Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea
Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea (titled Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham in Malayalam) is a 2021 Indian Malayalam-language epic historical action film directed by Priyadarshan. Set in the 16th century Calicut, the film is based on the fourth Kunjali Marakkar named Muhammad Ali, the admiral of the fleet of the Zamorin.[2] Priyadarshan scripted the film with Ani Sasi. The film is produced by Antony Perumbavoor's Aashirvad Cinemas. Marakkar features Mohanlal in the titlular role, with ensemble cast including Arjun Sarja, Suniel Shetty, Ashok Selvan, Prabhu, Nedumudi Venu, Mukesh, Siddique, Manju Warrier, Keerthy Suresh, Kalyani Priyadarshan, Suhasini Maniratnam, Innocent, Mamukkoya, Hareesh Peradi, Santhosh Keezhattoor and K.B Ganesh Kumar. In the film, upon being terrorised by an oppressive Portugual regime, legendary naval chieftain Kunjali Marakkar IV wages an epic war against the Europeans and their allies. This film was Keerthy Suresh's comeback to Malayalam cinema after a gap of seven years.
Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea | |
---|---|
Malayalam | Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham |
Directed by | Priyadarshan |
Screenplay by |
|
Story by | Priyadarshan |
Produced by | Antony Perumbavoor |
Starring | Mohanlal |
Cinematography | Tirru |
Edited by | M. S. Aiyyappan Nair |
Music by | Score: Rahul Raj Ankit Suri Lyell Evans Roeder Songs: Ronnie Raphael |
Production companies |
|
Distributed by |
|
Release date |
|
Running time | 181 minutes[1] |
Country | India |
Language | Malayalam |
Budget | ₹100 crore [2][3] |
The 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 materialise in Damodaran's lifetime because of the high budget requirements, which was unaffordable for a Malayalam film at that time. Priyadarshan kept the project in mind for years, until in 2017 he proceeded with the research work. The 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 were shot inside a water tank. The sea was completely created using visual effects. Sabu Cyril and Siddharth Priyadarshan oversaw the production design and visual effects supervision, respectively. Production began with a budget of ₹100 crore, making it the most expensive Malayalam film to date. The original score was composed by Rahul Raj, Ankit Suri and Lyell Evans Roeder; and songs by Ronnie Raphael.
The film, originally scheduled to release on 19 March 2020, was 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 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. The film released theatrically worldwide on 2 December 2021.[4][5] It received mixed reviews and failed at the box office.[4][5] The film was also shortlisted among with 35 other films for the Indian submissions for Best Feature Film category at the 94th Academy Awards.[6]
Plot
During the late 1500s, the empire of Portugal allies with the kingdom of Kochi in Malabar, Kerala. This is in order to colonise the region by overthrowing the powerful kingdom of Kozhikode, a long time war rival of Kochi. Portuguese military commander Alfonso de Noronho trains Kochi soldiers to use firearms and offers them cannons in exchange for trading crops and spices. However, the Malabar natives are displeased with the new Cartaz license system they've established which impedes trade with the Arabs. Kuttiyali Marakkar, an influential merchant, finds a way to trade while bypassing Portuguese customs laws, but he's sold out by his brother-in-law Moidu who is allied with Alfonso.
In the past, Kuttiyali and his sons, Kutti Poker Ali and Pattu Marakkar, were commanders of the Kozhikode navy and helped resist Portuguese rule, but they resigned and became merchants after Poker died in battle. In the present, Poker's son Muhammad Ali is newly married to Aisha, his childhood sweetheart. However she, Muhammad's mother, and Kuttiyali are all killed that night by Alfonso in a raid. Kochi's king frames it as a civil massacre and blames Muhammad and Pattu, who had survived and escaped. In retaliation, the two assassinate Moidu and manage to flee by raft, but a storm causes them to land in Ponnani, Kozhikode. There they start a new life and meet the kingdom's military commanders, the arrogant and spoiled Achuthan, and the compassionate Anandan. Muhammad speaks against Achuthan for disrespecting him, but Anandan stops them from fighting. The king's associate and right-hand warrior Mangattachan distributes supplies to the storm's victims, but the corrupt nāduvāzhi Namathu Kurup hoards them to sell in market, and his men assault Pattu for calling him out. In retaliation, Muhammad recruits a bandit named Thangudu and his crew to rob Kurup's goods and distribute them to civilians. They perform many raids against corrupt noblemen and Muhammad takes up the mantle of Kunjali Marakkar, a protector of the people but fugitive to the kingdom.
Many years later, Marakkar's gang engage in guerilla warfare against Portuguese vessels, and on one raid they meet Chiang, a Chinese slave. Chiang fights them in defense so gang member Aimutty takes Chiang's mother hostage. Marakkar is against hurting women and children so he saves her but accidentally kills Aimutty. Aimutty's brother Mayinkutty witnesses this. Chiang and his mother are rescued, leading to the former and Marakkar becoming friends, and he calls Chiang "Chinnali". Since Marakkar is a fugitive of Kozhikode, Achuthan instructs Mayinkutty to kill him for revenge, but Chinnali kills him first.
Viceroy Francisco de Gama threatens war against Kozhikode when their monarch, the Samoothiri, declines a trading deal proposed by their king. Since Achuthan, their naval commander, states that defeating them is impossible, Anandan proposes a controversial decision to recruit Marakkar, who is brought to the kingdom and recognised as Poker's son. The Samoothiri's judgement of Achuthan using Mayinkutty being dishonorable causes him to replace Achuthan with Marakkar as naval commander, leading Achuthan to jealousy. Marakkar leads the troops to battle and they use traps to sink many Portuguese ships, eventually finding Alfonso and killing him. Marakkar is praised by the court, except by the diplomats of Kolathunadu who ally with the Portuguese. The Samoothiri thanks Marakkar by renovating his family's fortress, and it grows into a village. In the meantime, Chinnali falls in love with Aarcha, the daughter of minister Dharmoth Panicker. She reciprocates, but Achuthan also has feelings for her. Their parents decide to get Aarcha married to Achuthan. Unbeknownst to them, Aarcha, who is now pregnant with Chinnali's child, runs away with him. Achuthan, out of jealousy, frames Chinnali for abducting her, causing tension. Achuthan attempts to force Aarcha to return to the kingdom, causing a fight between him, Chinnali, and Anandan. Anandan pleads to Chinnali to calm down, but Achuthan kills Chinnali and runs. Aarcha commits suicide, while Marakkar assumes Anandan is the killer after arriving late and slashes his throat.
