Lucifer: Prithviraj to finally debut as director with Mohanlal playing lead role

Prithviraj has finally confirmed that he will be starting the shoot of his long delayed debut as director with Lucifer. It has Mohanlal playing the title role on a script written by Murali Gopy and produced by Antony Perumbavoor’s Aashirwad Cinemas. Lucifer was announced a few years back and was supposed to be directed by the late Rajesh Pillai (Traffic fame), who passed away last year. Last year after Pillai’s good friend Prithviraj read Murali Gopy’s script, he agreed to debut as director with the film. Mohanlal being directed by new generation popular actor Prithviraj, created a huge buzz around Lucifer, which was to start a year back. [caption id=“attachment_3365182” align=“alignnone” width=“500”]  Prithviraj with Mohanlal.[/caption] At that time Prithviraj posted a selfie with the Lucifer team and tweeted — “LUCIFER” starring The Lalettan, written by Murali Gopy, produced by Aashirvad Cinemas will be my directorial debut!”  But the project was consigned to the backburners with Mohanlal and Prithviraj getting busy. Finally after a year, the project was re-launched last Sunday (April 2) as speculation was rife that it has been dropped.  A press meet was organised by the principal players - Mohanlal, Prithviraj, Murali Gopy and Antony Perumbavoor to officially announce that the pre-production work of Lucifer has started. Prithviraj said that the script of Lucifer is yet to be completed and the rest of the cast and crew will be decided closer to the shoot.  He also added that he was also open to acting in the film, in case he felt a role required an actor like him. The actual shoot is still a long way off in May 2018, as pre-production work is still going on. Prithviraj posted a video message on his Facebook page:  “After announcing Lucifer, I did not get an opportunity to meet Lalettan to discuss the film with him as a director due to his other commitments. For me, this day marks the official beginning of the project.” Mohanlal said that he was also very kicked about the project and eagerly looking forward to the shoot. The rumour mill has it that Mohanlal is playing a character with shades of grey. Mohanalal said: “I’m glad that  Raju (Prithviraj) chose me to act in his directorial debut. I’m excited as it is probably the first time a young actor will be directing a senior actor like me. We are still working on the script and characterisation, but I’m sure it will be one of my exciting projects of 2018.” Meanwhile trade sources say that Lucifer was delayed as both Mohanlal and Prithviraj wanted to produce the film, taking into consideration its box-office value and anticipation among fans. Now things have been sorted out with Mohanlal’s Man Friday and partner Antony Perumbavoor bankrolling the project, which will hopefully start shoot by May 2018.