On March 27, 2025, L2: Empuraan, the highly anticipated sequel to the 2019 blockbuster Lucifer, hit theaters worldwide, bringing with it a tidal wave of excitement and speculation. Directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran and starring the iconic Mohanlal, this Malayalam action thriller has been shrouded in mystery, particularly around the identity of a rumored surprise cameo. As fans flock to cinemas to witness the next chapter of Stephen Nedumpally’s saga, the question on everyone’s mind remains: Who is the cameo in Empuraan?
The Build-Up: A Tease of Something Big
The speculation began with the release of Empuraan’s promotional materials—posters and trailers that hinted at a mysterious figure clad in a dragon-printed shirt. This enigmatic character sparked a frenzy among fans and cinephiles, who quickly took to social media platforms like X and Reddit to theorize about the identity behind the cameo. The film’s massive scale, shot across locations in India, the UK, the UAE, and the US, coupled with its international cast—including Jerome Flynn of Game of Thrones fame—only fueled the notion that a big name might be involved.
Director Prithviraj Sukumaran and scriptwriter Murali Gopy have remained tight-lipped about the plot and any surprise appearances, heightening the intrigue. Cinematographer Sujith Vaassudev added to the excitement in a March 18, 2025, interview with Red FM Malayalam, confirming a cameo exists but playfully dodging specifics, saying, “You can just assume it’s Sanjay Dutt. Let it be that way.” This coy response left fans guessing: Is it a Bollywood titan, a pan-Indian star, or perhaps an international celebrity?
Who Is the Dragon in Empuraan?
Central to the cameo buzz is the figure in the dragon-printed shirt, dubbed “the Dragon” by fans after its prominent appearance in the teaser and posters. This character, shrouded in shadow and intrigue, has become a symbol of the film’s mystery. The dragon motif—a symbol of power, mystique, and danger in many cultures—has led to theories about its narrative significance. Is this “Dragon” the cameo everyone’s talking about, or a red herring to throw fans off the scent?
Some speculate the Dragon is a new antagonist, possibly tied to the international crime syndicate hinted at in Lucifer. The trailer’s glimpses of high-stakes action and global settings suggest a formidable player entering Stephen Nedumpally’s world. On X, users have pointed to the dragon shirt’s bold design as a clue—could it signal a flamboyant, larger-than-life personality like Sanjay Dutt or Shah Rukh Khan? Others argue it’s a symbolic nod to Mohanlal’s character, Khureshi Ab’raam, evolving into a more ruthless force, though the distinct silhouette suggests a separate entity. Prithviraj’s refusal to comment on the Dragon’s identity, paired with Mohanlal’s cryptic “Watch on the 27th” remark, keeps this enigma alive, with many believing the cameo and the Dragon are one and the same.
The Contenders: Who’s in the Running?
Several names have dominated the cameo conversation in the lead-up to Empuraan’s release:
- Mammootty: The Malayalam cinema legend has been a top contender, especially after comments from Prithviraj’s mother, Mallika Sukumaran, went viral. In an interview with Milestone Makers, she said, “Mammootty and Mohanlal are two actors whose names should be etched in Malayalam cinema history,” adding that it’s “big news” they’re part of Empuraan. Fans interpreted this as a slip hinting at Mammootty’s involvement—perhaps as the Dragon—though Mohanlal later denied it, stating, “Nothing like that.” Despite the denial, the buzz persists.
- Fahadh Faasil: Another Malayalam superstar, Fahadh Faasil, was a popular guess after Mohanlal posted a photo with him and Prithviraj in February 2025. However, Prithviraj debunked this in a Pinkvilla interview, sarcastically joking, “Yes, Fahadh Faasil, Tom Cruise, and even Robert De Niro are playing cameos,” before clarifying, “No, Shanu (Fahadh) is not in the film.” This likely rules him out as the Dragon too.
- Shah Rukh Khan: Bollywood’s King Khan entered the speculation when Mohanlal quipped, “Poor Shah Rukh Khan! He acted in a scene in Empuraan, but Prithviraj cut it.” Prithviraj added, “His scenes will be released as deleted scenes.” While a jest, fans on X see Shah Rukh’s charisma fitting the Dragon’s bold aesthetic, boosting Empuraan’s pan-Indian appeal.
- Sanjay Dutt: The Sanjay Dutt theory gained traction after Sujith Vaassudev’s remark. With his rugged persona and Bollywood clout, Dutt could embody the Dragon’s menacing vibe, aligning with the film’s multilingual ambitions. No hard evidence supports this yet.
- Other Possibilities: Names like Prabhas, Aamir Khan (linked via his sister Nikhat Khan Hegde’s role), and Hollywood’s Rick Yune have surfaced. The Dragon’s international flair keeps these guesses alive, though budget constraints noted by Prithviraj make a global star less likely.
Official Stance vs. Fan Theories
Officially, the Empuraan team has denied most rumored cameos. Prithviraj has downplayed speculation, focusing on the film’s storytelling and technical feats, like its anamorphic 2.8:1 aspect ratio. Mohanlal, when asked about the dragon-shirt figure, teased, “On the 27th, you can see who it is,” suggesting a theatrical reveal—perhaps tying the Dragon to the cameo.
Fan theories paint the Dragon as a pivotal figure—possibly a crime lord, a past ally, or a setup for the trilogy’s third film. Posts on X and Reddit propose a “Godfather-like saga” where the Dragon’s identity reshapes the narrative, with Mammootty or a surprise star at the helm.
The Verdict: A Waiting Game
As of March 27, 2025, with Empuraan now screening, the cameo’s—and the Dragon’s—identity remains unconfirmed here due to limited post-release data (11:17 AM PDT). Early X reactions praise the film’s action and Mohanlal’s presence, with some hinting at “surprise cameos” and a post-credit scene that might unveil the Dragon. Whether it’s Mammootty, a Bollywood icon, or an unexpected twist, the answer is unfolding in theaters. Grab your tickets and find out—who’s the Dragon, and who’s the cameo?
