Almost six years since Lucifer’s (2019) release, Mohanlal and director Prithviraj Sukumaran are ready with the sequel, L2: Empuraan. On January 26, the makers unveiled the teaser. One of the teaser’s standout elements is Mohanlal’s entry sequence that involves an AH-64 Apache, considered among the world’s best attack helicopters. Interestingly, the chopper wasn’t rented or digitally created for the actioner. Since Apache helicopters weren’t available in India, the makers decided to have a replica constructed from scratch with the aid of engineers.

Almost six years since Lucifer’s (2019) release, Mohanlal and director Prithviraj Sukumaran are ready with the sequel, L2: Empuraan. On January 26, the makers unveiled the teaser. One of the teaser’s standout elements is Mohanlal’s entry sequence that involves an AH-64 Apache, considered among the world’s best attack helicopters. Interestingly, the chopper wasn’t rented or digitally created for the actioner. Since Apache helicopters weren’t available in India, the makers decided to have a replica constructed from scratch with the aid of engineers.

The team used lightweight materials like aluminium and fibreglass for the helicopter’s frame as that ensured easy manoeuvring during the shoot. Advanced 3D printing technology was employed to craft intricate parts, such as the missile pods and cockpit controls. To ensure that the chopper managed certain functions, the team engineered moving parts, such as the rotor blades, and installed LED screens in the cockpit to simulate real-time aviation controls.

A supervisor elaborated on the post-production work, saying, “While the physical replica handled close-up shots, CGI enhancements was used to depict flight and combat.”