Mohanlal’s Kunjali Marakkar is planned on an international scale and will have actors from other industries too: Priyadarshan
Recently, ace filmmaker Priyadarshan revealed about his plans to make a period film based on Kunjali Marakkar with superstar Mohanlal in the lead. But when Mammootty along with August Cinema also announced a similar project on Kunjali Marakkar, the director said that he will drop his project if they go on floors within eight months as he did not want an unnecessary competition in the industry.
However, Priyadarshan was quick to add that if August Cinema’s project fails to go on floors within the next eight months, then he will definitely go ahead with his project. Santhosh T Kuruvilla of Moonshot Entertainment will be producing Mohanlal-Priyadarshan duo’s Kunjali Marakkar, if at all it happens.
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. Both Mohanlal’s and Mammootty’s films are based on the fourth naval chieftain as his story has the most interesting elements.
In a recent interview to TOI, Priyadarshan also opened up on how is planning to make this ambitious film. “Kunjali Marakkar IV has the most interesting story. He was the one who revolted against the Zamorins and was hanged. Most of his story happens in the sea and it’s never easy to shoot such a film in the sea. It has to be shot on par with international standards and needs to be appealing for the national audience with star cast from other industries too. Our film has been planned in such a way.”
From whatever little the director has said, we can make out that something extraordinary is on the cards. Let’s hope the makers of both these films sort out the issues and deliver the best possible outcome for the Malayali audience.
