Prithviraj Sukumaran’s highly-anticipated directorial debut Lucifer has crossed 50 crores on box office. Starring Mohanlal in the lead role, the political drama also features Prithviraj, Vivek Oberoi, Manju Warrier, Tovino Thomas and Saikumar among others in pivotal roles. Mohanlal, who plays the role of Stephen Nedumpally in the film, had earlier said at a press meet that he agreed to be a part of the project after he was convinced about filmmaker-actor Prithviraj’s passion about movies. “This is my 40th year in the industry and I have done more than 350 films. Since I started understanding cinema better, I was able to identify people who love cinema. Even as I have not acted along with him, I have known Prithviraj since he was young. He is very passionate about films.” the megastar had said.
Direction & Screenplay
Prithviraj has worked on Mohanlal the star more than he has on Mohanlal the actor. Scriptwriter Murali Gopy has also gone back to the legend of Mohanlal with references ranging from the 1980s blockbuster Irupatham Noottandu to Narasimham and the more recent Pulimurugan. But thankfully the director- scriptwriter team have been able to blend in these references without making it sound repetitive or exhausting. But exactly speaking this screenplay of Murali Gopy doesn’t reach upto the mark of his writing. Unlike Kammara Sambhavam, which also had some brilliant mass sequences in its second half, in Lucifer more than a screenplay, scoring dialogue and counter dialogues act the most pivotal role.
Performances
But what makes Lucifer stand out is how each character develops on its own. Bobby (Vivek Oberoi) is the apt villain for Stephen. While his performance through the movie matches up with that of Mohanlal, in the climax, he uncharacteristically gives up to the hero. But then this is a Mohanlal movie. Priyadarshini, portrayed by Manju Warrier, is predictable too. But the way she carries the character forward with reserve and ease, makes her performance stand out. This is one of the most appealing characters Manju has done in recent times. Tovino makes the best of his limited screen time and gives a fleeting insight into national politicsPrithviraj’s cameo as Zayed Masood, however, suits neither the actor or the star. But his brother Indrajith’s role as an activist, though minor, leaves a lasting impression. Saniya Iyyappan had done her part clear and rather han her previous movies, she had done a matured performance unlike her amateurish performance what we saw in Queen or Pretham 2.
Cinematography
Sujith Vasudev had done a great job on fixing the dark shades of the conflicted characters and his visuals make us set into the space of IUF party. Even though Usage of anamorphic lenses sometimes makes visuals down, the cinematographer makes the audience blend with the mood of the plot by his photography.
Stunts
Unlike the stunts of Petier Hein that was most discussed during Odiyan, the stunts choreographed are neatly and perfectly executed. No extraordinary element was inserted but it actually fits a mass entertainer movie.
Sounding
Some times instead of hearing dialogues by Sai Kumar and Baiju, we could only hear the shouting of normal party protégés making noise. Except that, this department needs an applause.
Background score and music
For each mass shots, the adrenaline rush has been boosted by the scores done by Deepak Dev. The climax fight sequences and the “Rafthara” song should be considered and how the scores hails the Climax sequences with an unexpected twist giving us more expectations on it.
Overall
Lucifer has nothing unexpected, and to some extent fails to deliver even what was expected. The pressure build-up during the first half of the movie flags with twists and turns of the second half. Though touted as a fight between evil and evil, in a bid to appeal to the star’s fans, Prithviraj has gone soft on the evil side of Stephen Nedumpally. Instead, he is projected as a saviour, almost missing the “grey” he was talking about. Lucifer has some obvious parallels to Tamil movie Petta by Karthik Subbaraj, where the director made better use of the star and actor in Rajinikanth. As Karthik gave life to the Rajini fan in him, he also revived Rajini’s lost magic from earlier hits like Padayappa and Bhasha. Prithviraj has tried to bring out the best version of Mohanlal the star. For Mohanlal fans like him all over the world, Lucifer will be a treat.
I recently watched the movie and I should say I couldn’t summarise it better than this. Really good review, keep up the good work.
An excellent work.. Keep going.
A perfect review ♥️ keep up the gud work 💫