Achuthan also beats up one of the court members to frame Marakkar for it, further painting him as a traitor. A new monarch named Nambyathiri takes the Samoothiri's place, and he decides to submit to the Portuguese rule. Thus, the Portuguese and Kozhikode work together and plot to kill Marakkar. The two armies lay siege to Marakkar's village, and despite resistance, they lose due to Kolathunadu's treachery. Marakkar continues to resist them, so De Gama proposes killing handfuls of his people (who were taken prisoner) each day. Nambyathiri is bludgeoned by De Gama for rejecting, and Pattu is one of the first to be executed. Marakkar manages to kidnap De Gama, forcing the release of his people, but he is drawn into a trap orchestrated by Achuthan and Subaida, Aimutty's wife. She regrets it when Marakkar apologises but it is too late, and De Gama's men arrest him. Marakkar is brought to Velha, Goa, and is convicted and sentenced to death by guillotine after refusing to beg for mercy. He is seen joining his mother in the otherworld.
Cast
- Mohanlal as Muhammad Ali / Kunjali Marakkar IV, a Muslim-Indian warrior and the last Marakkar, who organizes armed rebellions against the nobles of Kozhikode and imperial Portuguese.
- Pranav Mohanlal as Young Kunjali (Mammali)
- Arjun Sarja as Anandan Mangattachan, the elder son of Mangattachan and commander of the Kozhikode military, known for being just and compassionate.
- Arun Kurian as Young Anandan
- Suniel Shetty as Chandroth Panicker, the monarch of Kolathunadu under the Samoothiri and Marakkar's ally, who's eventually betrayed by his own diplomats.
- Prabhu as Thangudu, a physically strong bandit troop leader.
- Ashok Selvan as Achuthan Mangattachan, the antagonistic naval commander of Kozhikode who envy's his brother's popularity and conspires to kill him and Marakkar.
- Jitin Puthenchery as Young Achuthan
- Nedumudi Venu as Samoothiri, the unnamed monarch of Kozhikode.
- Mukesh as Dharmoth Panicker, a minister under the Samoothiri.
- Siddique as Pattu Marakkar, Kunjali's uncle and Poker's brother, who fought the Portuguese invasions in the past.
- Manju Warrier as Subaida, Aimutty's wife, who sells Marakkar out to the Portuguese to avenger her husband's death.
- Keerthy Suresh as Aarcha, Darmoth Panicker's daughter who falls for Chinnali.
- Kalyani Priyadarshan as Aisha, Marakkar's wife, who's killed on the day of their marriage.
- Jay J. Jakkrit as Chiang Juvan (Chinnali), a Chinese slave and self taught warrior who becomes Marakkar's ally.
- Innocent as Namath Kurup, a corrupt nobleman of Kozhikode who becomes Marakkar's primary target for raiding.
- K. B. Ganesh Kumar as Verkottu Panicker
- Baburaj as Puthumana Panicker
- Hareesh Peradi as Mangattachan, the veteran military commander of Kozhikode who fought the Portuguese with the Marakkar brothers.
- Mamukkoya as Aboobakkar Haji
- Nandhu as Kuthiravattath Nair
- Santhosh Keezhattoor as Kokkattu Panicker
- Fazil as Kutti Ali Marakkar, Kunjali's deceased father who died fighting the Portuguese.
- Suhasini Maniratnam as Khadeejumma, Kunjali's mother.
- Suresh Krishna as Moidu, Kutyalli's brother, who allies with the Portuguese.
- Manikuttan as Mayinkutty, Aimutty's younger brother, who tries and fails to kill Marakkar.
- G. Suresh Kumar as Kochi Raja, the king of Kochi.
- Srikant Murali as Kochi Raja's Advisor
- Krishna Prasad as Translator
- Arjun Nandhakumar as Nambyathiri, Samoothiri's Nephew, who replaces his uncle and submits to Portuguese rule.
- Parvathi T. as Samoothiri's Sister
- Komal Sharma as Anandan's Wife
- Toby Sauberback as Viceroy Francisco Da Gama, the leader of the Portuguese colonists and nemesis of Marakkar.
- Max Cavenham as André Furtado de Mendonça, the general of the Portuguese armed forces.
- Paul Huntley-Thomas as Alphonso De Noronha, the Portuguese military official who kills Marakkar's family.
