In a candid interview on the YouTube channel Nayandeep Rakshit, promoting his recently released film “Sarzameen” (July 25th, 2025), actor-director Prithviraj Sukumaran offered fascinating insights into the casting of Pranav Mohanlal in “L2: Empuraan” and shared tantalizing hints about the much-anticipated “L3.” His comments, particularly regarding Pranav’s striking resemblance to a young Mohanlal from the iconic “Manjil Virinja Pookkal,” have set social media abuzz.
Prithviraj revealed that for a crucial sequence in “L2: Empuraan” requiring a glimpse into the younger days of Mohanlal’s character, Stephen Nedumbally, the team sought an authentic portrayal rather than relying heavily on artificial intelligence or face replacement technology. It was here that Pranav Mohanlal’s natural resemblance proved to be a perfect fit.
“Anyone who has seen films like ‘Manjil Virinja Pookkal’ would notice how similar Pranav looks to Mohanlal from that era,” Prithviraj stated. He emphasized that the 1980 classic, which marked Mohanlal’s debut, served as a direct visual reference for Pranav’s look in “Empuraan.” This deliberate choice to harness Pranav’s inherent likeness to his father’s youthful appearance in “Manjil Virinja Pookkal” made the casting process remarkably straightforward and added an organic layer to the narrative. The director expressed satisfaction in achieving this natural look, highlighting how it resonated with the audience’s collective memory of the veteran actor’s early career.
The discussion also veered towards the future of the “Lucifer” franchise, with Prithviraj confirming that the third installment, tentatively titled “L3” (often referred to as ‘Azrael’), will also feature a brief appearance of Stephen Nedumbally’s younger self. However, he clarified that it would not be an extended sequence, keeping the focus on the evolving present-day storyline. This revelation has further fueled excitement among fans eager to see more of the universe established in “Lucifer” and expanded upon in “Empuraan.”
Prithviraj also touched upon the challenges faced during the casting of international actors for “Empuraan,” noting the impact of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) strike. He explained that many actors initially considered were SAG members, and with agency offices shut down, negotiations were stalled. This led them to ultimately cast actors not bound by SAG contracts, which is how Jerome Flynn and Rick Yune came on board, adding to the global appeal of the film.
While details about “L3” remain under wraps, Prithviraj hinted that as the story progresses, audiences can expect the introduction of more formidable antagonists, suggesting a broadening scope and heightened stakes for the franchise. The director’s measured but intriguing comments have certainly left fans speculating about the direction the “Lucifer” saga will take and the adversaries Stephen Nedumbally will face next.
The success of “L2: Empuraan” and the anticipation surrounding “L3” underscore the massive appeal of the “Lucifer” franchise, with Prithviraj Sukumaran at its helm both as an actor and a visionary director. His ability to blend captivating storytelling with astute casting choices continues to impress audiences and critics alike.
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