Murali Gopy has played multiple roles in the film industry—screenwriter, actor, lyricist, playback singer, and composer. However, his work as a screenwriter stands out, with films spanning various genres, including hyperlink thrillers, political dramas, and satires.
His blockbuster Lucifer (2019), starring Mohanlal and directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, marked a milestone in Malayalam cinema. Now, six years later, the highly anticipated second installment, L2: Empuraan, is set for release, taking forward the ambitious vision of the Lucifer trilogy.
In an exclusive conversation, Murali Gopy shares insights into his writing process, his collaboration with Prithviraj, and the challenges of crafting a multi-film franchise.
On Writing for a Franchise vs. a Standalone Film
Murali reveals that Lucifer was originally conceived as a web series before evolving into a three-part film franchise. While many assume the massive success of the first film influenced Empuraan’s scale, he clarifies:
“There was never a deliberate attempt to make it a ‘crowd-pleaser.’ Entertainment is essential in mainstream cinema, but for me, content is the king, and entertainment is the crown.”
Prithviraj’s Unique Take on Murali’s Writing
Director Prithviraj Sukumaran has previously likened Murali Gopy’s writing process to “cloud formation”—a metaphor Murali resonates with.
“There is an incubation period for every screenplay before it gets ‘downloaded’ onto paper. Once it takes shape in my mind, the actual writing happens quickly.”
Balancing Depth and Entertainment
Lucifer was lauded for its layered narrative and political undertones while still being a high-octane entertainer. Murali explains that this balance is not a conscious effort but rather a result of his writing style.
“Even when writing in solitude, a mass of voices exists within a writer. It is not about forcing high moments but letting the story dictate its own rhythm.”
On Mohanlal’s Presence in Lucifer
Although Mohanlal’s character, Stephen Nedumpally, appears for only about 40 minutes in Lucifer, his presence is felt throughout. Murali likens his impact to the sun, saying:
“No one directly looks at the sun to confirm its presence—it’s the warmth, the light, and the surroundings that reveal it. Similarly, Stephen’s aura is felt through the revolution of characters around him.”
Future Plans and Upcoming Projects
Murali confirms that the entire Lucifer trilogy was outlined from the beginning, and L3 will follow after Empuraan.
Beyond the franchise, he is also working on a multi-genre film with Jiyen Krishnakumar, starring Arya, Indrans, Dev Mohan, and others, set for a multilingual release.
As Murali Gopy continues to craft compelling narratives, his cinematic vision remains one of the most exciting forces in contemporary Indian cinema.
