Mohanlal's Lucifer entry scene inspired by Rajinikanth: Prithviraj Sukumaran
During an interview, when the host spoke about the iconic nature of Mohanlal’s entry in Lucifer, Prithviraj said, “You are saying that one scene is enough to tell who Mohanlal is, but that entire scene was inspired by a story I heard about Rajini sir. It is something I read about what happened on the road leading up to Poes Garden long back.”
Mar 19, 2025, 20:23 IST
He further added, “I don’t know if it is true or not; it’s something that I read in a news article. After reading that article, I thought that this scene could be conceived like this.” Although it can’t be confirmed, the story Prithviraj is referring to could be the one Rajinikanth spoke about during the audio launch event of his 2020 film, Darbar
Mohanlal’s Lucifer Entry Scene Inspired by Rajinikanth, Says Prithviraj Sukumaran
Director-actor Prithviraj Sukumaran has revealed that the iconic entry scene of Mohanlal in Lucifer (2019) was inspired by an incident involving Tamil superstar Rajinikanth. In a recent interview, Prithviraj shared that he had read about a moment when Rajinikanth stepped out of his house in Chennai’s Poes Garden, and the entire atmosphere changed with fans erupting in excitement. This moment influenced how he designed Mohanlal’s grand entry in Lucifer.
Rajinikanth’s Influence on the Scene
Prithviraj, who made his directorial debut with Lucifer, said that he wanted Mohanlal’s character, Stephen Nedumpally, to have a similarly powerful introduction. In the film, the scene is set at a church funeral, where Mohanlal's character enters in a calm yet intimidating manner, with a massive crowd around him. The build-up, music, and camera angles amplify his larger-than-life persona—much like how Rajinikanth’s presence commands attention in real life.
"I had read about an incident where Rajinikanth stepped out of his residence and the whole street just stopped moving. That image stayed with me, and I wanted to recreate a similar aura for Mohanlal’s entry in Lucifer," Prithviraj said.
Rajinikanth Watched L2: Empuraan Trailer First
Prithviraj also revealed that Rajinikanth was the first person to watch the trailer of L2: Empuraan, the much-anticipated sequel to Lucifer. Calling it a cherished moment, Prithviraj expressed gratitude that the legendary actor took the time to watch and appreciate their work.
Mohanlal’s Impactful Role in Lucifer
Lucifer, released in 2019, was a political action thriller that became one of the biggest hits in Malayalam cinema. Mohanlal played Stephen Nedumpally, a mysterious and powerful figure whose presence dominates the film. The film’s entry scene became an instant fan favorite, with audiences praising its grandeur and Mohanlal’s effortless charisma.
With L2: Empuraan currently in production, fans are eager to see how the sequel builds upon the legacy of Lucifer and whether it will feature another unforgettable entry scene for Mohanlal.