318. Lucifer; movie review

LUCIFER
Cert 12A
169 mins
BBFC advice: Contains infrequent strong language, moderate violence, references to sexual assault

I really need to park this beef I have with Indian cinema over miscasting actors who are too old for the parts they are playing.
Lucifer irked me because Mohanlal is at least 20 years senior to the character he is portraying.
However, this element apart, I have to say that I found Prithviraj Sukumaran's movie both compelling and exciting.
It surrounds the fall-out from the death of a political leader (Sachin Khedekar) which leaves family and close associates vying for power.
Initially, it appears that his overly ambitious and utterly ruthless son-in-law (Vivek Oberoi) has seized the initiative, thanks to substantial funding from a crime lord.
He throws his weight around, abusing his step-daughter (Saniya Iyappan) and humiliating his wife (Manju Warrier).
Things become more complicated when the latter's idealistic younger brother (Tovino Thomas) enters the fray but the greatest influence comes from the politician's right-hand man (Mohanlal).
This, according to recent figures, is the biggest box office hit in Malayalam cinema history and, while it definitely has its faults, I can see why.
Mohanlal gives one of his most intoxicating performances in recent times as the title character who initially appears to have more akin to Robin Hood than Lucifer.
Sure, he has no compunction when it comes to wreaking hell upon the bad guys, even hiring his own assassins to do much of his work.
But, at the same time, he keeps any signs of egomania in check even helping those who, for the best reasons, may not have supported him.
Lucifer gives a riveting appraisal of what happens in political circles during a vacuum. Put simply, morals and ethics go out of the window.

Reasons to watch: Compelling political drama
Reasons to avoid: A bit repetitious

Laughs: None
Jumps: None
Vomit: None
Nudity: None
Overall rating: 8/10

Did you know? Between 1982 and 1988, Mohanlal had films releasing every 15 days! In 1986, he had about 35 releases. In the ‘80s, he had almost 170 releases in 10 years. 

Final word. Mohanlal: "This is my 40th year in cinema. I have acted in 350 films, but there is no question of why… I usually go by that spark and my gut feeling. I had the gut instinct that Prithvi will make a great director and we have made a wonderful film together.” Gulf News

 

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