At the grand trailer launch event of L2: Empuraan, Malayalam cinema legend Mohanlal shared his thoughts on the film industry, storytelling, and the magic behind Empuraan. Reflecting on his illustrious 47-year career, the actor admitted that he still feels the same nervous excitement whenever he steps onto the stage.
“It’s been 47 years in the industry, still I get butterflies whenever I come on the stage,” he said, highlighting his enduring passion for cinema.
The much-awaited sequel, Empuraan, directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, has generated massive buzz. Mohanlal described the film as something truly special.
“Empuraan is a magic,” he declared, leaving fans eager to witness what the film has in store.
The Evolution of Malayalam Cinema
Mohanlal reminisced about the golden era of Malayalam film writing, when stalwarts like Padmarajan, M.T. Vasudevan Nair, and Lohithadas shaped the industry with their remarkable storytelling.
“I had the chance of working with great writers like Padmarajan, M.T. Vasudevan, Loke Dada, so many. So writing, of course, and especially in Malayalam, at that time, films were known for the writers.”
However, he also acknowledged how cinema has evolved over the years.
“There was a time. This is a cycle again. The entire film industry changed, the making changed, the concept of the film changed, everything is changed.”
Despite these changes, he emphasized that the essence of storytelling remains the same.
“But definitely, there should be a story. After watching the film, you have to take something back to your home. Could be the story, or it could be a scene, or it could be a performance.”
The Challenge of Making an Entertainer
Mohanlal also spoke about the effort that goes into creating a film that captivates audiences.
“You can call this an entertainment, oh that movie is an entertainer. To make an entertainer is not an easy thing. People should love the entire aspect of the film—the song, story, acting.”
He stressed the vital role of writers and directors in bringing a film to life.
“To bring out that, we need somebody. This is a beautiful congress. So the writer is a very important point in the film.”
According to him, the collaboration between a writer and a director determines how the story unfolds on screen.
“The writer and the director have to decide how to make this movie and how to bring the actors into the frame, how to do it. This is brilliant, this is a gift of God.”
High Praise for Prithviraj Sukumaran
Mohanlal had nothing but admiration for Prithviraj Sukumaran, the director of Empuraan, calling him one of the finest filmmakers in the country.
“I have said a couple of times, Prithviraj is one of the greatest directors in India. Seriously. He is going to be one of the top directors in ASEAN. And this is only a tip of the iceberg.”
His words reflected immense confidence in Prithviraj’s abilities, hinting at even greater cinematic achievements in the future.
“Yeah, let it happen. Because that kind of conviction, we say, is God.”
Adding to this, another speaker at the event described Prithviraj’s deep passion for cinema, saying:
“He lives cinema, he eats cinema, he breathes cinema. Always in the film, when he is in that mood. Otherwise, he is a naughty person.”
A New Chapter with Empuraan
As L2: Empuraan gears up for release, Mohanlal’s words have only heightened anticipation for the film. His reflections on his journey, the evolution of cinema, and his belief in strong storytelling reaffirm why he remains one of the most revered figures in Indian cinema.
With Prithviraj at the helm and Mohanlal leading the cast, Empuraan promises to be a cinematic spectacle that blends thrill, emotion, and storytelling mastery—a true celebration of Malayalam cinema.
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