Entertainment

L2 Empuraan casting leak: Was Rick Yune’s role a well-kept secret?

Rick Yune’s surprise casting in L2: Empuraan has been leaked by a UK talent agency. Did this spoil the movie’s carefully planned surprises?

Published

2 years ago

February 24, 2025

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Mohanlal in L2: Empuraan sets new ticket sales record on BookMyShow

In a major turn of events, a UK-based talent agency has revealed the involvement of Hollywood actor Rick Yune in the upcoming action-thriller L2: Empuraan, directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran. While the casting of Yune was initially speculated, it was an unexpected social media post by International Artists Management that spilled the beans.

A leaked post spoils the surprise

The excitement surrounding the movie L2: Empuraan reached new heights after a poster was shared, showing the back of a man adorned with a dragon symbol on a white karategi. Fans and media outlets speculated on the identity of this actor, with names ranging from Mammootty and Fahadh Faasil to Korean superstar Don Lee and even Charles Dance, who is famous for his role as Tywin Lannister in Game of Thrones.

However, the mystery took a twist when International Artists Management announced on their social media and official website that two of their clients, Rick Yune and Andrea Tivadar, would be playing key roles in the film. The post was swiftly removed, but the word had already spread, and the leak became a hot topic for fans and media alike.

Rick Yune, a Korean-American actor best known for his role in the first Fast & Furious movie and his portrayal of a North Korean antagonist in Die Another Day, has an impressive filmography that includes Ninja Assassin, Olympus Has Fallen, and Tetris. Andrea Tivadar, on the other hand, is known for her appearances in popular TV series such as Snatch, Killing Eve, and Bulletproof.

Prithviraj Sukumaran’s casting strategy

In a recent interview, Prithviraj revealed that while casting for L2: Empuraan, he had a “wishlist” of actors he wanted to approach. However, despite some actors expressing interest, their agents reportedly became obstacles. This led to unexpected challenges during the casting process.

Despite the leak, Prithviraj has emphasized that the recently-released teaser may not be indicative of the final product. “For all you know, this could feature scenes that I might have shot separately for the teaser,” he explained, echoing the approach he used in his previous film Jana Gana Mana.

More surprises to come

While the casting of Rick Yune is a significant reveal, it might not be the biggest surprise the makers have in store. The team behind L2: Empuraan has teased that they will be unveiling 36 characters from the film in the coming days. Fans can expect even more surprises as the movie’s release date approaches, with several key actors, including Mohanlal, Prithviraj Sukumaran, Manju Warrier, Tovino Thomas, and Indrajith Sukumaran, returning from the highly successful Lucifer.

Prithviraj has also hinted at exciting global backdrops, including segments set in the US and UK, which might add a thrilling international dimension to the film.

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Entertainment

Veteran actor Mushtaq Khan, known for Welcome and Hera Pheri, dies at 56

Veteran actor Mushtaq Khan, known for his memorable supporting role in Welcome, has died at 56.

Published

15 hours ago

September 24, 2026

APNLive Desk

Veteran actor Mushtaq Khan, who appeared in several Hindi films and was particularly remembered for his role in the 2007 comedy Welcome, has died at the age of 56.

Khan was known for playing supporting characters across Hindi cinema and had worked in films spanning several decades. His role as Balu in Welcome remains among his best-known performances.

Mushtaq Khan’s film career

Mushtaq Khan appeared in a wide range of films during his career. His filmography included Aashiqui, Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke, Gopi Kishan, Krantiveer, Raja, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Jodi No. 1 and Hera Pheri.

He also featured in more recent films including Stree 2, Gadar 2, Baby John, Dhoom Dhaam and Jaat. His filmography lists acting work continuing into 2026.

In Welcome, Khan played Balu, a supporting character in the comedy starring Akshay Kumar, Nana Patekar, Anil Kapoor and other prominent actors.

Khan’s career also included television work, with his credits spanning a wide range of acting roles over the years.