- Veena Nandakumar (uncredited role)
- Bineesh Kodiyeri as Thangudu's Assistant
- Shiyas Kareem as Marakkar's Assistant
- Kozhikode Narayanan Nair as Aboobakkar Haji
- Antony Perumbavoor as Street Vendor (Cameo)
- Vikraman Nair as Rajaguru
Production
Development
A film based on Kunjali Marakkar 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.[7] 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.[8] 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.[9] The project was still on their mind for years.[7] 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.[2] 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.[10]
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.[11][12] 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 with would be a mix of fact and fiction, as the information about many of the incidents that happened during that era are unavailable.[13] Priyadarshan zeroed in on Kunjali Marakkar IV as the protagonist as he "has the most interesting story".[14] Mohanlal said that their idea was to make a patriotic film. Marakkar IV was at 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".[9]
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[15]
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.[16] 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.[17] Production is said to have begun on 1 November 2018 on the day of Kerala Piravi.[18] Priyadarshan said that it took him three years to commence filming from the day he had conceived the film.[19]
Writing
Priyadarshan co-wrote the screenplay with his disciple Ani Sasi. Ani himself expressed interest in collaborating with Priyadarshan when he learned that the later was working on a film about Kunjali Marakkar.[20] Priyadarshan 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.[18] They completed the final draft by early June 2018.[21] The story spans the period from 1505 to 1601.[22] Marakkar IV was chosen as the protagonist not only because he has the most interesting story, but also they knew more about him than the other Marakkars, and he was the one who brought a lot of strategies, and "everything ended with him".[20] Priyadarshan said that not many reliable sources exist 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, cinematic liberty that he has taken.[2]
Most of the female characters in the film are imaginary. Due to a 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 as a hero of a fairy tale.[23] Since nothing much is known about Marakkar IV, artistic freedom was to be used to tell his story. Whatever was found about him was completely contradictory, while the Europeans portray him as a villain, the Arabs hail him as a savior. Priyadarshan took the basic structure of the story from a chapter he learned as a child in his grade three textbook and worked on that.[9] According to him, "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?".[2] A disclaimer is added in the opening of the film that it contains fiction.[20]
Casting
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.[2] 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.[9] The team was then on a lookout for a Chinese actor to play the role of Chinali, Marakkar IV's trusted lieutenant.[18] In May 2018, it was reported that Nagarjuna, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal has been cast alongside Mohanlal in ensemble roles.[24] Shetty was confirmed to have signed the film,[25] while Nagarjuna was in talks for a role.[26] Shetty grew his hair out for his role.[27] In June, Nagarjuna said he has not yet heard the script and will sign only after that.[28] At the end, he did not take the role.[29] Madhu and Prabhu were confirmed in that month, with the former cast as Kunjali Marakkar I / Kuttiyali Marakkar.[30] Prabhu plays a Tamil shipwright who build boats for Marakkar, such a character is mentioned in history.[23] Madhu opted out from the film (and other films) as part of his decision to retire from cinema industry.[31] Fazil took the role in his absence.[22] Akshay Kumar was offered a role, but declined.[32]
In July 2018, Durga Krishna was reported to have been cast in a pivotal role.[33] 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.[34] Priyadarshan revealed that Pranav Mohanlal and Kalyani Priyadarshan will be making "special appearances" in the film, with Pranav enacting a young Marakkar IV.[35] They play a couple.[36] Kalyani said she herself asked her father for a role in the film.[37] 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.[38] Mukesh was confirmed to be in the film. In October 2018, Pooja Kumar was in talks for a role.[39] Manju Warrier was cast as Subaida.[40] Ashok Selvan was cast in an antagonistic role, making his debut in Malayalam cinema.[41] Shiyas Kareem was cast as a sidekick in Marakkar IV's gang; he had 50 days shoot.[42]
Filming and production design
Principal photography began on 1 December 2018 at Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad. Cinematography was handled by Tirru.[43] Co-writer Ani Sasi also worked as an assistant director in the film. Pranav and Kalyani shot a few scenes early that month.[44] A song sequence between the two was choreographed by Brinda.[36] Prasanna Sujit choreographed another sequence.[45] Mohanlal joined the sets in mid December.[46][47] Filming was wrapped by late March 2019.[48] Principal photography lasted 104 days.[49] The film was shot in Malayalam while a scene featuring Hareesh Peradi was reshot in Tamil.[50][51][52] The bulk of filming took place at Ramoji Film City itself, a five-day shoot was also held in Thiruvananthapuram.[53][54] Meeting scene between the Samoothiri and the Portuguese was shot at Adimalathura.[55] Kazu Neda, Sumret Muangput, and B. Thyagarajan were responsible for the action sequences.[56]
Priyadarshan's frequent collaborator Sabu Cyril was the film's production designer.[57] The story is set 500 years ago in what is now Kerala. Even though the events happened during that period are recorded in history, there are no proper documentation about the outfits, ornaments, their colour, weapons or home appliances used. Hence, some of them were made from imagination and referring available material.[58] 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.[59] Installed on a one-acre space, the tank was 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.[2] Several other sets were also created for the film.[60] Cannons were built accurately, but swords, shields, and helmets of Samoothiri's arsenal was made by referring similar armory existed in that century, exact models could not be found. A total of 40 cannons and more than 1000 swords were made. Some swords were made from carbon fibers while others were from bamboo. Horses were used in the film because there was recorded history that Samoothiri used to import horses from Bahadur Shah of Gujarat.[61]
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.[9] 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 have 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 Samoothiri and shanku insignia of Trivandrum kingdom. Since Samoothiri bought the ships from Egypt by bartering spices, his ships are Arabian model.[23] Cyril took only ₹25 lakh as remuneration, which was far less than what he usually charge, for his love for the film.[62] Sujith Sudhakaran and V. Sai was in charge of the costume department.[63] Keerthy's wardrobes, ornaments and character looks were based on three Raja Ravi Varma paintings. Indrakshi Pattanaik was her stylist.[64]
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.[65] 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".[66] 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.[67] Pune-based Anibrain, and two Chennai-based Knack Studios and Golden Star Studio were employed for the film's visual effects creation.[68] 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.[49] Post-production took 14 months to complete.[9] The film was reportedly completed with a cost of ₹85 – 100 crore.[2][69][3] The film's theatrical cut runs for 181.07 minutes. It underwent censoring in India on 23 December 2019.[70]
Music
