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.”

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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.

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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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Akshaye Khanna has recently impressed the audiences with his portrayal of Rehman Dakait in Aditya Dhar directed Dhurandhar. While the actor has been in the industry for decades now, he has been choosy with his work and his appearances. However, his recent stint has left his fans wanting for me.

There haven’t been any recent interactions of Akshaye with the media world as well. Maybe he likes to keep things private, but on his 50th birthday, we couldn’t help but bring out an exclusive interview with him from 2019. The actor candidly spoke about his craft, the respect he holds for acting and the tough times he has faced in the business. However, what is very prevalent in the recent times is the progress of digital media. Opening up about it in our throwback interview, Akshaye revealed that he sees the digital mediums of movie watching as the future.

He told us, “Digital is the future, especially in India where we have overpriced cinema tickets so much that it’s unaffordable to many. It’s sad. Cinema should be made affordable to a person with a basic salary; even he should be able to enjoy entertainment.” The actor also shared, “We Indians have grown up on cinema and for them to not be able to afford it is like not being able to afford milk. It’s not fair.”

During the interview, Akshaye also opened up about taking a sabbatical from the industry from 2012 to 2016. He revealed, “There were some personal issues. But to be honest, I was not happy with the work I was getting. So, I thought rather not work than do something that I was not sure of.” He added, “I realised how difficult it was not being able to express yourself creatively. To be able to survive that length of time and not lose your mind or begin compromising was difficult.”

On the professional front, he was last seen in Dhurandhar and Chhaava notably.

Also Read: Editor’s Take: Akshaye Khanna Let His Performances Do The Talking

Manoj Bajpayee is known for his powerful performances in films like Satya, Gangs of Wasseypur and Aligarh, where his intense and nuanced acting has left a lasting impact. Before films, his journey began in theatre with Barry John, where he learnt the craft and understood acting in a thorough manner. Theatre played an important role in shaping his craft and discipline. Even today, he often talks about his deep understanding of acting and thanks his theatre days for it.