The Malayalam film industry went into a frenzy after a couple of announcements were made a few months ago. Two top directors announced projects with the two stalwarts of the Malayalam film industry and what was even more peculiar was that both the films are based on the same subject.
While Priyadarshan announced that he would be making a film on Kunjali Marakkar with Mohanlal in the lead, cinematographer-turned-director Santosh Sivan revealed that he would be working with Mammootty for a film on the same legendary character.
Last month, it was revealed by Priyadarshan that his film with Mohanlal has been titled Marakkar – Arabikadalinte Simham and that the shooting would begin later this year, most probably in November.
According to the latest reports about Mammootty’s project, we hear that the film has been titled Kunjali Marakkar IV and will be scripted by TP Rajeev and Shankar Ramakrishnan. The film will be bankrolled by August Cinemas. According to reports doing the rounds, the makers of Kunjali Marakkar IV are planning to release a teaser as an Eid special next month and are working towards it. More details about this are expected to be made soon officially.
It may be mentioned here that the title ‘Kunjali Marakkar’ was bestowed on naval chiefs during the 16th century and these naval chiefs fought valiantly against the Portuguese army. There were four Kunjali Marakkars during that era, of which the fourth is the most valiant and popular. Mammootty will be playing the fourth Kunjali Marakkar in the film.
Santosh Sivan is currently busy shooting for Mani Ratnam’s movie Chekka Chivantha Vaanam. Meanwhile, apart from the historical, Mammootty is currently busy with the biopic on the late chief minister of Andhra Pradesh, YS Rajasekar Reddy. The Telugu project is expected to go on the floors next month.
(Content provided by Digital Native)