Misplaced Pages

Revision as of 12:07, 30 November 2021

Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea
Theatrical release poster
Directed by	Priyadarshan
Screenplay by	Priyadarshan Ani Sasi
Produced by	Antony Perumbavoor
Starring	Mohanlal
Cinematography	Tirru
Edited by	M. S. Aiyyappan Nair
Music by	Rahul Raj Ankit Suri Lyell Evans Roeder Ronnie Raphael (Songs)
Production companies	Aashirvad Cinemas Confident Group
Distributed by	Max Movies V. Creations
Release date	2 December 2021 (2021-12-02) (India)
Running time	181 minutes
Country	India
Language	{{ubl|Malayalam
Budget	₹85 crore

Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea (titled Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham in Malayalam and Maraikkayar: Arabikadalin Singam in Tamil) is an upcoming Indian period war film directed by Priyadarshan. Set in the 16th century Kozhikode, the film is based on Kunjali Marakkar IV, the admiral of the fleet of the Samoothiri. The screenplay was written by Priyadarshan with Ani Sasi. The film was produced by Antony Perumbavoor through Aashirvad Cinemas, with Roy C. J. and Santosh T. Kuruvilla as co-producers. The film stars Mohanlal in the title role, and also features Suniel Shetty, Arjun Sarja, Prabhu, Ashok Selvan, Manju Warrier, Keerthy Suresh, Nedumudi Venu, Siddique, Mukesh, Pranav Mohanlal, Jay J. Jakkrit, Max Cavenham, and Toby Sauerback in supporting roles.

Initial plan for a film based on the admirals Kunjali Marakkar started between Priyadarshan, Mohanlal, and screenwriter T. Damodaran in 1996. Damodaran pitched a plot idea in 1999. However, the film did not materialised in Damodaran's lifetime because of high budget requirement which was unaffordable for a Malayalam film at that time. Priyadarshan kept the project on mind for years, until in 2017 he proceeded with the research work. Due to scarce documentation, contradicting accounts and perspectives, he had to develop his own version of the character and events synthesizing history, fiction, and folklore. He modelled it after a chapter he learned as a child in his grade three textbook, and also incorporated inputs from Damodaran. Final draft was completed by June 2018.

Principal photography took place from December 2018 to March 2019, filmed in sets created at Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad. It lasted 104 days and post-production took 14 months. Four life-size ship replicas were constructed and was shot inside a water tank. Sea was completely created using visual effects. Sabu Cyril and Siddharth Priyadarshan oversaw the production design and visual effects supervision, respectively. The film was shot simultaneously in Malayalam and Tamil languages. Production that began with an estimated budget of ₹100 crore was able to complete the film reportedly with a cost of ₹85 crore, making it the most expensive Malayalam film to date. The original score was composed by Rahul Raj and Ankit Suri & Lyell Evans Roeder.

The film, originally scheduled to release on 19 March 2020 and moved to 26 March was further delayed by the outbreak of COVID-19. It was then rescheduled and postponed through three more dates in March, May, and August 2021 before settling on a release date by the end of the year. Meanwhile, at the 67th National Film Awards, the film won three awards—Best Feature Film, Best Special Effects, and Best Costume Design. Lion of the Arabian Sea is now scheduled to be released worldwide on 2 December 2021.

Cast

• Mohanlal as Muhammad Ali / Kunjali Marakkar IV
• Suniel Shetty as Chandroth Panicker
• Tovino Thomas as Chandroth Unni
• Arjun Sarja as Anandan
• Prabhu as Thangudu
• Ashok Selvan as Achuthan
• Manju Warrier as Subaida
• Keerthy Suresh as Aarcha
• Nedumudi Venu as Samoothiri
• Pranav Mohanlal as Mammali / Kunjali Marakkar IV
• Kalyani Priyadarshan as Aisha
• Mukesh as Dharmoth Panicker
• Siddique as Pattu Marakkar
• Fazil as Kutti Ali Marakkar
• Suhasini Maniratnam as Khadeejumma
• Innocent as Namath Kurup
• K. B. Ganesh Kumar as Verkottu Panicker
• Mamukkoya as Aboobakkar Haji
• Nandhu as Kuthiravattath Nair
• Hareesh Peradi as Mangattachan
• Baburaj as Puthumana Panicker
• Suresh Krishna as Moidu
• Manikuttan as Mayinkutty
• Santhosh Keezhattoor as Kokkattu Panicker
• G. Suresh Kumar as Kochi Rajavu
• Jay J. Jakkrit as Chiang Juvan / Chinali
• Komal Sharma as Puthumana Thampuratti
• Max Cavenham as André Furtado de Mendonça
• Toby Sauerback as Viceroy Francisco de Gama
• Paul Huntley-Thomas as Alphonso De Noronha
• Arjun Nandhakumar as Nambyadiri
• Veena Nandakumar
• Krishna Prasad
• Harish Siva
• Shiyas Kareem
• Antony Perumbavoor

