Prithviraj Sukumaran Says L3: Empuraan Still On Cards, Awaits Mohanlal’s Availability

The buzz around the Lucifer franchise just refuses to die down and honestly, fans aren’t complaining. At a recent press interaction in Kochi, Prithviraj Sukumaran found himself fielding questions about what lies ahead for the much-discussed series. While speculation has been swirling for a while, the actor-director chose to keep things measured, dropping just enough to keep the curiosity alive.

Addressing the possibility of a third instalment after L2: Empuraan, Prithviraj made it clear that controversies have never dictated his creative decisions. He emphasised that his approach to filmmaking is rooted in conviction rather than external noise, suggesting that differing opinions around a film do not alter his plans as a storyteller. Even after the backlash

surrounding L2: Empuraan, he noted that audience interest in the franchise continues to remain strong, with many still approaching him to ask about the next chapter.

The second instalment, headlined by Mohanlal and directed by Prithviraj, turned into one of Malayalam cinema’s biggest talking points in 2025. Apart from its box office performance, the film also attracted criticism over alleged references to the 2002 Gujarat riots. The controversy led to boycott calls and widespread debate, following which the makers introduced multiple revisions, including 24 cuts and changes to certain character names.

Despite all that, Prithviraj confirmed that he remains committed to taking the story forward. However, he pointed out that practical factors will ultimately determine when the project moves ahead. A key consideration is Mohanlal’s availability, along with Prithviraj’s own prior commitments as a director to other producers. These scheduling challenges, he indicated, will play a crucial role in deciding the timeline for the third film.

During the same interaction, Prithviraj also spoke about his views on political storytelling in cinema. He clarified that he does not actively seek out films driven purely by political messaging, but is open to such themes if they organically contribute to the narrative.

On the acting front, the filmmaker briefly touched upon his cameo in Pallichattambi, where he played Kunjambu Nambiar Patel. He shared that the response to his appearance has been encouraging, adding to the film’s engagement among audiences.

Looking ahead, Prithviraj has a packed slate. He is set to feature in Varanasi, directed by S. S. Rajamouli, alongside Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra in key roles.