It gets interesting when the two stalwarts of the Malayalam film industry – Mammootty and Mohanlal – gear up to play the same role. While there have been several box office clashes in the past, this is perhaps the first time they will be playing the same character.
Director and cinematographer Santosh Sivan has confirmed that he will be directing Mammootty in a film will have the star play Kunjali Marikkar. He also posted a poster of the upcoming film which has the movie buffs excited. Incidentally, Santosh Sivan was the producer of The Great Father which had Mammootty in the lead role. Though he had the opportunity to produce a Mammootty starrer, this is the first time Santosh Sivan would be directing him.
Kunjali Marikkar was the title given to the naval chief of the Zamorin in the 16th century, to protect the coast against the Portuguese.
In an interview with the Times of India, Santosh Sivan is reported to have said, “We wanted to do a big film together next. As a result, we have been working on Kunjali Marikkar for some time. The research for the film is ongoing and it will take at least 10 months to complete.”
On the other hand, Mohanlal is also gearing up to play Kunjali Marikkar soon. To be filmed by ace director Priyadarshan, this film is expected to start rolling next year.
Both Mammootty and Mohanlal have a slew of films lined up and it is not clear as to when exactly their respective films on Kunjali Marikkar will go on the floors. While Mammootty has Masterpiece and Streetlights among others to concentrate on, Mohanlal is currently busy with the VA Shrikumar Mennon directorial Odiyan and is also gearing up to play Bhim in Mahabharata late next year, which is touted to be the costliest film ever to be made in the history of Indian cinema.
Meanwhile, director Priyadarshan is directing Nimir which is the remake of the Malayalam film Maheshinte Prathikaaram.