Production

Development

Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham was originally planned by Priyadarshan with screenwriter T. Damodaran in 1996, with Mohanlal in the title role. The idea for the film originated and was discussed in length at the sets of Mohanlal-starring Kaalapani (1996) in Kozhikode. Due to budget constraints, it did not progress, "back then, our industry size was very limited and most producers weren't ready to invest hugely in such big ventures", said Priyadarshan. Damodaran pitched a plot idea in 1999, but "it was inconceivable back then to make a film that was extensively set at sea", said Priyadarshan. The project was still on their mind for years. Priyadarshan recalled that it was difficult to shoot with one ship in Kaalapani, let alone a film with multiple ships on turbulent waters of the Arabian Sea. Years later, with the advancement of visual effects and producers willing to fund the film, Priyadarshan revisited the idea. Meanwhile, during 2008 – 2009, director Jayaraj too planned a film on Kunjali Marakkar with Mohanlal in the title role and T. P. Rajeevan hired to write the screenplay. It was ready to begin production and when the screenplay was handed over to Mohanlal, he did not show interest. That screenplay was later bought by August Cinema from Rajeevan for making a separate project with different cast and crew.

In 2013, Priyadarshan revealed that in addition to a Hindi film, he was working on a Malayalam period film about a Kunjali Marakkar chieftain with Mohanlal in the title role for which the research work was ongoing. On 1 November 2017, Priyadarshan confirmed to The Times of India that he would start the project after completing a Hindi film first and the ongoing research would require at least 10 more months to complete. They wanted to look deeper into history since what was gathered until then was information already available to the public. It was undecided then on which Kunjali Marakkar would Mohanlal portray out of the four Marakkars. Priyadarshan said the story he would come up would be a mix of fact and fiction, as the information about many of the incidents happened during that era are unavailable. Priyadarshan zeroed in on Kunjali Marakkar IV as the protagonist as he "has the most interesting story". Mohanlal said that their idea was to make make a patriotic film. Marakkar IV was in the forefront of resistance against the Portuguese invaders and is regarded as the first naval commander in India and was also an expert navigator. That is why they have dubbed him the "lion of the Arabian Sea".

The movie is something that all of us can be proud of, as it’s well made. It tells the story of Kunjali Marakkar, who is considered as India’s first Naval Commander and we are dedicating the film to the Indian Navy. The making is a level higher than usual Malayalam films and it has made use of all the available technical facilities.

— Mohanlal

The title of the film was officially announced at a press conference held at Kochi on 28 April 2018 by Priyadarshan, Mohanlal, producer Antony Perumbavoor and co-producers Santhosh T. Kuruvilla and Roy C. J. The budget was revealed to be ₹100 crore, making it the most expensive film made in Malayalam cinema—produced under the company Aashirvad Cinemas, with Moonshot Entertainments and Confident Group as co-producers. Production is said to have begun on 1 November 2018 on the day of Kerala Piravi. Priyadarshan said that it took him three years to commence filming from the day he had conceived the film.

Writing and casting

Priyadarshan co-wrote the screenplay with his disciple Ani Sasi, also incorporating many inputs from late Damodaran from their early discussions. The first draft was completed in April 2018. It was estimated to require seven months for pre-production and eight months for post-production. They completed the final draft by early June 2018. The story spans from 1505 to 1601 period. Priyadarshan said that not many reliable sources exists about Marakkar I, and facts about Marakkar II, III, and IV are a mystery, and their available accounts are conflicting with each other. The screenplay was written with a combination of facts, fiction, and folklore. He said that his characters are historical figures but they all may not be contemporaries, a cinematic liberty he has taken. Most of the female characters in the film are imaginary. Due to lack of sufficient written history and reliable sources, it is difficult to know the facts about Marakkars. There were more unanswered questions and contradicting accounts and perspectives. Priyadarshan relied on commonsense and basic human behavioral patterns to fill the gaps. According to him, the screenplay contains 30 percent history and 70 percent fiction. Marakkar IV is presented like a hero of a fairy tale. Since nothing much is known about Marakkar IV, artistic freedom was to be used to tell his story. Whatever found about him was completely contradictory, while the Europeans portray him as a villain, the Arabs hail him as a savior. He took the basic structure of the story from a chapter he learned as a child in his grade three textbook and worked on that. According to Priyadarshan "Marakkar was a patriot whose loyalty to his land came above barriers of caste and religion. That is my message in my film. If Kunjali Marakkar could do it so many years ago, why do we find it so difficult to put our country ahead of caste, religion and region?".

