Mohanlal-Prithviraj’s L2: Empuraan beats Vicky Kaushal’s Chhaava to score 2025’s biggest global opening for an Indian film with Rs 165 crore collection

Mohanlal and Prithviraj’s L2: Empuraan, the highly anticipated sequel to Lucifer, shattered records with its massive worldwide opening. The film debuted with a staggering US $19.4 million ( Rs 165 crore ) over its first four days, securing the title of the biggest global opening for an Indian film in 2025.

The film’s global success has now dethroned Vicky Kaushal’s Chhaava, which had previously held the record withUS $19.1 million. L2: Empuraan achieved this milestone with an impressive overseas gross of US $17.3 million and a strongUS $2.2 million contribution from the U.S. box office alone.India contributed nearly Rs 60 crore over the first four days of its release. The film's phenomenal international reception is a testament to Mohanlal’s widespread appeal and the anticipation surrounding the Lucifer franchise, which has grown into one of the most celebrated in Indian cinema.
While Chhaava, a historical epic on Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, had a strong opening earlier this year, L2: Empuraan has surpassed it, benefiting from the immense fan following of its prequel’s cult status.
Director Prithviraj Sukumaran, who also plays a pivotal role in the film, has once again proven his mettle in crafting gripping narratives with a global appeal. The film’s action-packed storyline, coupled with Mohanlal’s commanding presence, has resonated with audiences worldwide, ensuring its dominance at the box office.
In India though the film had got caught in controversy about the film pushing 'Anti-Hindu Agenda' as film showcased the Gujarat riots of 2002 which led to the lead actor Mohanlal taking to social media to issue an apology. In the apology he stated, “ I have come to know that some political and social themes that were included in the unveiling of Empuran, the second part of the Lucifer franchise, have caused considerable distress among many of my loved ones. As an artist, it is my duty to ensure that none of my films promote hatred towards any political movement, ideology, or religious group.
Therefore, both I and the Empuran team express our sincere regret for the distress caused to my dear ones, and we all take responsibility for it, with the realization that such issues must be removed from the film. For the past four decades, it is you, the audience, who have been a part of my cinematic journey. Your love and trust are my strength. I believe there is no Mohanlal beyond that.” Following this actor-director Prithviraj also shared Mohanlal’s post . ETimes review for the film reads, "Mohanlal’s dialogues and characterisation were iconic and full of shocks and surprises in the previous film. That cult stunt sequence, where he pins a policeman to the wall, while his hands are cuffed, is repeated here with double effect, with Khureshi and Zayed doing it together while they tackle the bad guys, but even that doesn’t quite have the same thrills. The work that Prithviraj and Murali Gopi have put into developing the story is visible and impressive in the first half. But we miss the nous, that some of our Malayalam political thrillers of the 80s and 90s had. Also, a mass entertainer needs massy dialogues; this is a big miss in the movie."