Director: Prithviraj Sukumaran
Cast: Mohanlal, Manju Warrier, Vivek Oberoi, Sai Kumar, Tovino Thomas, Indrajith, Prithviraj
When Prithviraj announced his directorial debut Lucifer in 2016, film fanatics were overwhelmed as it had Mohanlal in the lead. What made the project even interesting was that Murali Gopy was scripting it. Lucifer was undoubtedly the most anticipated movies of 2019.
The movie begins with the death of Kerala Chief Minister P.K. Ramdas (Sachin Khedekar). Fight starts inside his party as they search for his successor. Bobby (Vivek Oberoi), Ramdas’ son-in-law, senses this as an opportunity to flourish his illegitimate business and offers to fund the party. Stephen Nedumpally (Mohanlal) is the most faithful aide of Ramdas. Bobby and a few in the ministry want to get rid of him. Bobby tries to oust Stephen in many ways, only resulting in revealing another face of him.
Mohanlal as Stephen is definitely a show stealer. His impeccable screen presence adds life to Stephen. Prithviraj has really succeeded in using the actor’s potential to bring a ‘mass effect’ to the movie. Vivek Oberoi, grabbing a meaty role in his Malayalam debut, delivers a standout performance as the antagonist. Thanks to Vineeth too, who dubbed for Bobby. Manju Warrier as Priyadarshini had her moments in the movie. Sai Kumar, Indrajith, Tovino Thomas, Baiju Santhosh, Kalabhavan Shajohn, Saniya Iyappan etc. have performed their roles really well. Prithviraj as Zayed Masood is stylish!
Coming to direction part, Prithviraj has really proved his mettle with this movie. It won’t be easy for a debutant to direct an actor of Mohanlal’s stature, but every scene proves how well he has handled every actor. The script of Lucifer is unlike Murali’s other movies; this has all elements for a mass entertainer. And the director has succeeded in executing the script above the writer’s perception. The characters are well introduced with some entertaining moments in the first half. However, the second half loses its pace at times, maybe the duration should’ve been trimmed. Cinematography by Sujith Vaassudev and music by Deepak Dev need to be appreciated as they complemented the ‘mass’ feel of the movie well. Lucifer is a thorough mass thriller, which is sure to entertain you till the end.