Mohanlal was attached to the project in the initial discussion itself in 1996. The screenplay was written with Mohanlal in mind as Priyadarshan wanted an actor with an image that fits the larger-than-life stature of Marakkar IV. Priyadarshan said that, "heroic figures like Marakkar or Velu Thampi Dalawa had this aura about them and Lal has that", also Marakkar IV was 53 years old when he died and Mohanlal suits the age too. The team was then on a lookout for a Chinese actor to play the role of Chinali, Marakkar IV's trusted lieutenant. In May 2018, it was reported that Nagarjuna, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal has been cast alongside Mohanlal in ensemble roles. Shetty was confirmed to have signed the film, while Nagarjuna was in talks for a role. Shetty grew his hair out for his role. In June, Nagarjuna said he has not yet heard the script and will sign only after that. At the end, he did not take the role. Madhu and Prabhu were confirmed in that month, with the former cast as Kunjali Marakkar I / Kuttiyali Marakkar. Prabhu plays a Tamil shipwright who build boats for Marakkar, such a character is mentioned in history. Madhu opted out from the film (and other films) as part of his decision to retire from cinema industry. Fazil took the role in his absence. Akshay Kumar was offered a role, but declined.

In July 2018, Durga Krishna was reported to have been cast in a pivotal role. The team was aiming to complete the casting by the end of September 2018, including the actress for female lead role. More cast were revealed in that month. Arjun Sarja was confirmed in a principal role. Both Shetty's and Sarja's roles are based on real-life characters in a "slightly fictionalised" forms as not much about them are known from history. Renji Panicker, Nedumudi Venu and Siddique were confirmed in supporting roles. Priyadarshan revealed that Pranav Mohanlal and Kalyani Priyadarshan will be making "special appearances" in the film, with Pranav enacting a young Marakkar IV. They play a couple. Kalyani said she herself asked her father for a role in the film. Keerthy Suresh plays an important role. She learned veena as part of preparing for her character who is trained in classical music. Her character has a romantic relationship with Chinali / Chiang Juvan, played by Chinese actor Jay J. Jakkrit. Mukesh was confirmed to be in the film. In October 2018, Pooja Kumar was in talks for a role. Manju Warrier was cast as Subaida. Ashok Selvan was cast in an antagonistic role, making his debut in Malayalam cinem. Shiyas Kareem was cast as a sidekick in Marakkar IV's gang; he had 50 days shoot.

Filming and design

Principal photography began on 1 December 2018 at Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad. Cinematography was handled by Tirru. Co-writer Ani Sasi also worked as an assistant director in the film. Pranav and Kalyani shot a few scenes early that month. A song sequence between the two was choreographed by Brinda. Prasanna Sujit choreographed another sequence. Mohanlal joined the sets in mid December. Filming was wrapped by late March 2019. Principal photography lasted 104 days. The film was shot simultaneously in Malayalam and Tamil languages. Bulk of filming took place at Ramoji Film City itself, a five-day shoot was also held in Thiruvananthapuram. Meeting scene between the Samoothiri and the Portuguese was shot at Adimalathura, Thiruvananthapuram. B. Thyagarajan, Kazu Neda and Sumret Muangput were responsible for the action sequences.

Priyadarshan's frequent collaborator Sabu Cyril was the film's production designer. The story is set 500 years ago in what is now Kerala. Even though the events that happened during that time are recorded in history, there is no proper documentation about the outfits, ornaments, their colour, weapons or home appliances used at the time. Hence, some had to be made from imagination by analysing available materials. Ships were not built but bought from Egypt during the period of Kunjali Marakkars. Four life-size ship replicas and a 200×200 metre tank were built at Ramoji Film City. Tank had one acre space and filled with 150,000 litre of water. The film was never shot on sea, the action sequences on the high seas, the storm, and the thundering waves was completely created using visual effects. There are no paintings of Marakkar IV, and it is unknown how he became the admiral of the Samoothiri. There were hardly any pictorial references regarding the costumes or ornaments worn by the warriors and the people, for that they had to depend on their imagination and some books and paintings for reference. Several other sets were also created for the film.

On setting the period, they also considered the temperature of that period, which was only 21 degree Celsius at peak in summer. Priyadarshan said that creating the old mast ships, war galleys of the Portuguese, and the battle sequences on sea were the bigger challenges in making the film. For research, Priyadarshan could not locate the spot or remains of neither Marakkars' fort in Iringal, nor Samoothiri's palace, even Archaeological Survey of India did not had any clue. In the film, elephant is used as the insignia of Samoothiri's kingdom. The idea was taken from the Emblem of Kerala which is presumed to be composed of the elephant insignia of Samoothiti and shanku insignia of Trivandrum kingdom. Since Samoothiri bought the ships from Egypt by bartering spices, his ships are Arabian model. Cyril took only ₹25 lakh as remuneration, which was far less than what he usually charge, for his love for the film. Sujith Sudhakaran, V. Sai and Indrakshi Pattanaik Malik was in charge of the costumes and wardrobe.

