Mohanlal unveils Prithviraj’s powerful look as Zayed Masood in L2: Empuraan
Marking Prithviraj's 42nd birthday, L2: Empuraan's new poster sees the actor returning to the role of the mysterious and fiercely loyal lieutenant to Mohanlal's Khureshi-Ab'raam.
Prithviraj in L2: Empuraan.
On Wednesday, Malayalam superstar Mohanlal revealed the first look of Prithviraj Sukumaran from the highly anticipated sequel, L2: Empuraan. Prithviraj returns as Zayed Masood, the enigmatic and fiercely loyal lieutenant to Mohanlal's character, Stephen Nedumpally, also known by his darker identity, Khureshi-Ab'raam. Mohanlal shared the look with a gripping caption: "Forsaken by God… nurtured by the DEVIL! #ZayedMasood The Emperor’s General," adding to the excitement surrounding the film.
The reveal coincided with Prithviraj's 42nd birthday, making it a special treat for fans. Zayed Masood first appeared in Lucifer (2019) in a pivotal, extended cameo role, where he guarded Stephen Nedumpally from behind the scenes as his boss navigated a complex political power struggle in Kerala. As the story unfolded, it was revealed that Nedumpally was not just an influential political figure but, in reality, the notorious international crime lord Khureshi-Ab'raam, operating a vast private army feared by both law enforcement and criminals alike.
While Lucifer only teased Khureshi-Ab'raam’s full potential, L2: Empuraan promises to dive deeper into his personality and explore Zayed Masood's backstory and loyalty. Fans can expect a more intense and expansive portrayal of these characters as the sequel unfolds.
Beyond reprising his role, Prithviraj is also directing the sequel, marking his third directorial venture. His directorial debut with Lucifer was a massive success, becoming one of the highest-grossing films in Malayalam cinema history. Prithviraj later directed Mohanlal in the 2022 comedy Bro Daddy, which was released on streaming platforms to positive reviews.
L2: Empuraan, written by Murali Gopy, is set to expand the Lucifer universe into a grand trilogy. The filmmakers have hinted at a larger scale for this sequel, and shot in international locations, including the UK, USA, Mexico, and Russia. The star-studded cast includes Tovino Thomas, Indrajith Sukumaran, Sachin Khedekar, Manoj K. Jayan, and Bobby Simha, making it one of the most eagerly awaited films in Malayalam cinema.