The original score was 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 score for battle sequences in the film. It was also their debut in Malayalam cinema.[71] 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.[72] Raj was chosen by Priyadarshan after being impressed watching a video of him conducting a 52-piece London orchestra as part of his thesis in Berklee.[73] While scoring, 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.[74] Deviating from his usual norm, Priyadarshan who is known for giving references and definitive instructions to his composers, gave full creative freedom to Rahul Raj for scoring. His only instruction was to imagine as if he is working for a Hollywood epic and compose with that on mind. Raj wanted a soundscape that could bring an epic feel as in films produced during the golden age of Hollywood.[73] He mentioned Ben-Hur and The Ten Commandments as examples.[74] Beside composing, Rahul Raj also performed programming and production entirely by himself as opposed to have additional programmers in many regular film scores. The Chennai Strings Orchestra played string pieces for some of the significant portions.[73]
The original songs in Malayalam were composed by Ronnie Raphael. In the initial stage, Priyadarshan planned only fours songs in the film, with one being instrumental. His plan was to experiment by diving three songs to three composers. However, all songs were finally given to Raphael.[75] Raphael had composed music for Priyadarshan's Hindi film Anamika in the Forbidden Love series, after which he was offered the position in Lion of the Arabian Sea too. He composed five songs for the film.[76] Recording began as early as November 2018 when filming had not begun.[75] The songs were 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.[77]
The first single "Kunju Kunjali", sung by K. S. Chithra was released in all languages on 10 February 2021.[78] A flute cover of "Kunju Kunjali" by Josy Alappuzha, who also played flute in the original track, was released on 22 February 2021.[79] It was released on digital music platforms on 3 March 2021 as a track in the album. A teaser of second track "Kannil Ente" was released on 24 March 2021,[80] and the full song was released in all languages on 31 March 2021. The third track "Chembinte Chelulla", sung by Vishnu Raj was released in all languages on 21 May 2021, marking Mohanlal's birthday.[81] On 10 November 2021, the theme of "Marakkar" composed by Rahul Raj, was launched through streaming platforms and also on YouTube.[82]
Marketing
On 22 September 2019, The first teaser trailer of the film was exclusively screened at Aashirvadathode Lalettan, an event held at Gokulam Park, Kochi, organised by Aashirvad Cinemas.[83] The first trailer released in March 2020 was edited by Alphonse Putharen.[84] In November 2021, a promotional event was conducted on the luxury cruise ship Nefertiti Cruise, organised in association with Jain International School of Creative Arts.[85]
Release
Theatrical
The film was originally scheduled to be released on 19 March 2020, as announced in October 2019.[86] It was then moved to 26 March by January 2020.[87] However, it was further postponed without a release date after the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic.[88] 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.[89] 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".[90] The film was then rescheduled and postponed again three times in 2021: 26 March, 13 May, and 12 August.[91]
Fans show tickets for more than 100 shows were already sold out when it postponed release in March 2020.[92] There was a surge in COVID-19 cases in India when it was about to release in May 2021 coinciding with Eid al-Fitr.[93] The film could not release in the Onam holidays aimed August 2021 date as the test positivity rate (TPR) in Kerala was the highest in India at that time and theatres remained closed per government order.[94] Theatres were later allowed to run with half its seating capacity.[95] On 6 November 2021, producer Antony Perumbavoor said that they are cancelling theatrical release and the film will have a direct-to-OTT premiere through Amazon Prime Video.[96] Reportedly, they made a ₹90 crore deal with Prime Video for a direct-to-OTT premiere.[97] In early November 2021, a preview show was held for Mohanlal, his wife Suchitra Mohanlal, and producer Antony in Chennai, the theatrical experience from the show changed their decision to opt for a theatrical release.[98] On 11 November, Saji Cheriyan, minister of Kerala State Film Development Corporation announced that the film will be releasing on 2 December 2021 in theatres, which was decided after a meeting with the makers.[99] The government also waived entertainment tax for all films releasing in Kerala until 31 December.[100] The makers renegotiated and relaxed the deal with Prime Video to allow for a theatrical debut prior to OTT.[101] The film's release date coincide with the National Day holiday of the United Arab Emirates, where it premieres a day early, on 1 December 2021.[102][103]
Distribution
The film was reported to be releasing in more than 5000 theatres worldwide in March 2020,[104] and in more than 50 countries worldwide, which would make it the largest release for a Malayalam film up until then.[105] Besides the original Malayalam and Tamil versions, the film also has dubbed versions in Hindi, Telugu, and Kannada. Priyadarshan said that they also plans to dub the film in Arabic.[66] In 2019, they made a deal to release the film in China, dubbed in Chinese, and signed a co-production and distribution agreement with a Chinese company.[106] Kalaipuli S. Thanu of V. Creations bought the distribution right for the film's Tamil version.[107] The Telugu version is distributed by Suresh Productions.[108] The film is releasing in 4100 screens worldwide in five languages, with 16,000 shows on the opening days. Out of the 631 screens in Kerala, 626 screens is playing Lion of the Arabian Sea.[109]
Home media
Marakkar was released on December 17 through Amazon Prime Video in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Hindi.[110]
Reception
Critical response
The movie received mixed reviews from critics and audience. In his review for The Hindu, S. R. Praveen wrote, "Kunjali Marakkar certainly deserved a much better tribute. In the end, it is not about the crores that you spend, but about how well you manage to engage and move the audience."[111] The Times of India rated the film 2.5 on a scale of 5 and wrote that the film is "a historical hero's story that isn't rousing."[112] Malayala Manorama praised the visuals, cinematography and production design. They wrote, "Marakkar is undoubtedly the biggest film by the Priyadarshan-Mohanlal combo, but not the best by the two."[113] The Indian Express wrote, "Priyadarshan tells an age-old story without wearing down the viewers, though after a point, you may feel the movie is reluctant to show its inevitable climax. Otherwise, the movie makes for an engaging watch."[114] The News Minute rated the movie 3 out of 5 and wrote that the film is "visually stunning" but "badly written."[115] The New Indian Express wrote that the film "is yet another testament to Priyadarshan's remarkable ability to paint in broad strokes, but it falters when it comes to the emotional stakes."[116] Anna M. M. Vetticad of Firstpost gave the film 1.5 out of 5 writing "Mohanlal-led war drama is remarkably unremarkable."[117] Hindustan Times wrote that the film is "ambitious but underwhelming."[118] Rating the film 2 out of 5, Deccan Herald also wrote that the film is an "underwhelming experience."[119] The Quint gave the film a rating of 2.5 out of 5 and wrote that the film "is an epic disappointment."[120] International Business Times commented that "Marakkar is one such movie that is technically brilliant, but it lacked that powerful script and screenplay."[121]
Accolades
Year | Ceremony | Category | Recipient(s) | Result | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2020 | 50th Kerala State Film Awards | Best Dubbing Artist | Vineeth | Won | [122] |
Best Choreography | Brinda, Prasanna Sujit | Won | |||
Special Jury Award (Visual Effects) | Siddharth Priyadarshan | Won | |||
2021 | 67th National Film Awards | Best Feature Film | Priyadarshan, Antony Perumbavoor | Won | [123] |
Best Costume Design | Sujith Sudhakaran, V. Sai | Won | |||
Best Special Effects | Siddharth Priyadarshan | Won |
References
- "Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea". British Board of Film Classification. Retrieved 1 December 2021.
