan* isn’t just a film; it’s a cultural event for Malayalam cinema. Its IMAX presentation and multi-language release signal an industry pushing beyond regional boundaries. Twitter reflects this fervor, with fans creating memes, fan art, and in-depth analyses. Even the criticisms have sparked debates about sequel storytelling, showcasing a fanbase invested in the franchise’s evolution.
This engagement bodes well for *L2: Empuraan*’s legacy, keeping it relevant as fans await the trilogy’s conclusion, tentatively titled *L3: The Beginning*. Whether the filmmakers address the writing critiques in the next installment could determine the saga’s ultimate success.
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## Looking Ahead: The Trilogy’s Future
As the second chapter, *L2: Empuraan* sets the stage for a climactic third film. Fans are already theorizing—will *L3: The Beginning* explore Stephen Nedumpally’s origins? Will it weave a tighter narrative to tie up loose ends? The mixed reviews of *L2* offer a roadmap: bolster the story while retaining the visual flair. If the team heeds this feedback, the trilogy could end on a high note.
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## Conclusion: A Dazzling Yet Flawed Chapter
*L2: Empuraan* is a film of extremes—stunning in its execution, yet stumbling in its story. Twitter reviews capture this dichotomy: Mohanlal’s entry and the fight scenes are celebrated as cinematic triumphs, while the “poor writing” is a sore point for many. Despite its flaws, the film’s record-breaking opening and passionate fan response affirm its impact.
For Malayalam cinema, *L2: Empuraan* is a bold step toward global recognition, showcasing technical excellence that rivals the best. Yet, it’s a reminder that spectacle alone isn’t enough—a compelling narrative is the soul of any great film. As fans look to the future, the hope is that *L3* will blend the strengths of its predecessors into a finale worthy of the *Lucifer* legacy. Until then, Twitter will keep buzzing with praise, critique, and anticipation for what’s next.
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