As L2: Empuraan marks its first anniversary this Friday, composer Deepak Dev has chosen to revisit the film’s most debated element, its music. Taking to Instagram, he shared the original recorded version of the film’s title track, offering audiences a chance to hear it as it was conceived in the studio, untouched and fully realised.
A second listen, without the noise
The track, presented alongside a striking poster featuring Mohanlal, leans into the scale that defined the Lucifer sequel. Deepak’s note accompanying the release strikes a tone of quiet reflection rather than defensiveness. “The music had its share of voices — some loud, some critical — but above all, there was a genuine wave of listeners who saw it, felt it, and kept it alive. On this 1st anniversary, I’m sharing a track exactly as it was recorded for the film — now presented so you can experience every detail, every layer, in its full depth with the Macedonian orchestra. This is for those who truly listened. The complete OST will be released soon.”
It is a gesture that feels both like a response and a reset. When Empuraan released, its background score in particular drew polarised reactions. For a film mounted on a grand, international canvas, expectations around its sonic identity were sky high. Deepak’s compositions, rich with orchestral textures and thematic ambition, divided opinion. But if anything, the anniversary drop reframes the conversation, shifting focus from reception to intent.
Behind the noise, a director’s faith
What makes this moment more telling is the creative equation between Deepak Dev and director Prithviraj Sukumaran. The composer has been a constant across all of Prithviraj’s directorial ventures, from Lucifer to Bro Daddy and now Empuraan. That continuity speaks to a deep mutual trust, one that held steady even when criticism peaked.
Deepak had previously shared that he brought up the backlash to Prithviraj, only to be advised to tune it out and take a breather. The director, known for his meticulous approach and long-term vision, reportedly encouraged him to step away from the noise and focus on the bigger picture. It is a sentiment that aligns with Prithviraj’s public admiration for Deepak, whom he considers among the finest composers in the country.
That backing seems to have mattered. Instead of retreating, Deepak has chosen to re-engage, not by defending the work, but by presenting it again in its purest form. The mention of the Macedonian orchestra in his note also highlights the scale of production behind the score, an aspect that perhaps got overshadowed in the initial wave of reactions.
In closing his post, the composer acknowledged those who stood by the music despite the chatter. “My heartfelt thanks to everyone who gave love to the music of Empuraan. This journey continues because of you,” he wrote, hinting at both gratitude and unfinished business.
As the Lucifer franchise continues to loom large in Malayalam cinema, questions about its future remain. A third instalment has been discussed in passing, but nothing concrete has been announced yet. Whether Deepak Dev will return for the next chapter is equally uncertain, though given his history with Prithviraj, it would hardly be a surprise.
For now, the anniversary release serves as a reminder that film music often lives multiple lives. Sometimes, all it takes is distance and a fresh listen for it to be rediscovered.
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