If you’re still riding the high from Empuraan and craving more films with gritty power struggles, political undertones, and characters who operate in the moral grey zone, you’re in for a treat. Here’s a list of movies that bring a similar energy like L2- Empuraan — think layered storytelling, iconic performances, and that intense, slow-burn style that keeps you hooked till the very end.
Naradan (2022)
Naradan is one of those films that digs into the darker side of media. Tovino Thomas plays a journalist who starts out as an honest guy but slowly gets pulled into the toxic race for TRPs. As he becomes more manipulative and powerful, we start to see how the media can shape — or twist — public opinion.
This movie hits hard because it shows power in a totally different way, just like Empuraan. It’s not about gangsters or politicians this time — it’s the newsroom where the battles are fought. And that change of setting makes it even more interesting.
Lucifer (2019)
Lucifer is a political thriller that kicks off with the death of a powerful leader, and what follows is a full-blown power grab. Mohanlal plays Stephen Nedumpally, a mysterious man with deep connections and a past nobody fully understands — and that’s where the film starts to really shine.
What makes Lucifer feel like Empuraan‘s spiritual predecessor is the way it blends politics, crime, and personal revenge. It’s got the big moments, the stylish action, and an undercurrent of moral complexity that makes you think. You’re rooting for a guy who’s not entirely clean — and that’s what makes it great.
Also, Read – 35 Best Malayalam Movies of All Time
Kurup (2021)
Dulquer Salmaan takes on the role of Sukumara Kurup, one of India’s most wanted fugitives. The movie follows his transformation from a regular guy to a master manipulator who fakes his own death and vanishes. It’s sleek, stylish, and rooted in real-life crime, which adds to the chill factor.
If you liked Empuraan for its smart storytelling and charismatic anti-hero, Kurup is right up your alley. There’s something fascinating about watching a flawed character spiral — and somehow still have the upper hand. Plus, the soundtrack and visuals are top-tier.
Mumbai Mafia: Police vs The Underworld (2023)
This one’s a docu-thriller that takes you straight into the streets of ’90s Mumbai. It’s a gritty look at how the cops took on the deadly underworld, with real interviews and archive footage that make the whole thing feel raw and real.
Even though it’s a documentary, the stakes and power dynamics feel just like what you’d see in a fictional crime movie like Empuraan. The line between justice and corruption gets blurry fast, and that’s exactly what makes it such an intense watch.
Kaala (2018)
Rajinikanth plays a slum leader in Mumbai fighting for the rights of his people against corrupt politicians and land mafia. The film is rich with symbolism, political commentary, and high-stakes drama — all while keeping that larger-than-life energy only a Rajini film can pull off.
What ties Kaala to Empuraan is the idea of power coming from the streets, not the top. It’s about reclaiming dignity, fighting systemic oppression, and standing tall against the odds. There’s a strong emotional core here, and that makes it more than just another action movie.
Malik (2021)
In Malik, Fahadh Faasil delivers another knockout performance as Sulaiman, a charismatic leader of a coastal village entangled in politics, religion, and revenge. The film unpacks his life through non-linear storytelling, exposing layers of betrayal, violence, and sacrifice.
What makes Malik similar to Empuraan is its scope and ambition. It’s not just about one man’s rise or fall — it’s about a whole community and the systems that try to control it. If you loved the slow-burn intensity and larger-than-life character arcs in Empuraan, this one’s a must-watch.