Post-production

M. S. Aiyappan Nair was the editor, digital intermediate was processed by Prime Focus studio. M. R. Rajakrishnan of Sync Cinema was the sound designer. Around a quarter of the film is set in sea, nonetheless, the film was never shot on sea, except for a shot of sea shore. The sea was completely created using visual effects. Priyadarshan's son Siddharth Priyadarshan worked as the film's visual effects supervisor, he hired his son to reduce the film's cost. Siddharth divided the graphics work among four personnel. The film was shot using storyboard (which is scarcely used in Indian productions) as it is helpful in creating visual effects. In Priyadarshan's view, success of a film like Lion of the Arabian Sea depends largely on the fineness of graphics, "if you don't get your graphics right, the film will look terrible. Which we have seen often in Indian cinema". Priyadarshan said that the most difficult thing to create in VFX is water and fire, for that they bought necessary software from Austria and Hungary. Pune-based Anibrain, and two Chennai-based Knack Studios and Golden Star Studio were employed for the film's visual effects creation. Post-production began in Chennai as soon as they completed filming. It was expected to last 11 months, with eight months consuming for visual effects alone. Post-production took 14 months to complete. The film was reportedly completed with a cost of ₹85 crore. The film's theatrical cut runs for 181.07 minutes. It underwent censoring in India on 23 December 2019.

Music

Score

The film score is composed by Rahul Raj, Ankit Suri and Lyell Evans Roeder. Suri and Roeder, composers of Alternative Fidelity, a British-American music production house were hired to compose the original score for battle sequences in the film. It was also their debut Malayalam cinema. A few months later, Rahul Raj, who freshly graduated from Berklee College of Music was hired to independently compose and produce the rest of the score. Raj avoided giving a regional touch to the music which would have been easier for a film set in Malabar, as Priyadarshan was clear that he was making a film which caters for a global audience and it should resonate in its music too. Besides composing, Rahul Raj performed the programming and production of his part of the score, entirely by himself.

Songs

The original songs in Malayalam were composed by Ronnie Raphael, sung by K. S. Chithra, M. G. Sreekumar, Vineeth Sreenivasan, Shweta Mohan, Shreya Ghoshal and Zia Ul Haq, with lyrics by Prabha Varma, B. K. Harinarayanan, Shafi Kollam, and Priyadarshan. Saina Music acquired the music rights in February 2020 for an all time record sum in Malayalam cinema.

The first single "Kunju Kunjali", sung by K. S. Chithra was released in all languages on 5 February 2021. A flute cover of "Kunju Kunjali" by Josy Alappuzha, who also played flute in the original track, was released on 13 February 2021. It was released on digital music platforms on 6 March 2021 as a track in the album. A teaser of second track "Kannil Ente" was released on 5 April 2021, coinciding on Kalyani Priyadarshan's birthday, and the full song was released in all languages on 12 April 2021. The third track "Chembinte Chelulla", sung by Vishnu Raj was released in all languages on 21 May 2021, marking Mohanlal's birthday. The fourth track "Ilaveyil" was released on 20 November 2021 in all languages. The fifth track "Neeye En Thaaye" was released on 27 November 2021 in all languages.

Release

The film was originally scheduled to be released on 19 March 2020, as announced in October 2019. It was then moved to 26 March by January 2020. However, it was further postponed without a release date after the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic. Priyadarshan said that the postponement was at the behest of exhibitors in the Gulf, particularly those across Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, as the box office collection from these countries are crucial to the film's success. In February 2021, Mohanlal told to Variety that it is a global film with an international release, so they are waiting for the COVID-19 situation to normalise, "when everything settles and people are back to the theaters, only then can we release". The film was then rescheduled and postponed again three times in 2021: 26 March, 13 May, and 12 August.

Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham was originally scheduled to be released in 5000 theatres worldwide in March 2020. The film will be releasing in Malayalam, along with its dubbed versions in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, English and Kannada. There are also plans to release the film in Arabic and Chinese. The film is reportedly releasing in more than 50 countries worldwide, which would make it the largest release for a Malayalam film. Kalaipuli S. Thanu is distributing the Tamil version. Fans show tickets for more than 100 shows were already sold out when it postponed release in March 2020. The movie was postponed from it August 2021 release because theatres were not running with full capacity in Kerala. On 6 November 2021, the producer Antony Perumbavoor said that the film will have a direct-ott release through Amazon Prime Video. The film had made a 90 crore deal with Amazon Prime Video as its OTT premiere. In early November 2021, a preview show was held for Mohanlal, his wife Suchitra Mohanlal, and producer Antony in Chennai, the show changed their decision to make it a theatrical release. On 11 November, Saji Cheriyan, minister of Kerala State Film Development Corporation said that the film will hit the screens on 2 December only in theatres. The film cancelled its direct-OTT release through Amazon Prime Video. The team officially confirmed that the film will release on 2 December in theatres. The Telugu version is distributed by Suresh Productions. From 24 November 2021 onward several tv spots, teaser trailers and promotional tours for the film were kick started. In November 2021, a promotional event was conducted on the luxury cruise ship Nefertiti Cruise.

