Priyadarshan says he’ll make Kunjali Marakkar with Mohanlal if Mammootty’s film doesn’t start in eight months!

On Kerala Priravi day, Malayali movie lovers woke up to a breaking news about two of their biggest superstars – Mohanlal and Mammootty. Both the actors are doing their own versions of Kunjali Marakkar. Ace filmmaker Priyadarshan first informed that he will be making a period film based on Kunjali Marakkar with Mohanlal in the lead. Following that came a similar announcement from Mammootty’s side.

After years of speculations, August Cinema finally announced their period film Kunjali Marakkar with Mammootty in the lead. Legendary cinematographer-turned-filmmaker Santhosh Sivan will be directing this biggie which is being penned jointly by TP Rajeev and Shankar Ramakrishnan.

After the announcement of Mammootty’s Kunjali Marakkar IV, there were reports about Priyadarshan planning to drop his film as he wished to avoid an unhealthy competition in the industry. But a recent interview to TOI, the director now said that he will go ahead with his film if August Cinema’s project with Mammootty does not go on floors in eight months time.

Apparently, August Cinema had told Priyadarshan that they would be doing the film three years back. But the project could not materialize then due to some unknown reasons. So this time director has decided to wait for about six to eight months. But if they are delaying it just to hinder his film, he is planning to go ahead with his ambitious project.

Priyadarshan also added that he will be dropping his film if August Cinema is doing it this time. The director does not want to see an unnecessary competition in the Malayalam film industry.

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.

Santhosh T Kuruvilla of Moonshot Entertainment will be producing Mohanlal-Priyadarshan duo’s Kunjali Marakkar.