Lucifer

Lucifer is a 2009 Indian Malayalam-language satirical film written by Sanal V. Kumar and directed by V. K. Prakash. The film is an allegorical critique of the politics in Kerala, particularly focused on the Communist Party of India (Marxist). The story is woven around the power struggle in the party that takes place after the death of the supreme leader, who has ruled the party for 25 years. The film revolves around a character named Sivaraman, played by Mohanlal, a senior party leader who has a strong influence over the party and its leadership. He is a loyal servant of the late supreme leader and has always played a key role in the party's functioning. However, with the death of his mentor, Sivaraman is suddenly catapulted to the top of the party, but his leadership is contested by a younger and ambitious politician, Mathew (Lal), who is also a close associate of the late supreme leader. Mathew, who is driven by a desire for power, emerges as the primary challenger to Sivaraman's leadership. The conflict between them sets off a chain reaction of events, leading to a power struggle within the party. Both Sivaraman and Mathew engage in a game of cat and mouse, using their respective networks to gather support for their respective bids for leadership. The party's rank and file is torn between the two leaders, with each faction supporting their favorite candidate. As the power struggle intensifies, the film takes a darker turn. The once-clean and disciplined party is now torn apart by petty squabbles, backstabbing, and deceit. The atmosphere in the state is charged, with factions forming along party lines, leading to a breakdown of law and order. The film's director, V. K. Prakash, uses satire to poke fun at the petty squabbles and the cynical behavior of politicians. One of the central themes of the film is the corrupting influence of power. As the characters jockey for position, they become increasingly ruthless and cunning. The once-upstanding Sivaraman is shown to be willing to do anything to maintain his grip on power, including manipulating and betraying others. Mathew, on the other hand, is portrayed as a Machiavellian figure who is willing to do whatever it takes to become the party leader. The film also critiques the cult of personality that often surrounds leaders in Kerala's communist parties. The deceased leader is portrayed as an almost god-like figure, who is revered by his followers. His death sets off a wave of grief, but also a scramble for his legacy by his loyal followers. Sivaraman, who was once a humble functionary, is now portrayed as a god-like figure in his own right, with his party cadre fawning over him and seeking his blessings. As the power struggle reaches its climax, the film's satirical bite becomes sharper. The director uses the character of Lucifer, a mysterious figure who is rumored to have the power to grant wishes, to make a pointed commentary on the excesses of power. Lucifer is depicted as a god-like figure who is worshipped by his followers, but is ultimately a cruel and capricious force. He is portrayed as a symbol of the arbitrary and often brutal nature of power. Ultimately, the film ends on a note of despair, with the party and the state torn apart by the struggle for power. The film's satirical message is clear: the pursuit of power can lead to chaos and destruction, and the cult of personality can have disastrous consequences. Despite its bleak ending, the film is a thought-provoking commentary on the nature of power and politics in Kerala's communist parties. Lucifer received critical acclaim upon its release, with many praising its satirical take on politics and the corruption that often accompanies power. The film's direction and cinematography were also widely praised, and it is now a cult classic in Malayalam cinema.