Awards

References

1. ^ Correspondent (30 October 2021). "Marakkar confirmed as OTT release, to premiere on Christmas". Malayala Manorama. Retrieved 28 November 2021. {{cite news}}: |author= has generic name (help)
2. ^ Cris (2 May 2020). "Malayalam film industry faces Rs 600 cr loss but confident theatre culture will survive". The News Minute. Retrieved 28 November 2021.
3. ^ Nagarajan, Saraswathy (24 November 2021). "Priyadarsan on the making of Malayalam cinema's costliest film, 'Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham'". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 24 November 2021.
4. ^ R., Manoj Kumar (22 March 2019). "Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham was Mohanlal-Priyadarshan's dream for over 20 years". The Indian Express. Retrieved 19 August 2019.
5. B. S., Shibu (4 June 2018). "Malayalam filmmakers zoom in on history, myth for big-budget movies". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 22 May 2019.
6. ^ "Mohanlal: Priyan and I have an understanding; I know exactly what he wants and vice versa". The Times of India.
7. Sidhardhan, Sanjith (30 July 2019). "TP Rajeevan suspects Priyadarshan's Marakkar is based on his concept". The Times of India. Retrieved 13 December 2019.
8. Nagarajan, Saraswathy (14 November 2013). "Ghostbuster returns". The Hindu. Retrieved 22 May 2019.
9. Keshri, Shweta (7 December 2013). "Akshay's comedy is Priyadarshan's contribution". The Telegraph. Retrieved 22 May 2019.
10. Sidhardhan, Sanjith (1 November 2017). "Mohanlal to play Kunjali Marikkar in Priyadarshan's next". The Times of India. Retrieved 22 May 2019.
11. Sidhardhan, Sanjith (6 November 2017). "I'll go ahead with Kunjali Marakkar if Mammootty's film doesn't go on floors in eight months: Priyadarshan". The Times of India. Retrieved 19 August 2019.
12. "Mohanlal: We are dedicating Marakkar to the Indian Navy". Times of India. 2 September 2019.
13. Sidhardhan, Sanjith (30 April 2018). "Mohanlal's Marakkar gets a grand launch in Kochi". The Times of India. Retrieved 19 August 2019.
14. Entertainment desk (25 September 2019). "Not surprised by the visual spectacle of Marakkar Arabikadalinte Simham: Prithviraj". The Indian Express. Retrieved 27 October 2019.
15. ^ Sidhardhan, Sanjith (29 April 2018). "Mohanlal's Kunjali Marikkar to set sail on Kerala Piravi Day". The Times of India. Retrieved 15 June 2019.
16. DNA Web Team (22 March 2021). "'Dream come true': Priyadarshan ecstatic as Mohanlal starrer 'Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham' wins National Award". Daily News and Analysis. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
17. "'Marakkar-Arabikadalinte Simham': The Mohanlal starrer completes its script work". The Times of India. Times News Network. 6 June 2018. Retrieved 15 June 2019.
18. ^ Sidhardhan, Sanjith (13 January 2019). "Fazil joins Mohanlal's Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham". The Times of India. Retrieved 13 December 2019.
19. Nagarajan, Saraswathy (24 November 2021). "Priyadarsan on the making of Malayalam cinema's costliest film, 'Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham'". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 24 November 2021.
20. ^ Priyadarshan (28 November 2021). "എന്റെ മരക്കാർ; ലാലിന്റേയും (ഇനി നിങ്ങളുടേയും)". Mathrubhumi (in Malayalam). Retrieved 28 November 2021.
21. Iyer, Sanyukta (22 May 2018). "Priyadarshan's next, a period-thriller, brings together Mohanlal, Nagarjuna, Paresh Rawal and Suniel Shetty". Mumbai Mirror. Retrieved 15 June 2019.
22. K. B. R., Upala (18 May 2018). "Suniel Shetty: I am returning to my janmabhoomi". Mid-Day. Retrieved 15 June 2019.
23. C. H., Murali Krishna (30 May 2018). "I don't think it's risky to do a Ram Gopal Varma film: Nagarjuna". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 15 June 2019.
24. "Exclusive! Suniel Shetty on his man bun for 'Darbar': I am one of the few heroes with hair left on my head! - Times of India". The Times of India.
25. "Nagarjuna says his film with Nani will be on the lines of Munnabhai MBBS". Hindustan Times. Indo-Asian News Service. 21 June 2018. Retrieved 15 June 2019.
26. S., Sajin (25 September 2018). "Manju Warrier, Keerthy Suresh join Priyadarshan's 'Marakkar'". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 15 June 2019.
27. "Prabhu reunites with Mohanlal and Priyadarshan after Siraichalai". The New Indian Express. 18 June 2018. Retrieved 15 June 2019.
28. George, Sanu (28 July 2019). "Game again for arc lights, but it's got to be different: Thespian Madhu (Where Are They Now?)". Outlook India. Retrieved 17 August 2019.
29. "After delivering hits, Akshay Kumar doesn't want to work with Priyadarshan anymore". Deccan Chronicle. 28 May 2018. Retrieved 19 August 2019.
30. Sidhardhan, Sanjith (7 July 2018). "Durga Krishna to act with Mohanlal in Marakkar". The Times of India. Retrieved 15 June 2019.
31. Sidhardhan, Sanjith (19 September 2018). "Suniel Shetty, Arjun join Mohanlal's Marakkar movie". The Times of India. Retrieved 15 June 2019.
32. Sidhardhan, Sanjith (25 September 2018). "Kalyani Priyadarshan and Keerthy Suresh join Mohanlal's Marakkar". The Times of India. Retrieved 15 June 2019.
33. ^ Cris (21 January 2019). "Pranav and I have a 'siblingish' bond in real life: Actor Kalyani Priyadarshan to TNM". The News Minute. Retrieved 13 December 2019.
