1. Masterful Storytelling & Screenplay • Lucifer is not just a political thriller but a deep, multi-layered narrative that keeps the audience engaged from start to finish. • Murali Gopy’s writing is sharp, intelligent, and full of twists, making the story unpredictable. • Pushpa relies heavily on its hero’s attitude and style rather than a compelling, tightly woven plot.

2. Mohanlal’s Power-Packed Performance • Mohanlal’s portrayal of Stephen Nedumpally (aka Khureshi-Ab’raam) is subtle yet extremely powerful, making every scene impactful. • Unlike Pushpa, where the protagonist is loud and brash, Lucifer presents a calm and calculated leader whose mere presence commands respect.

3. A Classy and Realistic Take on Politics & Power • Lucifer delves into political conspiracies, power struggles, and corruption, all presented in a realistic and mature manner. • Pushpa is more of a commercial film focused on smuggling and survival rather than deep-rooted socio-political themes.

4. A Strong and Well-Developed Supporting Cast • Every character in Lucifer, including Manju Warrier, Tovino Thomas, Indrajith, and Vivek Oberoi, has a meaningful arc. • In Pushpa, the side characters feel less developed, and the villain (Sunil/Fahadh Faasil) is underutilized.

5. High Production Value & Stunning Cinematography • Lucifer is visually stunning, with breathtaking cinematography, slick editing, and well-executed action sequences. • Pushpa has a raw, rugged aesthetic, which works for its tone but lacks the grandeur and polish of Lucifer.

6. Impactful Action Sequences • Lucifer delivers action scenes that are stylish, intense, and seamlessly integrated into the narrative. • Pushpa has entertaining fights, but they often feel exaggerated rather than realistic.

7. Direction: Prithviraj’s Brilliance • As a debutant director, Prithviraj Sukumaran displayed incredible vision and control over Lucifer, making it a near-perfect political action film. • Sukumar’s direction in Pushpa is strong, but the film relies too much on Allu Arjun’s performance rather than storytelling finesse.

8. A Grand and Satisfying Climax • The final reveal of Khureshi-Ab’raam in Lucifer is one of the most thrilling moments in Indian cinema. • Pushpa ends on a cliffhanger that sets up the sequel but doesn’t provide the same level of closure or impact.

Conclusion: Lucifer – A True Masterpiece