L2: Empuraan Movie Review: Lost in Ambition?
Malayalam cinema has always been known for its compelling storytelling and strong performances. However, with Empuraan, the industry has set a new benchmark in terms of scale and ambition. The movie dares to dream big and expands the scope of Malayalam films like never before. However, does Empuraan, directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, limit itself to just grandeur, or is there more to it?
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A Story Too Scattered
Empuraan excels in many aspects, which I’ll get to towards the end. However, the film sometimes loses itself in its own ambition and expansive scale. The storytelling feels scattered, jumping between multiple locations—Gujarat, Iraq, London, and Kerala—all in quick succession. The constant shift in settings and the introduction of numerous new characters demand immense attention from the audience. And I’m not mincing words when I say that, at times, it actually gets quite tedious.
With so many subplots unfolding, the narrative struggles to maintain cohesion. The emotional connection, which was a strong element in Lucifer, feels largely absent here, except for the initial riot sequence, which is truly heartbreaking. Beyond that, the film fails to evoke much emotional engagement.
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Where Are the Goosebump Moments?
One of the biggest letdowns of Empuraan is the lack of powerful, mass moments. Think about Lucifer—who can forget the electrifying “Ninde thantha alla, ende thantha” scene or Jathin Ramdas’ goosebump-inducing speech? And of course, Mohanlal’s stunning action sequences left the audience in awe. Empuraan lacks such moments, except for Mohanlal’s grand entry scenes—one as Khureshi Abram and another as Stephen Nedumbally.
However, the problem here is that we see more of Khureshi than Stephen. While Lucifer presented Stephen Nedumbally as an enigmatic yet charismatic leader, Khureshi in Empuraan comes off as mysterious but not nearly as appealing. This shift in focus feels a little unfair, especially for fans who were eagerly waiting to see more of Stephen’s character arc.
Similarly, Manju Warrier’s role attempts to recreate the impact of Jathin Ramdas’ speech from Lucifer, but unfortunately, it falls flat.
What Works in Empuraan?
Despite its flaws, Empuraan does deliver in certain areas.
- Mohanlal’s Star Aura – While Khureshi’s character may not be as compelling as Stephen’s, the film ensures that Mohanlal shines in his most massiest and classiest form. His two entry scenes are magnificently shot and capture his superstar presence brilliantly.
- Prithviraj’s Direction – The real star of Empuraan is Prithviraj, the director. Handling a project of this magnitude is no easy feat, and he pulls it off with impressive precision. The film’s scale, its ambitious vision, and the sheer challenge of executing such a grand spectacle are commendable.
- Setting a New Benchmark – Empuraan has undeniably taken Malayalam cinema to new heights. It has pushed the boundaries of what the industry can achieve, both technically and narratively.
Final Thoughts
While Empuraan may not match the theatrical experience of Lucifer (at least for me), it’s important to recognize that it is attempting something new. Expecting it to tick all the familiar boxes might not be the fairest expectation. We must give it room to evolve, especially since the story is not yet complete. With a third installment confirmed, I’m excited to see how it all comes together in the end.
If you’re planning to watch Empuraan, do so in the theatres. The scale and visual grandeur demand a big-screen experience. And for now, let’s wait and see where this ambitious saga takes us next!
I can’t stop talking about films, so I blog!
I started The FourthWall, my film blog, to share my thoughts on films and shows with fellow movie buffs, and over the years it has become my happy place. Come join in for some interesting conversations on cinema… and sometimes books and fashion!
