The recent release of Empuraan L2, the second installment in the Lucifer trilogy, has sparked much debate among movie lovers and critics alike. The film took a bold step by blending elements of political drama with a touch of international intrigue. Many discussions have centred on the religious and political hints drawn from events such as the Gujarat riots of 2002, with a view to contemporary issues. However, one matter that seems to have been left unexplored is the way the story grows from a focus on a small state, as seen in Lucifer, to a plot that covers national politics in Empuraan and even hints at a broader international conflict in the forthcoming third part.
The movie introduces us to various underworld elements from the very beginning. In one of the opening sequences, the narrative mentions groups such as the Shen Triad and the God Axis. These names refer to organised crime networks that have played a part in many real-life events. The character Ab’raam Khureshi, a figure who resembles a modern-day Lucifer, is shown as a guardian of his people against these sinister groups. In a twist that has caught the attention of viewers, the main villain, portrayed by Rick Yune, is later revealed as a member of the Shen Triad. This twist brings to light many questions about the true nature of these groups and how much we really know about their workings.
The Shen Triad
The Shen Triad refers to one of the organised crime groups originating from China. Traditionally, triads have been known for their secretive operations and a network of members that extends across many countries. They are often linked with activities such as drug trafficking, smuggling, and money laundering. Over time, these groups have also been seen to play a role in political and economic affairs in certain regions. While their operations may appear to be independent, there have been instances where connections with state agencies have been hinted at. The overall Chinese crime syndicate is not a single entity but a collection of loosely connected groups that share similar goals. These groups have a history of operating covertly and exerting influence in both local and international contexts.
L3: Azrael
The video song titled “Azrael,” featured in the movie’s post-credit scene, offers a vivid preview of the trilogy’s next phase. In the sequence, viewers witness a clash between forces led by Ab’raam Khureshi and the rising power of the Shen Triad. The visuals include paper-cut images of news reports that show governments falling in several countries. These reports indicate that the syndicate uses narcotics not only to earn profit but also to shift global power and influence modern financial transactions. A map of Afghanistan, known as a centre for the illicit drug trade, appears alongside a map of China and images of Chinese officials, hinting at an impact that reaches across continents.
The song’s visual narrative takes us on a journey from the underbelly of organised crime to high political offices. Footage of Chinese political figures, including the president and members of the national congress, is interwoven with animated sequences. In one striking moment, a zoomed-in view of a sprawling prison appears, ending with the image of a faceless man behind bars. This scene leaves viewers with the impression that the network of crime and corruption may have deep roots that even the government finds hard to control. Such a portrayal challenges the audience to re-examine the hidden connections between crime syndicates and political power.
A closer look at the imagery reveals that the movie is not merely a tale of individual heroes and villains. It presents a broader picture where crime, politics, and international affairs come together. The narrative implies that the world of organised crime is interlinked with state power and that these connections serve hidden agendas. The director Prithviraj and scriptwriter Murali Gopy appear to have drawn from both historical records and modern political trends to build a story that is as complex as it is engaging. The film’s intricate narrative has already set the stage for the next chapter of the trilogy, rumoured to be titled L3 Azrael.
The video song in Empuraan L2 provides more than just a musical interlude. It invites the audience to ponder over the hidden ties between organised crime and political power, leaving plenty of room for discussion before the release of the third installment. The careful interweaving of images related to international drug routes, political leaders, and infamous criminal networks suggests that the next chapter will further explore the boundaries between law and crime.
