Prithviraj Sukumaran’s highly-anticipated directorial L2: Empuraan, starring Malayalam cinema icon Mohanlal, has shattered a significant record in Indian film ticket sales. According to the makers, the film clocked a staggering 96,140 tickets per hour on BookMyShow during its pre-sale phase, making it the highest hourly pre-sales ever for an Indian film on the platform.

The announcement, made by the team via social media, read: “Another. Record. Shattered. The highest hourly pre-sales ever in Indian cinema on BookMyShow. 96.14k/hr.”

Star-studded ensemble and returning characters

A sequel to the 2019 blockbuster Lucifer, L2: Empuraan continues the gripping political action narrative with Mohanlal reprising his dual role as Khureshi Ab’raam, also known as Stephen Nedumpally. Prithviraj Sukumaran returns not only as director but also as actor, playing Zayed Masood, Khureshi’s close aide.

The ensemble cast includes familiar and fresh faces such as Tovino Thomas, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Manju Warrier, Indrajith Sukumaran, Jerome Flynn, Nikhat Khan (sister of Aamir Khan), Kaarthikeyaa Dev, Kishore Kumar G, Sukant Goel, and British actress Andrea Tivadar.

Technical team and release details

The film’s screenplay is penned by Murali Gopy, while the visuals are crafted by cinematographer Sujith Vaassudev. Editing is handled by Akhilesh Mohan, with the musical score composed by Deepak Dev. The filming concluded in December 2024.

L2: Empuraan is scheduled to hit theatres worldwide on March 27, 2025. The film marks the third directorial outing for Prithviraj Sukumaran, following Lucifer and Bro Daddy—his previous collaboration with Mohanlal.

Singer-composer Amaal Mallik, known for his work in Bollywood music, has taken down a deeply personal social media post in which he opened up about his clinical depression and a difficult relationship with his family. In a fresh statement issued on Instagram, he addressed the media and public reaction to his earlier post and urged for sensitivity during what he described as a “very tough time.”

In his new message, Amaal Mallik wrote,
“Thank you for the love and support, it truly means a lot, but I would request the media portals not to harass my family.. Please don’t sensationalise and give negative headlines to my vulnerability…It’s a request. It’s taken a lot for me to open up & it is a very tough time for me…I will always love my family, but for now, from afar. Nothing changes between us brothers, Armaan and I are one, and nothing can come between us. Love & Peace.”

The clarification followed the deletion of an earlier post in which Mallik shared that he had been clinically diagnosed with depression. He also revealed that despite composing 126 songs in his decade-long career, he felt undervalued, particularly by his family.

In the now-deleted post, Mallik spoke about strained ties with his brother Armaan, which he attributed to actions by their parents. He indicated that he would be maintaining only professional relations with his family going forward, stating that their behaviour had impacted his mental health and self-esteem.

An excerpt from his deleted post read:
“The journey has been terrific for both of us but the actions of my parents have been the reason we as brothers have gone too far from one another and all of this has made me step in for myself as it has left a very deep scar across my heart. Through the last many years, they have left no opportunity to disturb my well-being and belittle all my friendships, my relationships, my mindset, my self-confidence.”

He further admitted that while he holds himself accountable for his own actions, he felt repeatedly diminished by those closest to him, contributing significantly to his deteriorating mental health.

As the industry and fans react to Amaal’s honesty, the singer has requested that his vulnerability be met with compassion, not sensationalism. His heartfelt appeal seeks to redirect focus toward healing rather than headlines.

Choreographer and influencer Dhanashree Verma released a powerful new music video titled Dekha Ji Dekha Maine on the same day her divorce from Indian cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal was legally granted by a family court in Mumbai. The emotionally charged track, launched under the T-Series banner, highlights themes of betrayal, domestic abuse, and emotional trauma within a royal marital setup.

The video stars Dhanashree alongside actor Ishwak Singh, known for his role in Pataal Lok. Set against a traditional Rajasthani backdrop, the visuals depict Verma as a woman enduring infidelity and physical violence from her husband. One scene shows her character being slapped in public, while another captures the husband engaging intimately with another woman in her presence.

The lyrics, penned by Jaani, cut deep. Lines such as “Dekha ji dekha maine, apno ka rona dekha. Gairon ke bistar pe, apno ka sona dekha” and “Dil tera bacha hai, nibhana bhool jata hai. Naya khilauna dekh ke, purana bhool jata hai” reflect the anguish of betrayal and emotional neglect in a relationship.

Sung by Jyoti Nooran, with music composed by Jaani, the song presents a striking narrative layered with raw emotion. Speaking about her role, Dhanashree said, “This was one of the most emotionally charged performances I’ve been a part of… It demanded a certain level of intensity, and I hope it resonates deeply with the audience.”

The release coincided with her official separation from Yuzvendra Chahal, whom she married in December 2020. As per reports, Chahal has agreed to pay an alimony of ₹4.75 crore as part of the divorce settlement.