Actor Arjun Sarja has reportedly joined the sets of Priyadarshan’s Mohanlal-starrer Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham. He has an important role in the film, according to a ToI report.
The actor recently wrapped up shoot for his portions in Kolaigaran, directed by the Andrew Louis. He also has upcoming film Walter in Tamil, and a few others in Kannada, Telugu and Malayalam.
Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham is based on the life of Kunjali Marakkar IV, and stars Mohanlal in the lead. Mohanlal’s son Pranav plays a cameo, reportedly as the younger version of Marakkar. It is co-written by Priyadarshan and Anil Sasi.
Shoot for the film started in the first week of December, and is currently happening in Hyderabad.
Two Malayalam films based on the life of Kunjali Marikkar IV have been announced. Kunjali Marikkar IV was the last naval chief who was deployed to defend the seas from Portuguese by the Samoothiri of Calicut. This was between 1507-1600, and the two films are set in that period.
The first film is a Mammootty-starrer by director Santhosh Sivan. It was announced in November 2017, but the film’s shoot hasn’t begun yet. According to a ToI report, Santhosh Sivan said that the two films will have different perspectives. Priyadarshan’s will have more sea warfare, and will require more time.
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Priyadarshan said in the report that almost 40 per cent of his film will be shot on sea, and the film will need eight months of post-production. He also said, “The four Kunjali Marakkars have served the Zamorin for 98 years, with Kunjali Marakkar IV occupying the post for the last 12 years. Even though we are doing the film in Malayalam, it will be made with a pan-Indian appeal.”
The film is being made on a budget of Rs 100 crore. It is produced by Antony Perumbavoor under his banner Aashirvad Films in association with Santhosh T Kuruvilla and Roy CJ. The award-winning art director Sabu Cyril is working on the film sets.
Bollywood actor Suneil Shetty has an important role in the film. Manju Warrier, Keerthy Suresh and Kalyani Priyadarshan play the female leads. Shoots have been happening in Hyderabad, Ooty and Rameshwaram.