34. R., Manoj Kumar (14 August 2019). "Ranarangam actor Kalyani Priyadarshan: I love gangster movies". The Indian Express. Retrieved 17 August 2019.
35. "Keerthy Suresh learns veena for her role in Marakkar". The Times of India. 28 August 2019. Retrieved 13 December 2019.
36. Subramanian, Anupama (14 October 2018). "Pooja Kumar bags a Priyadarshan film". Deccan Chronicle. Retrieved 15 June 2019.
37. George, Anjana (25 January 2019). "Manju Warrier's look in Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham reminds one of Daya". The Times of India. Retrieved 19 August 2019.
38. C. R., Sharanya (30 January 2019). "Ashok Selvan to make his Malayalam debut with Mohanlal's magnum opus". The Times of India. Retrieved 17 August 2019.
39. George, Anjana (2 February 2019). "Kerala's Most Desirable Man on Television 2018: Shiyas Kareem". The Times of India. Retrieved 13 December 2019.
40. Express News Service (3 December 2018). "Priyadarshan's Marakkar starts rolling". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 20 December 2018.
41. Sidhardhan, Sanjith (27 December 2018). "Kalyani Priyadarshan: Shooting for Marakkar was equally nerve-racking for both me and my dad". The Times of India. Retrieved 19 January 2019.
42. Shrijith, Sajin (10 November 2020). "Working with Priyadarshan sir is like going to school: Dance chereographer Prasanna Sujit". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 28 November 2021.
43. Express News Service (18 December 2018). "Mohanlal joins the sets of next epic, Marakkar". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 20 December 2018.
44. "Mohanlal Joins Marakkar Arabikadalinte Simham". The Times of India. 16 December 2018. Retrieved 1 January 2019.
45. "It's a wrap for Mohanlal's Marakkar". The New Indian Express. 26 March 2019. Retrieved 27 March 2019.
46. ^ Indo-Asian News Service (20 April 2019). "Priyadarshan on Hera Pheri 3: Nothing is decided. Can't say if this will happen". India Today. Retrieved 28 November 2021.
47. Rajaraman, Kaushik (23 March 2021). "I have put 40 years of my work for Marakkar: Priyadarshan". DT Next. Retrieved 28 November 2021.
48. Mathews, Anna (22 March 2021). "Priyadarshan: Proud to be first father-son duo to win National Award". The Times of India. Retrieved 28 November 2021.
49. "ദൃശ്യവിസ്മയമൊരുക്കി മരക്കാർ, കടലിനടിയിലും ചിത്രീകരണം". Kerala Kaumudi (in Malayalam). 21 May 2019. Retrieved 17 August 2019.
50. "മരക്കാർ തലസ്ഥാനത്തേക്ക്; ചിത്രീകരണം കോവളത്". Kerala Kaumudi (in Malayalam). 14 March 2019. Retrieved 13 December 2019.
51. Kaumudy (24 November 2021). "മരക്കാറിനായി ഒരുക്കിയത് 42 സെറ്റുകൾ...കണ്ട് അന്തം വിട്ടു പോയി | Nandhu | Kaumudy" (in Malayalam). Kaumudy TV. Retrieved 28 November 2021.
52. Jayaram, Deepika (11 June 2018). "Priyadarshan and Sabu Cyril team up again, for Marakkar". The Times of India. Retrieved 15 June 2019.
53. Entertainment desk (30 December 2018). "'ബാഹുബലി'യും 'മരക്കാരും' രണ്ടു തരം സിനിമകൾ: സാബു സിറിൽ". Indian Express Malayalam (in Malayalam). Retrieved 13 December 2019.
54. KBR, Upala (21 November 2018). "Priyadarshan: Thugs of Hindostan was fantasy, Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham is steeped in history". Mid-Day. Archived from the original on 31 August 2020. Retrieved 19 January 2019.
55. R., Manoj Kumar (30 November 2018). "Portuguese-era ship under construction for Mohanlal's Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham". The Indian Express. Retrieved 19 January 2019.
56. Warrier, Unni K. (8 November 2021). "'We didn't want Antony to go bankrupt': Priyadarshan on Marakkar's OTT release". Malayala Manorama. Retrieved 28 November 2021.
57. Rath, Punya Prava (11 August 2019). "Odia Stylist Stitches The Past To Perfection For Award Winning Biopic". Odisha Bytes. Retrieved 17 August 2019.
58. Warrier, Unni K. (29 March 2021). "Never thought Sidharth had movies in mind: Priyadarshan on double National awards that came home". Malayala Manorama. Retrieved 28 November 2021.
59. ^ Kumar, P. K. Ajith (21 September 2019). "Never-before-seen graphics for Mohanlal's 'Marakkar': Priyadarshan". The Hindu. Retrieved 22 September 2019.
60. Prajith, P. (29 November 2021). "യുക്തിയും അതിലേറെ ഭാവനയും ചേര്‍ന്ന മരക്കാരുടെ കഥ; സ്വപ്ന സിനിമയെക്കുറിച്ച് മോഹൻലാലും പ്രിയദർശനും". Mathrubhumi (in Malayalam). Retrieved 29 November 2021.
61. AnimationXpress Team (22 March 2021). "Mohanlal's 'Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea' bags National Film Award for Best Special Effects". AnimationXpress. Retrieved 28 November 2021.
62. CBFC (23 December 2019). "Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham". Central Board of Film Certification. Retrieved 28 November 2021.
63. Venlatesh, Jyothi (5 December 2019). "Marakkar Movie Background Score By Alternative Fidelity". Bollyy. Retrieved 28 November 2021.
64. Mathews, Anna (28 August 2019). "Rahul Raj to score for Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham". The Times of India.
65. Menon, Anasuya (19 March 2021). "'Marakkar' composer Rahul Raj: 'One has to be a filmmaker at heart'". The Hindu. Retrieved 28 November 2021.
66. https://malayalam.indianexpress.com/entertainment/interview/music-composer-rahul-raj-sharing-marakkar-lion-of-the-arabian-sea-working-experience-587729/?fbclid=IwAR0mk1Ada56_BAISjMzO7ZM2wb_63XuaU7G_Wtr5PjFLaMPefKIrjLMspLo
67. "Marakkar Arabikadalinte Simham movie gets a[sic] another record!". PrimeTime News.
