Stephen Nedumpally to Khureshi Ab’raam; The ultimate ‘Lucifer’ recap before ‘Empuraan’

The excitement for ‘Empuraan’ is through the roof, with fans eagerly awaiting the much-anticipated sequel to the 2019 blockbuster ‘Lucifer.’ As the hype builds up and record-breaking pre-bookings flood theaters in Kerala, this is the perfect time to revisit the thrilling events of ‘Lucifer’—a film that introduced us to one of the most enigmatic characters ever, Stephen Nedumpally.

If you haven’t watched ‘Lucifer’ yet or need a refresher, sit back and relive the twists and turns of this political thriller that kept us all hooked!

Lucifer recap: Everything you need to know before watching 'Empuraan'

The film begins with Interpol tracking a global crime lord, Khureshi-Ab’ram, while in Kerala, Chief Minister PK Ramdas (PKR) dies, triggering a fierce power struggle within the ruling Indian Union Front (IUF). His sudden demise shakes up Kerala’s political landscape, igniting a power struggle over who will replace him. 

Elsewhere, Journalist Govardhan exposes the party’s corruption and warns that the next CM will determine Kerala’s future. The top contenders are PKR’s daughter Priya who hold deep resentment towards Stephen, his US-based son Jathin, acting CM Mahesh Varma, and the mysterious Stephen Nedumpally.

Priya’s husband, Bobby Nair, a ruthless drug kingpin, plans to take control of the IUF by funding it with drug money. He aims to replace the party’s financier, Manappattil Chandy, and ensure Jathin’s rise to power. His ultimate goal? To control the government and ensure that Jathin becomes the next CM, sidelining Stephen.

However, Stephen opposes Bobby’s plan, sparking a deadly rivalry. Bobby then launches a smear campaign against Stephen using the IUF-backed news network, NPTV and attempts to seize a government-sealed timber factory for drug production—only to be stopped by Stephen and his men signaling that he is no ordinary political figure. Bobby manipulates an inmate from Stephen’s shelter to falsely accuse him of illegal activities, leading to Stephen’s arrest. When his right-hand man, Zayed Masood, intervenes, Bobby realizes the tables are turning against him. 

Meanwhile, Jathin returns, charming the public and gaining political momentum.

Things take a personal turn when Priya discovers Bobby’s predatory behavior toward her daughter, Jhanvi. A terrified Priya turns to Stephen for help, realisng that he is her only hope against Bobby’s tyranny. Stephen’s team takes swift action, eliminating corrupt cops and ensuring Priya regains control over NPTV to expose Bobby’s crimes. Towards the film’s climax, we’ll come to know that Jathin had been Stephen’s ally all along. 

As Bobby’s empire crumbles, he is captured by Fyodor’s men but rescued by Stephen’s mercenary, Zayed Masood. Stephen executes Bobby, ensuring his reign ends for good. Jathin is elected as CM, restoring stability in Kerala.

Just when we think it’s all over, a jaw-dropping mid-credits scene reveals Stephen’s true identity—Khureshi-Ab’ram, the very same international crime boss being hunted by Interpol. The film closes with news reports confirming that he is the mastermind behind a global gold-diamond smuggling syndicate.

Key characters in ‘Lucifer’

• Stephen Nedumpally / Khureshi-Ab’ram (Mohanlal) 
• P K Ramdas (PKR) (Sachin Khedekar)
• Priyadarshini “Priya” Ramdas Nair (Manju Warrier) 
• Jathin Ramdas (Tovino Thomas)
• Bimal “Bobby” Nair (Vivek Oberoi) 
• Jhanvi (Saniya Iyappan)
• Mahesh Varma (Saikumar)
• Govardhan (Indrajith Sukumaran) 
• Zayed Masood (Prithviraj Sukumaran) 
• Aloshy (Kalabhavan Shajohn)
• Sanjeev (Suresh Chandra Menon) 
• Murugan (Baiju Santhosh) 
• Sanghani (Shakti Kapoor) 

What to expect from ‘Empuraan’

Set to hit screens on March 27, 'Empuraan' promises to take the Lucifer universe to a whole new level. The trailer hints at Stephen—now revealed as Khureshi Ab’ram—making a dramatic return to Kerala, possibly as the head of a massive, secretive organisation. But the big questions remain: How did he become Khureshi Ab’ram? Is he leading a shadowy global syndicate? Illuminati??? Why is he back? And is his connection to PK Ramdas deeper than we thought?

One character who’s expected to play a much bigger role this time is Zayed Masood. In 'Lucifer', he was Stephen’s trusted aide, but Empuraan might finally shed light on his past and his true role in Stephen’s empire.

Several familiar faces from 'Lucifer' are returning, including Jathin Ramdas, who is now Kerala’s CM, Priyadarshini Ramdas, Mahesh Varma, and journalist Govardhan. But the sequel is also bringing in some exciting new characters. Suraj Venjaramoodu, Manikuttan, and Balraj join the cast, while Game of Thrones star Jerome Flynn is a surprising addition—his role is still a mystery.

Adding to the intrigue, the makers have kept one major character completely under wraps, fueling endless fan theories. With bigger stakes, bolder action, and more secrets to uncover, 'Empuraan' is shaping up to be an explosive sequel.