When actor Prithviraj Sukumaran announced that he would direct a film starring Mohanlal, expectations were sky high. In this Lucifer movie review, we revisit the 2019 political thriller that met those expectations and launched a franchise — a slick, confident mass entertainer written by Murali Gopy that became one of the highest-grossing Malayalam films of its time.
Years later, with L2: Empuraan released and a third film teased, Lucifer still stands as the most balanced film in the series.
Quick Verdict
- Rating: 4/5
- Best for: fans of political thrillers and stylish mass cinema.
- Highlights: Mohanlal’s restrained power, Murali Gopy’s layered script, Deepak Dev’s score, Prithviraj’s confident direction.
- Minor flaw: a long runtime and a few overlong slow-motion sequences.
Table of Contents
Lucifer: Movie Details
| Director | Prithviraj Sukumaran |
|---|---|
| Writer | Murali Gopy |
| Cast | Mohanlal, Manju Warrier, Vivek Oberoi, Tovino Thomas, Indrajith Sukumaran, Saikumar, Kalabhavan Shajon, Prithviraj Sukumaran |
| Music | Deepak Dev |
| Cinematography | Sujith Vaassudev |
| Producer | Antony Perumbavoor (Aashirvad Cinemas) |
| Release date | 28 March 2019 |
Story (No Spoilers)
The death of P.K. Ramdas, Kerala’s chief minister and leader of a powerful party, creates a dangerous vacuum. Ramdas’ son-in-law Bobby (Vivek Oberoi) sees an opportunity to seize control with the help of a drug cartel. Standing in his way is Stephen Nedumpally (Mohanlal), a mysterious figure who was close to Ramdas but whose past nobody fully understands.
As Ramdas’ daughter Priyadarshini (Manju Warrier) and young son Jathin (Tovino Thomas) are drawn into the power struggle, Stephen moves quietly in the background — until he decides it is time to act. The film builds towards a finale that reveals far more about Stephen than anyone expected.
Mohanlal as Stephen Nedumpally
What makes Stephen unforgettable is how little he says. Mohanlal plays him with stillness and control, letting the camera and the music build his aura. When he does speak, every line lands. It is a classic star performance, but one rooted in character rather than gimmicks.
Manju Warrier brings dignity and inner conflict to Priyadarshini, while Vivek Oberoi makes a slick, convincing antagonist in his Malayalam debut. Tovino Thomas makes a strong impression in a short role, and Prithviraj’s own cameo as Zayed Masood became a fan favourite.
Direction and Writing
Murali Gopy’s script, inspired by power struggles in Kerala politics, is layered with symbolism — references to Lucifer and the fallen angel run throughout. Prithviraj, a lifelong cinephile, brings polish and scale rarely seen in Malayalam mass films at the time: sweeping drone shots, carefully staged entries and a confident pace. Deepak Dev’s score, especially the theme music, became iconic. Sujith Vaassudev’s cinematography gives the film a rich, dark look.
The film’s weaknesses are minor: at nearly three hours it occasionally drags, and a few slow-motion sequences feel indulgent. But overall it is one of the best-crafted Malayalam mass entertainers ever made.
Action, editing and sound
The action is used sparingly, which makes each fight feel earned. Rather than constant brawls, Prithviraj holds back and lets tension build through phone calls, meetings and loaded silences. When the big set pieces arrive, the editing keeps them clear and readable, and the sound design gives every punch and gunshot weight. The famous jail fight and the climactic set pieces work because the film has spent so long setting them up.
Themes: Power, Faith and Image
Beneath the mass moments, Lucifer is about how power is performed. Bobby relies on money and connections; Stephen Nedumpally relies on reputation and fear. Politicians in the film constantly manage their public image, and television news becomes a weapon. The biblical imagery, from the title to the closing reveal, frames Stephen as a figure who does dark things to keep a greater evil away.
The film also touches on drug money in politics and the vulnerability of families caught in power games. Priyadarshini’s arc, in particular, gives the story an emotional centre beyond the hero’s swagger.
Rating Breakdown
| Aspect | Score |
|---|---|
| Story & screenplay | 4/5 |
| Mohanlal’s performance | 4.5/5 |
| Direction | 4/5 |
| Music | 4.5/5 |
| Pacing | 3/5 |
Lucifer Movie Review: Legacy and Sequels
The success of Lucifer led to L2: Empuraan (2025), which expanded the story globally and became the first Malayalam film to gross ₹250 crore. A third film has been teased, though details remain limited at the time of writing. Rewatching Lucifer now, you can see how carefully Murali Gopy planted the seeds of a larger saga. Read our L2: Empuraan trailer breakdown and our Prithviraj Sukumaran movies guide.
How Lucifer compares with similar films
| Film | Focus | Tone |
|---|---|---|
| Lucifer (2019) | State politics and succession | Slow-burn mass thriller |
| Bheeshma Parvam (2022) | A gangster family’s feuds | Stylish family saga |
| Jana Gana Mana (2022) | Media trials and justice | Investigative and courtroom drama |
| L2: Empuraan (2025) | A global expansion of Stephen’s world | Bigger, louder sequel |
If you enjoy this one, our Bheeshma Parvam review covers another stylish star vehicle from the same era.
Who should watch it?
Anyone who enjoys political thrillers or star-driven entertainers will love Lucifer. As this Lucifer movie review has argued, it rewards patience: the first hour is deliberately slow, and the payoff comes in the second half. Watch it on a big screen with good sound if you can, because the score does much of the storytelling. It is also a good introduction to Mohanlal for younger audiences. If you plan to watch L2: Empuraan, watching Lucifer first is essential.
Final Verdict
To sum up this Lucifer movie review: Prithviraj’s debut is a slick, gripping and intelligent mass entertainer powered by a commanding Mohanlal. It proved that Malayalam cinema could deliver big-screen spectacle without abandoning story.
Cinemas Diary Rating: 4/5
Frequently Asked Questions
Who wrote Lucifer?
Murali Gopy wrote the screenplay, and Prithviraj Sukumaran directed the film.
Is L2: Empuraan a sequel to Lucifer?
Yes. L2: Empuraan (2025) is the second film in the planned Lucifer trilogy.
Where can I watch Lucifer online?
Lucifer premiered on Amazon Prime Video after its theatrical run; availability may vary by region.
What rating does this Lucifer movie review give?
We rate Lucifer 4 out of 5.
Was Lucifer remade in other languages?
Yes. It was remade in Telugu as GodFather (2022), starring Chiranjeevi.
Is Lucifer suitable for family viewing?
It is mostly fine for teenagers and adults, but it contains violence and themes involving drugs and political crime.
More details on Wikipedia.
