Two announcements from two accomplished director-actor duos had the Malayalam film industry all excited a few days ago.
While Priyadarshan had announced that he would be directing a film on Kunjali Marakkar with Mohanlal in the lead, Mammootty took to his Facebook page to reveal that he would be teaming up with Santosh Sivan for a film on Kunjali Marakkar. Well, this would mean that fans can not only expect a box office clash but a clash between the same type of films starring the two legends of the Malayalam film industry.
Speaking about his film’s progress, director Priyadarshan said that he would wait for a period of about six to eight months to see if the Mammootty – Santosh Sivan project actually materializes before deciding on his own.
He has been reported by the Times of India as saying, “Malayalam cinema doesn't need two Kunjali Marakkars. Three years ago also, they told me that they would be doing the film. So, this time I will wait for about six to eight months. But if they are delaying it just to hinder my film, I will naturally go ahead with my project. But if they are doing the Kunjali Marakkar film, I will drop it because it's unhealthy to have unnecessary competition in an industry like ours.”
On his own project, director Priyadarshan said that he would be concentrating on doing a film on Kunjali Marakkar IV who was hanged to death as he had revolted against the Zamorins. The director also pointed out that it would be a difficult project to make as most of the film is set in the seas and needs to be shot there.
He also added that his film on Kunjali Marakkar will be shot on par with the international standards.