The much-awaited sequel Empuraan threw fans a curveball with a surprise reveal at its climax — introducing Ashish Joe Antony, son of veteran producer Antony Perumbavoor, in a pivotal new role. Ashish steps into the shoes of Antony Rawther, a mysterious figure who was kept under wraps until a character poster was released a week after the film’s premiere. Viewers had been buzzing with theories since the film dropped, speculating wildly about the identity of this shadowy new entrant. From thinking it was actor Manikuttan in disguise to other outlandish guesses, no one predicted it would be Ashish — marking a significant and strategic acting debut.
What’s sparking even more speculation is the possibility of an on-screen familial link. With Antony Perumbavoor portraying Daniel Rawther, and Ashish as Antony Rawther, many fans are asking whether the father-son dynamic continues beyond real life into the cinematic world of Empuraan. Daniel Rawther, introduced subtly in Lucifer during a tense Mumbai sequence, has now returned as a menacing figure tied to Khureshi Abraam. The new poster and Ashish’s reveal seem to hint at a larger crime legacy being passed on, with Antony Rawther potentially becoming a key player in future chapters.
Adding to the intrigue is a flashback scene featuring a young Stephen Nedumpally (played by Pranav Mohanlal), who is brutally attacked after trespassing into Rawther’s stronghold in 1980s Mumbai. This nostalgic sequence could serve as the backstory for the Rawther clan, suggesting deep-rooted rivalries and alliances that might shape the franchise’s climax. Off-screen, Ashish Joe Antony is no stranger to cinema; he co-produced Neru and is currently overseeing its South Indian adaptations. He also played a critical role in the global rollout of Mohanlal’s directorial venture Barroz, highlighting his growing influence both behind and now in front of the camera.