- Nagarajan, Saraswathy (24 November 2021). "Priyadarsan on the making of Malayalam cinema's costliest film, 'Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham'". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 23 November 2021. Retrieved 24 November 2021.
- Cris (2 May 2020). "Malayalam film industry faces Rs 600 cr loss but confident theatre culture will survive". The News Minute. Archived from the original on 28 November 2021. Retrieved 28 November 2021.
- Vyas (14 December 2021). "'Marakkar' to stream on Amazon Prime". The Hans India.
- "Five key moments for Malayalam cinema in 2021". Deccan Herald. 18 December 2021.
- "Mohanlal's 'Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea' makes its way to the 94th Academy Awards". The Times of India. 21 January 2022.
- R., Manoj Kumar (22 March 2019). "Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham was Mohanlal-Priyadarshan's dream for over 20 years". The Indian Express. Archived from the original on 24 March 2019. Retrieved 19 August 2019.
- B. S., Shibu (4 June 2018). "Malayalam filmmakers zoom in on history, myth for big-budget movies". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 18 August 2019. Retrieved 22 May 2019.
- "Mohanlal: Priyan and I have an understanding; I know exactly what he wants and vice versa". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 30 October 2020. Retrieved 28 February 2020.
- Sidhardhan, Sanjith (30 July 2019). "TP Rajeevan suspects Priyadarshan's Marakkar is based on his concept". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 22 March 2020. Retrieved 13 December 2019.
- Nagarajan, Saraswathy (14 November 2013). "Ghostbuster returns". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 26 February 2016. Retrieved 22 May 2019.
- Keshri, Shweta (7 December 2013). "Akshay's comedy is Priyadarshan's contribution". The Telegraph. Archived from the original on 18 August 2019. Retrieved 22 May 2019.
- Sidhardhan, Sanjith (1 November 2017). "Mohanlal to play Kunjali Marikkar in Priyadarshan's next". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 7 September 2019. Retrieved 22 May 2019.
- 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. Archived from the original on 7 September 2019. Retrieved 19 August 2019.
- "Mohanlal: We are dedicating Marakkar to the Indian Navy". Times of India. 2 September 2019. Archived from the original on 10 April 2021. Retrieved 30 March 2021.
- Sidhardhan, Sanjith (30 April 2018). "Mohanlal's Marakkar gets a grand launch in Kochi". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 7 November 2019. Retrieved 19 August 2019.
- Entertainment desk (25 September 2019). "Not surprised by the visual spectacle of Marakkar Arabikadalinte Simham: Prithviraj". The Indian Express. Archived from the original on 27 October 2019. Retrieved 27 October 2019.
- Sidhardhan, Sanjith (29 April 2018). "Mohanlal's Kunjali Marikkar to set sail on Kerala Piravi Day". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 7 September 2019. Retrieved 15 June 2019.
- DNA Web Team (22 March 2021). "'Dream come true': Priyadarshan ecstatic as Mohanlal starrer 'Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham' wins National Award". Daily News and Analysis. Archived from the original on 27 April 2021. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
- Shrijith, Sajin (30 November 2021). "Marakkar's intricate audio-visual design deserves the big screen: Ani IV Sasi". Cinema Express. Retrieved 30 November 2021.
- "'Marakkar-Arabikadalinte Simham': The Mohanlal starrer completes its script work". The Times of India. Times News Network. 6 June 2018. Archived from the original on 24 November 2018. Retrieved 15 June 2019.
- Sidhardhan, Sanjith (13 January 2019). "Fazil joins Mohanlal's Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 22 March 2020. Retrieved 13 December 2019.
- Priyadarshan (28 November 2021). "എന്റെ മരക്കാർ; ലാലിന്റേയും (ഇനി നിങ്ങളുടേയും)". Mathrubhumi (in Malayalam). Archived from the original on 28 November 2021. Retrieved 28 November 2021.
- Iyer, Sanyukta (22 May 2018). "Priyadarshan's next, a period-thriller, brings together Mohanlal, Nagarjuna, Paresh Rawal and Suniel Shetty". Mumbai Mirror. Archived from the original on 1 March 2021. Retrieved 15 June 2019.
- K. B. R., Upala (18 May 2018). "Suniel Shetty: I am returning to my janmabhoomi". Mid-Day. Archived from the original on 18 May 2018. Retrieved 15 June 2019.
- 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. Archived from the original on 25 June 2019. Retrieved 15 June 2019.
- Joshi, Tushar. "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. Archived from the original on 16 December 2019. Retrieved 18 January 2020.
- "Nagarjuna says his film with Nani will be on the lines of Munnabhai MBBS". Hindustan Times. Indo-Asian News Service. 21 June 2018. Archived from the original on 1 March 2021. Retrieved 15 June 2019.
- S., Sajin (25 September 2018). "Manju Warrier, Keerthy Suresh join Priyadarshan's 'Marakkar'". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 30 June 2019. Retrieved 15 June 2019.
- "Prabhu reunites with Mohanlal and Priyadarshan after Siraichalai". Cinema Express. 18 June 2018. Archived from the original on 30 November 2021. Retrieved 15 June 2019.
- 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. Archived from the original on 17 August 2019. Retrieved 17 August 2019.
- "After delivering hits, Akshay Kumar doesn't want to work with Priyadarshan anymore". Deccan Chronicle. 28 May 2018. Archived from the original on 19 August 2019. Retrieved 19 August 2019.
- Sidhardhan, Sanjith (7 July 2018). "Durga Krishna to act with Mohanlal in Marakkar". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 5 March 2021. Retrieved 15 June 2019.
