Lucifer first half review highlights: A thriller with style and substance

Ever since Prithviraj announced that he would be making his directorial debut with a movie titled Lucifer and it would have superstar Mohanlal in the lead, the fans of both Mollywood actors have been waiting with bated breath for the film's release.

The hype train reached fever pitch a day ago when it was revealed that Prithviraj himself would star in the film along with an eclectic star cast featuring Vivek Oberoi, Tovino Thomas, Manju Warrier and Indrajith to name a few.
From the first half of the movie, Prithviraj Sukumaran does make a smashing debut with a thriller, which evolves against a political background, and has both style and substance. The movie's plot kicks off with the death of a senior political leader and his party now setting up to elect his successor. The key plot though is the illegitimate funds that drive political parties and in this case it's the drug mafia.
Also See: 'Lucifer': 5 reasons to watch the movie
The first half takes its time setting up its characters, pitting them against each other and teasing the various shades of each characters.
Prithviraj for most part of first half restrains from playing to the gallery and celebrating Mohanlal's stardom, but when he does he does it with panache. Vivek Oberoi shines in his Mollywood debut as the scheming antagonist and Sai Kumar too.
The first half also has several references to Mohanlal superhits such as Narasimham, Irupathaam Noottaandu and Spadhikam that are sure to delight the fans.
The second half promises the other side of Stephen Nedumpally with more characters including Tovino's Jatin Das entering the fray.