68. "Marakkar Arabikadalinte Simham song Kunju Kunjali: A soulful track". The Indian Express.
69. "Kannil Ente Song Teaser: Mohanlal releases the regal video from Marakkar on Kalyani Priyadarshan's birthday". Pinkvilla.
70. "'Marakkar' makers release new single 'Chembinte Chelulla' featuring Mohanlal". The News Minute.
71. "Marakkar - Arabikadalinte Simham". JioSaavn.
72. "Maraikkayar - Arabikadalin Singam". JioSaavn.
73. "Marakkar". JioSaavn.
74. "Marakkar - Lion Of The Arabian Sea (Kannada)". JioSaavn.
75. "Marakkar - Lion Of The Arabian Sea (Hindi)". JioSaavn.
76. Web Desk (3 October 2019). "Release date of Mohanlal's 'Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham' revealed". The Week. Retrieved 28 November 2021.
77. Digital Native (1 January 2020). "Mohanlal's 'Marakkar: Arabikdalinte Simham' to release on March 26". The News Minute. Retrieved 28 November 2021.
78. Vivarelli, Nick (11 March 2020). "Coronavirus Shutters Cinemas in India, Poland & Lebanon as WHO Declares Pandemic". Variety. Retrieved 28 November 2021.
79. Bollywood Hungama News Network (14 March 2020). "Mohanlal and Suniel Shetty starrer Marakkar delayed at the behest of Gulf exhibitors". Bollywood Hungama. Retrieved 28 November 2021.
80. Ramachandran, Naman (19 February 2021). "South Indian Superstar Mohanlal on Amazon Film 'Drishyam 2'". Variety. Retrieved 28 November 2021.
81. "'Marakkar: Arabikkadalinte Simham' release postponed; the Mohanlal starrer will hit the screens on THIS day". The Times of India. 27 April 2021. Retrieved 28 November 2021.
82. Indian Express (1 January 2020). "Marakkar Arabikadalinte Simham first look poster: Mohanlal promises a visual treat". Indian Express.
83. മോഹന്‍ലാല്‍; പ്രജിത്ത്‌, പി. (8 September 2019). "'ഇത്രയും കോടി ചെലവിട്ട് ഒരു മലയാളസിനിമ നിര്‍മ്മിക്കേണ്ടതുണ്ടോ എന്ന് പലരും ചോദിച്ചു'". Mathrubhumi (in Malayalam). Retrieved 27 October 2019.
84. "ചരിത്രമാകാൻ മരയ്ക്കാർ; അമ്പതിലധികം രാജ്യങ്ങളിൽ റിലീസ്". Deepika (in Malayalam). 11 October 2019. Retrieved 27 October 2019.
85. "Kalaipuli Thanu to present Tamil Version of 'Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham'". 24 February 2020.
86. Kuruvilla, Anu (11 March 2020). "Theatre owners, filmmakers say they are with govt in fight against COVID-19". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 14 March 2020.
87. "Mohanlal's Marakkar: Arabikkadalinte release date postponed – check out new release date". Times Now. 27 April 2021.
88. "Mohanlal's National Award-winning film Marakkar Arabikadalinte Simham to release on OTT". India Today. 6 November 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
89. "Mohanlal Film 'Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea' Sold to Prime Video for More Than Rs 90 Crore". News18. 7 November 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
90. Warrier, Unni K. (13 November 2021). "Here's what happened in the two hours that made Antony and Mohanlal change their decision about Marakkar". Malayala Manorama. Retrieved 28 November 2021.
91. "Mohanlal's Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham will release in theatres on December 2, confirms Kerala minister Saji Cherian". The New Indian Express. 11 November 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
92. "വീണ്ടും ട്വിസ്റ്റ്; മരക്കാർ തീയേറ്ററിലേക്ക്, റിലീസ് ഡിസംബർ രണ്ടിന്". Mathrubhumi. 11 November 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
93. "മരക്കാറില്‍ ട്വിസ്റ്റ്; ഡിസംബര്‍ രണ്ടിന് തിയറ്ററില്‍; പ്രഖ്യാപിച്ച് മന്ത്രി..." Manorama News. 11 November 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
94. "കാത്തിരിപ്പിനും ആശങ്കകൾക്കും വിരാമം; 'മരക്കാർ' തിയറ്ററിൽ തന്നെ; ഡിസംബർ 2ന് റിലീസ്..." Malayala Manorama. 11 November 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
95. "'Marakkar' teaser out, Mohanlal-starrer to release on 3,300 screens". OnManorama. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
96. "Epic! Facebook can't contain the frenzy set off by 'Marakkar' teaser". OnManorama. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
97. Onmanorama Staff (27 November 2021). "Watch: Mohanlal promotes Marakkar on luxury cruise Nefertiti". Malayala Manorama. Retrieved 28 November 2021.
98. "DECLARATION - 50th KERALA STATE FILM AWARDS FOR MALAYALAM FILMS & WRITINGS ON CINEMA 2019" (PDF). Kerala State Chalachitra Academy. 13 October 2020.
99. Saurabh Singh (22 March 2021). "67th National Film Awards announced; Sikkim wins award for Most Film Friendly State" (Press release). New Delhi: Press Information Bureau. Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

External links

• Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea at IMDb

• India
• Film
• Bollywood

• 2021 films
• Films postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic
• Film productions suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic
• Upcoming films
• Films set in the Indian Ocean
• Historical epic films
• Films set in the 16th century
• Indian historical action films
• History of Kerala on film
• Films about naval warfare
• Films shot at Ramoji Film City
• Films directed by Priyadarshan
• 2020s Malayalam-language films
• Cultural depictions of Indian men
• Cultural depictions of admirals
• War films based on actual events
• Action films based on actual events
• Best Feature Film National Film Award winners
• Aashirvad Cinemas films