- Sidhardhan, Sanjith (19 September 2018). "Suniel Shetty, Arjun join Mohanlal's Marakkar movie". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 6 November 2019. Retrieved 15 June 2019.
- Sidhardhan, Sanjith (25 September 2018). "Kalyani Priyadarshan and Keerthy Suresh join Mohanlal's Marakkar". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 6 March 2021. Retrieved 15 June 2019.
- Cris (21 January 2019). "Pranav and I have a 'siblingish' bond in real life: Actor Kalyani Priyadarshan to TNM". The News Minute. Archived from the original on 13 December 2019. Retrieved 13 December 2019.
- R., Manoj Kumar (14 August 2019). "Ranarangam actor Kalyani Priyadarshan: I love gangster movies". The Indian Express. Archived from the original on 17 August 2019. Retrieved 17 August 2019.
- "Keerthy Suresh learns veena for her role in Marakkar". The Times of India. 28 August 2019. Archived from the original on 10 February 2020. Retrieved 13 December 2019.
- Subramanian, Anupama (14 October 2018). "Pooja Kumar bags a Priyadarshan film". Deccan Chronicle. Archived from the original on 8 May 2019. Retrieved 15 June 2019.
- George, Anjana (25 January 2019). "Manju Warrier's look in Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham reminds one of Daya". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 6 September 2019. Retrieved 19 August 2019.
- C. R., Sharanya (30 January 2019). "Ashok Selvan to make his Malayalam debut with Mohanlal's magnum opus". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 1 February 2019. Retrieved 17 August 2019.
- George, Anjana (2 February 2019). "Kerala's Most Desirable Man on Television 2018: Shiyas Kareem". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 3 September 2019. Retrieved 13 December 2019.
- Express News Service (3 December 2018). "Priyadarshan's Marakkar starts rolling". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 4 December 2018. Retrieved 20 December 2018.
- Sidhardhan, Sanjith (27 December 2018). "Kalyani Priyadarshan: Shooting for Marakkar was equally nerve-racking for both me and my dad". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 30 November 2021. Retrieved 19 January 2019.
- Shrijith, Sajin (10 November 2020). "Working with Priyadarshan sir is like going to school: Dance chereographer Prasanna Sujit". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 22 November 2020. Retrieved 28 November 2021.
- Express News Service (18 December 2018). "Mohanlal joins the sets of next epic, Marakkar". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 20 December 2018. Retrieved 20 December 2018.
- "Mohanlal Joins Marakkar Arabikadalinte Simham". The Times of India. 16 December 2018. Archived from the original on 5 November 2019. Retrieved 1 January 2019.
- "It's a wrap for Mohanlal's Marakkar". Cinema Express. 26 March 2019. Archived from the original on 27 March 2019. Retrieved 27 March 2019.
- Indo-Asian News Service (20 April 2019). "Priyadarshan on Hera Pheri 3: Nothing is decided. Can't say if this will happen". India Today. Archived from the original on 28 November 2021. Retrieved 28 November 2021.
- Rajaraman, Kaushik (23 March 2021). "I have put 40 years of my work for Marakkar: Priyadarshan". DT Next. Archived from the original on 25 November 2021. Retrieved 28 November 2021.
- Mathews, Anna (22 March 2021). "Priyadarshan: Proud to be first father-son duo to win National Award". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 22 March 2021. Retrieved 28 November 2021.
- "Masterclass With Priyadarshan | Marakkar | RJ Salini | Cinema Daddy". Cinema Daddy. Event occurs at 13:09 – via YouTube.
- "ദൃശ്യവിസ്മയമൊരുക്കി മരക്കാർ, കടലിനടിയിലും ചിത്രീകരണം". Kerala Kaumudi (in Malayalam). 21 May 2019. Archived from the original on 4 March 2021. Retrieved 17 August 2019.
- "മരക്കാർ തലസ്ഥാനത്തേക്ക്; ചിത്രീകരണം കോവളത്". Kerala Kaumudi (in Malayalam). 14 March 2019. Archived from the original on 4 March 2021. Retrieved 13 December 2019.
- Kaumudy (24 November 2021). "മരക്കാറിനായി ഒരുക്കിയത് 42 സെറ്റുകൾ...കണ്ട് അന്തം വിട്ടു പോയി | Nandhu | Kaumudy" (in Malayalam). Kaumudy TV. Archived from the original on 29 November 2021. Retrieved 28 November 2021.
- എന്. ടി., അഞ്ജയ് ദാസ് (1 December 2021). "ആക്ഷന് സീനുകള്ക്ക് വളരെ അനുയോജ്യനായ നടനാണ് മോഹന്ലാല്- മരയ്ക്കാര് ഫൈറ്റ് മാസ്റ്റർ | Exclusive". Mathrubhumi (in Malayalam). Retrieved 1 December 2021.
- Jayaram, Deepika (11 June 2018). "Priyadarshan and Sabu Cyril team up again, for Marakkar". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 30 November 2021. Retrieved 15 June 2019.
- Entertainment desk (30 December 2018). "'ബാഹുബലി'യും 'മരക്കാരും' രണ്ടു തരം സിനിമകൾ: സാബു സിറിൽ". Indian Express Malayalam (in Malayalam). Archived from the original on 13 December 2019. Retrieved 13 December 2019.
- 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.
- R., Manoj Kumar (30 November 2018). "Portuguese-era ship under construction for Mohanlal's Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham". The Indian Express. Archived from the original on 1 December 2018. Retrieved 19 January 2019.
- Warrier, Unni K. (2018). "ചരിത്രത്തിന്റെ പുനസൃഷ്ട്ടി". Malayala Manorama (in Malayalam). Retrieved 1 December 2021.
- Warrier, Unni K. (8 November 2021). "'We didn't want Antony to go bankrupt': Priyadarshan on Marakkar's OTT release". Malayala Manorama. Archived from the original on 14 November 2021. Retrieved 28 November 2021.
- Rath, Punya Prava (11 August 2019). "Odia Stylist Stitches The Past To Perfection For Award Winning Biopic". Odisha Bytes. Archived from the original on 30 November 2021. Retrieved 17 August 2019.
