When Prithviraj Sukumaran announced that his directorial debut would star Mohanlal, expectations were enormous. The Lucifer trailer lived up to them. It presented a stylish political thriller, a mysterious hero in a black shirt and white mundu, and a world of power struggles in Kerala. The film, released on 28 March 2019, became a massive hit and later spawned L2: Empuraan. Here is a look at what made the trailer so effective.
Quick Facts
- Film: Lucifer (2019)
- Director: Prithviraj Sukumaran (debut)
- Writer: Murali Gopy
- Lead: Mohanlal as Stephen Nedumpally
- Cast: Vivek Oberoi, Manju Warrier, Tovino Thomas, Indrajith Sukumaran
- Music: Deepak Dev
- Producer: Antony Perumbavoor (Aashirvad Cinemas)
Table of Contents
The Premise of Lucifer
After the death of P. K. Ramdas (Sachin Khedekar), a powerful political leader, a struggle begins for control of his party. His son-in-law Bobby (Vivek Oberoi) wants power and is secretly involved in a drug network. Standing in his way is Stephen Nedumpally (Mohanlal), a mysterious figure with deep ties to Ramdas, whose real identity and reach nobody fully understands.
How Lucifer Came Together
Prithviraj Sukumaran was already a major star when he turned to direction. Pairing him with Mohanlal, one of the biggest names in Malayalam cinema, made Lucifer one of the most anticipated films of 2019 before a single frame had been released.
The screenplay came from Murali Gopy, an actor and writer known for politically layered scripts such as Left Right Left and Ee Adutha Kaalathu. His involvement suggested that the film would be more than a routine star vehicle, and the trailer had to carry that promise of both mass appeal and substance.
7 Brilliant Details in the Lucifer Trailer
1. Mohanlal’s mass introduction
The trailer builds Stephen as a near-mythical presence. Stylish framing and measured dialogue gave fans the “mass” Mohanlal they had been waiting for.
2. The black shirt and white mundu
Stephen’s simple costume became iconic. The trailer turns it into a symbol of quiet power — a look fans copied widely.
3. A world of politics
The world of party politics and backroom deals gives the trailer a sense of scale. Murali Gopy’s writing places the action within Kerala’s political landscape, adding weight to the drama.
4. A strong ensemble
The campaign showcased a strong cast, including Manju Warrier as Priyadarshini, Tovino Thomas as Jathin and Vivek Oberoi as Bobby. Each is positioned as a key player in the power game.
5. Mystery around Stephen
Who is Stephen, really? The trailer hints that he is more than he appears without revealing anything. That mystery would later be expanded in Empuraan.
6. Deepak Dev’s music
The trailer’s powerful background score heightened every moment. Deepak Dev’s work became a big part of the film’s identity.
7. A director’s confidence
For a debut film, the trailer is remarkably polished. Prithviraj’s sense of framing and pacing announced the arrival of a serious director.
Lucifer Trailer vs the Final Film
| Element | In the trailer | In the film |
|---|---|---|
| Stephen | Powerful, mysterious | A layered hero with a hidden past |
| Politics | Glimpses of a power struggle | The main engine of the plot |
| Action | Stylish shots | Crowd-pleasing set pieces |
| Twists | None revealed | A post-credits reveal that set up the sequel |
The film delivered on the trailer’s promise of a stylish mass entertainer, with enough mystery to set up a larger universe. Read our full Lucifer movie review.
The Craft Behind the Film
Prithviraj’s direction is built on control. He lets scenes breathe, holds back Stephen’s big moments and then delivers them with full force. That rhythm of restraint and release is what made audiences cheer in theatres.
Murali Gopy’s script gives the film its political texture. Characters speak in coded lines, alliances shift quietly and much of the tension comes from what is not said. Deepak Dev’s score then turns that tension into energy.
Mohanlal’s performance is the anchor. Stephen Nedumpally rarely raises his voice, yet he dominates every scene he is in. It is a performance of stillness that only a star with decades of goodwill could pull off.
Who Should Watch Lucifer
If you enjoy political thrillers or stylish mass entertainers, Lucifer is essential viewing. It is also the natural starting point before watching L2: Empuraan, since the sequel builds directly on its characters and final reveal.
The film runs close to three hours and includes violence and drug-related themes, so it is better suited to older viewers. Watch it with full attention: many small details pay off in the sequel.
Lucifer and the Empuraan Universe
Lucifer was a huge commercial success and was planned as part of a trilogy. Its sequel, L2: Empuraan, released on 27 March 2025 and became one of the highest-grossing Malayalam films ever. A third film has been discussed by the makers. Read our L2: Empuraan trailer breakdown and Empuraan OTT guide.
Revisiting the Lucifer Trailer After Empuraan
Watching the trailer again after the sequel is an interesting exercise. Hints about Stephen’s wider reach, which once felt like simple hero build-up, now read as deliberate seeds for a much larger story.
It also shows how carefully the makers protected their secrets. The trailer sells a Kerala political drama, while the bigger world that Empuraan explores stays almost entirely off-screen. That patience is a big reason the franchise still feels fresh to its fans.
Key Characters in the Lucifer Trailer
| Character | Actor |
|---|---|
| Stephen Nedumpally | Mohanlal |
| Bobby | Vivek Oberoi |
| Priyadarshini Ramdas | Manju Warrier |
| Jathin Ramdas | Tovino Thomas |
| Govardhan | Indrajith Sukumaran |
Read more in our Mohanlal movies and Prithviraj Sukumaran movies guides.
Where to Watch Lucifer
Lucifer streams on Amazon Prime Video. See our list of the best Malayalam movies on Prime Video.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who directed Lucifer?
Prithviraj Sukumaran, in his directorial debut.
Who wrote Lucifer?
Murali Gopy.
What is Mohanlal’s character name in Lucifer?
Stephen Nedumpally.
Is there a sequel to Lucifer?
Yes, L2: Empuraan (2025).
Where can I watch Lucifer?
It streams on Amazon Prime Video at the time of writing.
Who composed the music for Lucifer?
Deepak Dev composed the songs and background score.
Should I watch Lucifer before Empuraan?
Yes. L2: Empuraan continues Stephen Nedumpally’s story and assumes you know the events of the first film.
Conclusion
The Lucifer trailer introduced one of Mohanlal’s most iconic characters and launched Malayalam cinema’s biggest franchise. Its style and mystery still hold up years later. For more, see Lucifer on Wikipedia.
