Madhu as Kunjali Marakkar Onnaman – Kutyali Marakkar in Marakkar – Arabikadalinte Simham
As we already know, Mohanlal is playing the lead role in Priyadarshan’s magnum opus Marakkar – Arabikadalinte Simham. The movie is being planned on a huge canvas with a whopping budget of around Rs 100 crores. Aashirvad Cinemas, Confident Group and Moonshot Entertainment are jointly funding this movie, which is said to be among the most expensive projects that has ever been made in Malayalam cinema.
Pre-production works for the movie is currently in full swing. The makers have announced that veteran actor Madhu will be playing the crucial role of Kutyali Marakkar in the movie. Kunjali Marakkar was the title given to the naval chief in the 16th century, to protect the coast against the invading Portuguese army. There were four key Kunjali Marakkars during that era and Madhu is playing the first among them.
The story of Marakkar – Arabikadalinte Simham is reportedly based on the fourth Marakkar and Mohanlal will be seen essaying this role. His life apparently had the most interesting elements. According to director Priyadarshan, the movie will be a semi-fictious one with bits of history and imagination.
The makers are yet to announce details about the other cast members but rumours suggest that Nagarjuna, Suniel Shetty and Paresh Rawal are also part of the movie. Priyadarshan has worked with all these three actors and shares great rapport with them, so the possibility of them being signed for Marakkar – Arabikadalinte Simham are quite high. But we still have to wait for an official confirmation.
On the technical front, Priyadarshan wanted to retain the same set of technicians he worked with in the 1996 epic historical period drama Kalapani. He had approached Santhosh Sivan for wielding the camera, but since the latter was busy with other works they have got the national award winning DOP Tirru on board.
Priyadarshan is scripting the movie jointly with Ani Sasi, the younger son of legendary filmmaker IV Sasi. A couple of other writers are also part of the scripting team. Sabu Cyril is the production designer. Some other leading technicians from India and abroad are expected to be associated with this project. The makers have planned to start shooting on Kerala Piravi Day (November 1). Stay tuned to this space for more updates.