- "Keerthy Suresh shares inspiration behind her look in Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham". Cinema Express. 30 November 2021. Retrieved 30 November 2021.
- Warrier, Unni K. (29 March 2021). "Never thought Sidharth had movies in mind: Priyadarshan on double National awards that came home". Malayala Manorama. Archived from the original on 28 November 2021. Retrieved 28 November 2021.
- Kumar, P. K. Ajith (21 September 2019). "Never-before-seen graphics for Mohanlal's 'Marakkar': Priyadarshan". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 26 February 2021. Retrieved 22 September 2019.
- Prajith, P. (29 November 2021). "യുക്തിയും അതിലേറെ ഭാവനയും ചേര്ന്ന മരക്കാരുടെ കഥ; സ്വപ്ന സിനിമയെക്കുറിച്ച് മോഹൻലാലും പ്രിയദർശനും". Mathrubhumi (in Malayalam). Archived from the original on 30 November 2021. Retrieved 29 November 2021.
- AnimationXpress Team (22 March 2021). "Mohanlal's 'Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea' bags National Film Award for Best Special Effects". AnimationXpress. Archived from the original on 28 November 2021. Retrieved 28 November 2021.
- Correspondent (30 October 2021). "Marakkar confirmed as OTT release, to premiere on Christmas". Malayala Manorama. Archived from the original on 9 November 2021. Retrieved 28 November 2021.
- CBFC (23 December 2019). "Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham". Central Board of Film Certification. Archived from the original on 30 November 2021. Retrieved 28 November 2021.
- Venlatesh, Jyothi (5 December 2019). "Marakkar Movie Background Score By Alternative Fidelity". Bollyy. Archived from the original on 8 August 2020. Retrieved 28 November 2021.
- Mathews, Anna (28 August 2019). "Rahul Raj to score for Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 31 August 2019. Retrieved 28 August 2019.
- "'മരക്കാറി'ന്റെ ഭാഗമാവാൻ കഴിഞ്ഞതിൽ അഭിമാനം: രാഹുൽ രാജ്". 30 November 2021. Archived from the original on 30 November 2021. Retrieved 30 November 2021.
- Menon, Anasuya (19 March 2021). "'Marakkar' composer Rahul Raj: 'One has to be a filmmaker at heart'". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 28 November 2021. Retrieved 28 November 2021.
- Web Desk (29 November 2018). "'മരക്കാറി'ന്റെ പേടകം ഒരുങ്ങുന്നു, അമരത്ത് ലാലേട്ടനെത്താന് ഇനി ദിവസങ്ങള് മാത്രം". Indian Express Malayalam (in Malayalam). Retrieved 30 November 2021.
- സുമേരൻ, പി. ആർ. (5 July 2021). "പ്രിയൻസാർ വിളിച്ചു ദൈവവിളി പോലെ; റോണി റാഫേൽ". Mathrubhumi (in Malayalam). Retrieved 30 November 2021.
- "Marakkar Arabikadalinte Simham movie gets a[sic] another record!". PrimeTime News. Archived from the original on 2 February 2021. Retrieved 29 January 2021.
- "Marakkar Arabikadalinte Simham song Kunju Kunjali: A soulful track". The Indian Express. 10 February 2021. Archived from the original on 5 February 2021. Retrieved 14 February 2021.
- Kunju Kunjali Instrumental Cover Song | Marakkar Arabikadalinte Simham | 4K, archived from the original on 10 December 2021, retrieved 10 December 2021
- "Watch: Pranav Mohanlal and Kalyani romance in 'Kannil Ente' song from 'Marakkar'". The News Minute. 24 March 2021. Archived from the original on 17 April 2021. Retrieved 10 December 2021.
- "'Marakkar' makers release new single 'Chembinte Chelulla' featuring Mohanlal". The News Minute. Archived from the original on 27 May 2021. Retrieved 27 May 2021.
- "Marakkar's Theme Music From Mohanlal's Historic Saga Is Grand and a Perfect Fit for the Magnum Opus! | 🎥 LatestLY". LatestLY. 10 November 2021. Archived from the original on 16 November 2021. Retrieved 10 December 2021.
- R., Manoj Kumar (23 September 2019). "Marakkar Arabikadalinte Simham teaser screened: Mohanlal promises a spectacle". The Indian Express. Archived from the original on 6 December 2019. Retrieved 27 October 2019.
- "Epic! Facebook can't contain the frenzy set off by 'Marakkar' teaser". OnManorama. Archived from the original on 25 November 2021. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
- Onmanorama Staff (27 November 2021). "Watch: Mohanlal promotes Marakkar on luxury cruise Nefertiti". Malayala Manorama. Archived from the original on 28 November 2021. Retrieved 28 November 2021.
- Web Desk (3 October 2019). "Release date of Mohanlal's 'Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham' revealed". The Week. Archived from the original on 28 November 2021. Retrieved 28 November 2021.
- Digital Native (1 January 2020). "Mohanlal's 'Marakkar: Arabikdalinte Simham' to release on March 26". The News Minute. Archived from the original on 28 November 2021. Retrieved 28 November 2021.
- Vivarelli, Nick (11 March 2020). "Coronavirus Shutters Cinemas in India, Poland & Lebanon as WHO Declares Pandemic". Variety. Archived from the original on 28 November 2021. Retrieved 28 November 2021.
- Bollywood Hungama News Network (14 March 2020). "Mohanlal and Suniel Shetty starrer Marakkar delayed at the behest of Gulf exhibitors". Bollywood Hungama. Archived from the original on 28 November 2021. Retrieved 28 November 2021.
- Ramachandran, Naman (19 February 2021). "South Indian Superstar Mohanlal on Amazon Film 'Drishyam 2'". Variety. Archived from the original on 28 November 2021. Retrieved 28 November 2021.
- "'Marakkar: Arabikkadalinte Simham' release postponed; the Mohanlal starrer will hit the screens on THIS day". The Times of India. 27 April 2021. Archived from the original on 18 November 2021. Retrieved 28 November 2021.
