If you thought Lucifer was the ultimate power play in the scape of Mollywood then think again. The wait is over and Empuraan is here to make you rethink, with its stellar delivery of power packed action, politics and the emotions of betrayal. If you’re a die-hard Mohanlal fan you better read this after booking the tickets to the show. The perfect action thriller to keep you on the edge of your seats and a cinematic roller coaster that promises you a breathtaking ride.
From the very first frame, Empuraan presents itself as a film made with an international pulse. With locations stretching from Iraq to Senegal to England, to China, and finally Yemen, Empuraan is not only about Khureshi-Ab’raam’s rise. It is about the empire he’s building (the film is called Empuraan for a reason). The cinematography is outstanding. And the locations? Absolute stunner. Every location adds another layer to the movie.
The film ventures even deeper with giving audiences a better understanding of the ambiguous history of its main character played by the legendary Mohanlal. Rather than rendering a political drama folded into Kerala as in Lucifer, it is definitely a film that reaches out and engages geopolitics, crime circles, and powerful alliances. Storytelling is key, and all layers of mystery are revealed at the perfect moment, keeping you engaged till the very end.
If anyone needed another reminder of Mohanlal’s dexterity on screen, Empuraan serves it on a silver platter displaying Mohanlal’s immense capabilities. He is effortless in his combination of seriousness and menace, and he fully embodies Khureshi-Ab’raam as one of the great anti-heroes of the past few decades. He has an unmatched ability to inhabit a scene, whether through an intense exchange of dialogue or a piercing stare that needs no words. Prithviraj Sukumaran once again as the captain of the crew and has a meticulous approach towards the cinema. He lets Mohanlal’s character pace at an unpredictable stride. And it all adds up and makes the movie even more electrifying.
Though Mohanlal certainly dominates the film, the supporting cast deserves recognition as well. Prithviraj himself plays an important role in the story arc, without stealing the thunder of the lead villain. Saniya Iyappan has an enjoyable, fresh energy, while other main supporting actors keep the story interesting and layered. The sharp dialogue, the fast-paced screenplay, along with the cinematography makes sure they capture every nuance.
Even with the best minds of Mollywood and their perfect sense of portrayal the film still happens to stumble. As the film heavily leans on to the nuances of geopolitical themes some fans find it a bit overwhelming. And the second half particularly tests the patience level of the sense with the time taken to build up the suspense and this kinda disappoints those who expected back to back action.
And the presence of various sub-plots on the movie, while it’s interesting it still makes us feel that it could have been trimmed for a better narrative of the main story. But then these minor setbacks don’t affect the overall movie experience and can never let down Mohanlal’s fans.
Is Empuraan worth your time? Yes! This is not just a sequel, it is a beautifully crafted film that accomplishes a daring mix of action, intrigue, and cinematic style that very few Indian films have attempted. Mohanlal delivers a strong performance, Prithviraj deftly directs the film, and the action sequences? They are jaw-dropping! If you haven’t bought your tickets yet, do it now. Believe us, this is a ride you won’t want to miss.
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