Pranav playing the younger part of Mohanlal will add more believability to the character: Priyadarshan

Priyadarshan’s magnum opus Marakkar – Arabikadalinte Simham is a hugely anticipated movie. Pre-production works for this epic film have been progressing for some time now. The makers have been giving timely updates about the developments. The most recent announcement was regarding Pranav Mohanlal making a special appearance in the movie.

As we already know, Mohanlal is playing the role of Kunjali Marakkar in the movie and Pranav has been roped in to play his younger part. Director Priyadarshan is of the opinion that Pranav playing the younger part of Mohanlal will add more believability to the character. When he told Pranav about the role, the youngster just smiled and immediately agreed to be part of the project.

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. The story of Marakkar – Arabikadalinte Simham is reportedly based on the fourth Marakkar. His life apparently had the most interesting elements.

According to Priyadarshan, the movie will be a semi-fictious one with bits of history and imagination. While Mohanlal plays the fourth Marakkar, veteran actor Madhu is playing the first among them, named Kutyali Marakkar. Tamil actor Madhu has also been signed to play a crucial role in the movie.

Marakkar – Arabikadalinte Simham is being planned to be made on a whopping budget of over Rs 100 crores. Aashirvad Cinemas, Confident Group and Moonshot Entertainment are jointly funding this movie. 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 handling the production design. For cranking the camera, Priyadarshan has got the National award winning Tirru on board. The movie has been planned to go on floors on Kerala Piravi Day (November 1). Stay tuned to this space for more updates.