- Kuruvilla, Anu (11 March 2020). "Theatre owners, filmmakers say they are with govt in fight against COVID-19". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 13 March 2020. Retrieved 14 March 2020.
- Radhakrishnan, Manjusha (27 April 2021). "Mohanlal's warrior epic 'Marakkar Arabikadalinte Simham' defers Eid release". Gulf News. Archived from the original on 31 August 2021. Retrieved 30 November 2021.
- Indo-Asian News Service (12 August 2021). "COVID-19: Kerala not opening movie halls anytime soon". Gulf News. Archived from the original on 19 August 2021. Retrieved 30 November 2021.
- Correspondent (11 November 2021). "Marakkar to be released in theatres on Dec 2". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 13 November 2021. Retrieved 30 November 2021.
- "Mohanlal's National Award-winning film Marakkar Arabikadalinte Simham to release on OTT". India Today. 6 November 2021. Archived from the original on 6 November 2021. Retrieved 8 November 2021.
- "Mohanlal Film 'Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea' Sold to Prime Video for More Than Rs 90 Crore". News18. 7 November 2021. Archived from the original on 8 November 2021. Retrieved 8 November 2021.
- 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. Archived from the original on 25 November 2021. Retrieved 28 November 2021.
- "Mohanlal's Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham will release in theatres on December 2, confirms Kerala minister Saji Cherian". The New Indian Express. 11 November 2021. Archived from the original on 11 November 2021. Retrieved 11 November 2021.
- "കാത്തിരിപ്പിനും ആശങ്കകൾക്കും വിരാമം; 'മരക്കാർ' തിയറ്ററിൽ തന്നെ; ഡിസംബർ 2ന് റിലീസ്..." Malayala Manorama. 11 November 2021. Archived from the original on 11 November 2021. Retrieved 11 November 2021.
- "വീണ്ടും ട്വിസ്റ്റ്; മരക്കാർ തീയേറ്ററിലേക്ക്, റിലീസ് ഡിസംബർ രണ്ടിന്". Mathrubhumi. 11 November 2021. Archived from the original on 30 November 2021. Retrieved 11 November 2021.
- Kumar, Shyama Krishna (24 November 2021). "Mohanlal's 'Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea' to release in UAE cinemas". Gulf News. Archived from the original on 27 November 2021. Retrieved 30 November 2021.
- "Marakkar Arabikadalinte Simham earns Rs 100 crore at box office before its release". The Indian Express. 1 December 2021. Retrieved 1 December 2021.
- Indian Express (1 January 2020). "Marakkar Arabikadalinte Simham first look poster: Mohanlal promises a visual treat". Indian Express. Archived from the original on 31 December 2019. Retrieved 31 December 2019.
- "ചരിത്രമാകാൻ മരയ്ക്കാർ; അമ്പതിലധികം രാജ്യങ്ങളിൽ റിലീസ്". Deepika (in Malayalam). 11 October 2019. Archived from the original on 24 June 2021. Retrieved 27 October 2019.
- മോഹന്ലാല്; പ്രജിത്ത്, പി. (8 September 2019). "'ഇത്രയും കോടി ചെലവിട്ട് ഒരു മലയാളസിനിമ നിര്മ്മിക്കേണ്ടതുണ്ടോ എന്ന് പലരും ചോദിച്ചു'". Mathrubhumi (in Malayalam). Archived from the original on 5 October 2019. Retrieved 27 October 2019.
- "Kalaipuli Thanu to present Tamil Version of 'Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham'". 24 February 2020. Archived from the original on 28 February 2020. Retrieved 28 February 2020.
- "'Marakkar' teaser out, Mohanlal-starrer to release on 3,300 screens". OnManorama. Archived from the original on 25 November 2021. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
- "Mohanlal's 'Marakkar' enters 100 crore club even before release". Mathrubhumi. 1 December 2021. Retrieved 1 December 2021.
- Jha, Lata (17 December 2021). "Mohanlal's 'Marakkar' to stream on Amazon Prime Video on 17 December". Mint. Retrieved 20 December 2021.
- S. R. Praveen (2 December 2021). "‘Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea’ review: Kunjali Marakkar certainly deserved a much better tribute". The Hindu. Retrieved 2 December 2021.
- Anna Mathews (2 December 2011). "Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham Movie Review : A historical hero's story that isn't rousing". The Times of India. Retrieved 2 December 2021.
- "Marakkar review: The Priyadarshan-Mohanlal show". OnManorama. Retrieved 2 December 2021.
- "Marakkar Lion of the Arabian Sea movie review: Mohanlal's period drama is predictable yet engaging". The Indian Express. 2 December 2021. Retrieved 2 December 2021.
- "Marakkar review: Mohanlal film is visually stunning, badly written". The News Minute. 2 December 2021. Retrieved 2 December 2021.
- Sajin Shrijith (2 December 2021). "'Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham' review| Technically outstanding, emotionally uninvolving misfire". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 2 December 2021.
- "Marakkar Arabikadalinte Simham movie review: Mohanlal-led war drama is remarkably unremarkable". First Post. 2 December 2021. Retrieved 2 December 2021.
- "Marakkar-Arabikadalinte Simham movie review: Mohanlal's film is ambitious but underwhelming". Hindustan Times. 2 December 2021. Retrieved 2 December 2021.
- "Marakkar review: Underwhelming experience". Bangalore: Deccan Herald. Retrieved 2 December 2021.
- "The Quint Review: Mohanlal's 'Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea' Is an Epic Disappointment". The Quint. Retrieved 2 December 2021.
- Nirmal Narayanan (2 December 2021). "Marakkar review: Mohanlal's film is visually splendid, but screenplay falls flat". International Business Times. Retrieved 4 December 2021.
- "DECLARATION – 50th KERALA STATE FILM AWARDS FOR MALAYALAM FILMS & WRITINGS ON CINEMA 2019" (PDF). Kerala State Chalachitra Academy. 13 October 2020. Archived (PDF) from the original on 13 October 2020. Retrieved 24 March 2021.
- 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. Archived from the original on 24 March 2021. Retrieved 24 March 2021.