Set works progressing for Markkar: Arabikadalinte Simham

Priyadarshan’s magnum opus ‘Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham’ is getting ready to go on floors next month. Set works for the movie is progressing at a brisk pace in Ramoji Rao Film City, Hyderabad. Multiple national award winner Sabu Cyril is in charge of the production designer. His team is working tirelessly to build grand sets, which includes a huge ship where major portions will be shot.

The movie is based on the life of Kunjali Marakkar IV. Kunjali Marakkar was the title given to the naval chief of Zamorin of Calicut in the 16th century, whose duty was to protect the coast against the invading Portuguese army. Mohanlal, Pranav, Arjun Sarja, Suniel Shetty, Mukesh, Keerthy Suresh, Kalyani Priyadarshan, Madhu, Manju Warrier and Pooja Kumar are said to be part of the cast. Few British and Chinese actors will also be seen in the movie.

Marakkar.. is a challenging subject and naturally it demands the best of technicians and artists. Tirru has been signed as the cinematographer and music will be handled by three different composers. Some leading technicians from abroad will also be associated with this ambitious project.

The makers have planned to start shooting by December second week and wrap it up by mid-2019. The movie will be hitting screens only in 2020 as it demands extensive post-production works, which will be mostly done abroad. Aashirvad Cinemas, Confident Group and Moonshot Entertainment are coming together to produce what is one of the most expensive projects in Malayalam cinema till date. It has been planned to be made on an estimated budget of Rs 100 crores.