The fascination with Kunjali Marakkar does not seem to be dying down in Mollywood anytime soon. Kunjali Marakkar was the title given to the Muslim naval chief of the Zamorin (Samoothiri), during the 16th century. There were four major Kunjalis who played a part in the Zamorin’s naval wars with the Portuguese from 1502 to 1600.
Initially, there were rumours of Amal Neerad directing Mammootty in his magnum opus which he later denied . Now, we have not one, but two Mollywood films to be made on the life and times of the famed naval chiefs. Just a day after Priyadarshan announced a big-budget film based on Kunjali Marakkar comes Santosh Sivan’s announcement of another film, Kunjali Marakkar-4 starring Mammootty based on the same theme.
When contacted, Santosh Sivan confirms the news and says, “We will begin the shoot by April–May next year. The casting is still going on and some big names will be acting in the film.” Asked about the other film on Kunjali Marakkar being made with another big M, Mohanlal, Santosh says, “I do not know about that project and anyway, there are four Marakkars in history.” The Mammootty-starrer will have its script penned by T.P. Rajeevan and Shankar Ramakrishnan. The movie will be produced by August Cinemas.