Mushtaq Khan dies at 56

The actor’s death was reported on September 24, 2026. Reports said Khan had been undergoing treatment after being diagnosed with liver cancer and had been hospitalised for around 15 days. Further details surrounding his death were awaited in the initial reports.

Mushtaq Khan was 56. IMDb lists his date of birth as December 31, 1969.

Entertainment

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh welcome baby girl, their second child

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh have welcomed their second child, a baby girl. The couple announced the birth on Instagram.

Published

5 days ago

September 20, 2026

APNLive Desk

Bollywood stars Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh have welcomed their second child, a baby girl. The couple announced the arrival of their daughter on Instagram on Saturday through a post featuring a baby’s footprint.

The newborn is the couple’s second daughter. Deepika and Ranveer became parents for the first time in September 2024, when they welcomed their daughter Dua.

The couple has not announced the name of their newborn daughter in the post.

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh’s last spotting

Just a day before the announcement, Deepika Padukone visited Mumbai’s Siddhivinayak Temple with Ranveer Singh and his parents.

Deepika was seen wearing an orange and purple kurta set, while Ranveer wore a purple kurta with white trousers. The visit came as the couple awaited the arrival of their second child.

Interestingly, the couple had also visited Siddhivinayak Temple in September 2024, shortly before the birth of their first daughter Dua.

Deepika and Ranveer’s family

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh married on November 14, 2018, in Lake Como, Italy. Their wedding featured ceremonies reflecting their Konkani and Sindhi backgrounds.

The couple’s relationship began while working together on Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela in 2013. They later got engaged in 2015 and welcomed their first child, Dua, on September 8, 2024.

Entertainment

Drishyam 3 trailer: Ajay Devgn faces triple threat from Tabu, Jaideep Ahlawat and Prakash Raj

Drishyam: The Conclusion trailer brings back Ajay Devgn and Tabu, while Jaideep Ahlawat and Prakash Raj join the franchise in new roles.

Published

2 weeks ago

September 9, 2026

APNLive Desk

The trailer of Drishyam: The Conclusion, the third instalment of the Ajay Devgn-led franchise, has been released, bringing Vijay Salgaonkar back for what is billed as the final chapter of the story.

Ajay Devgn returns as Vijay, while Tabu reprises her role as Meera Deshmukh. The latest chapter also introduces Jaideep Ahlawat and Prakash Raj in new roles, creating fresh challenges for Vijay and his carefully planned attempts to protect his family.

Ajay Devgn faces new challenges

The trailer continues the story of Vijay Salgaonkar, a family man who has repeatedly relied on his intelligence to protect his family from the law.

This time, Vijay faces Tabu’s Meera Deshmukh along with two new adversaries. Jaideep Ahlawat plays an SP from the Crime Branch, while Prakash Raj appears as a lawyer. The two characters add another layer to the investigation surrounding Vijay and the events of the previous films.

The trailer suggests that Vijay’s earlier strategy may face its toughest test yet as the investigation moves forward and pressure mounts on his family.

Tabu returns as Meera Deshmukh

Tabu is back as Meera Deshmukh, continuing a character that has remained closely connected to Vijay’s story since the earlier films.

Shriya Saran also returns to the franchise, reprising her role from the previous instalments.

Jaideep Ahlawat and Prakash Raj join the cast

Jaideep Ahlawat and Prakash Raj are among the key additions to the cast of the third film.

Ahlawat plays an SP in the Crime Branch, bringing a new investigating officer into Vijay’s path. Prakash Raj plays a lawyer, adding another significant character to the conflict surrounding the case.

Drishyam The Conclusion release date

Drishyam: The Conclusion is directed by Abhishek Pathak and is backed by Star Studio18 and Panorama Studios.

The film is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on October 2, 2026.

The trailer sets up another battle of wits for Vijay Salgaonkar, with the final outcome of his long-running struggle with the law expected to form the central conflict of the concluding chapter.