L2:Empuraan Movie Review - Ambitious Sequel Falls Short

The Prithviraj Sukumaran trilogy (PSU) enters familiar territory akin to the LCU, focusing on action-packed narratives that span multiple geographies and explore the interplay of secret societies and concealed power dynamics.

Regardless of the effort put into advertising, high-quality production values, or technical excellence, without a robust story arc and narrative structure, the allure quickly diminishes. The second installment of this trilogy fails to present anything novel, and the weak storyline further diminishes the film's impact.

Prithviraj Sukumaran's effort is ambitious, elevating scale and craftsmanship to new heights. He aimed to differentiate his work from other Malayalam films. However, as the saying goes, "too much of something is good for nothing," which aptly describes the film's inability to establish boundaries.

The film's first act begins with the aftermath of the Gujarat riot. Subsequently, the narrative revolves around the tagline, "Power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely." This installment delves into Zayed Masood's backstory and his interactions with Khureshi Ab’raam and his influence. The film's conclusion suggests that the final installment will focus on Stephen's childhood and his confrontation with the powerful secret society, Shen Triad.

While the film attempts to make strong political statements on integrity and community experience, the story fails to deliver them as expected. The effort to unify secular themes is superficial, and the subpar dialogues further disappoint.

Regarding the acting, Mohanlal is given limited material to work with. Mere slow-motion sequences and intense gazes are insufficient. The Kerala-style dhoti attire of Stephen Nedumpally is notably superior to the climate-insensitive attire of Khureshi Ab’raam. Tovino Thomas’s portrayal lacks a compelling drive. There are few quick wins for Manju but barring that nothing stood out.

Ultimately, the film lacks the impactful moments of its predecessor, and in its pursuit of mass appeal, it loses its connection with the audience. Malayalam films have traditionally been rooted in realism, which has been their strength. While I commend the attempt to break away from convention and aim high, the so-called thrilling ride did not resonate with me. It's neither boring nor entertaining. Just an average time pass.

Verdict - 3/5(Style Over Substance)