Mohanlal: We waited 25 years to make ‘Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea’, after ‘Kaalapani’

Priyadarshan’s ambitious directorial ‘Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea’ featuring Mohanlal in the lead, had hit the big screens earlier this month and the film is prepping for the digital premiere in India on December 17. Mohanlal has stepped into the shoes of Kunjali Marakkar IV and the magnum opus bagged three awards at the 67th National Film Awards - for Best Feature Film, Best Special Effects, and Best Costume Design.
In an exclusive and freewheeling conversation with ETimes, Mohanlal spoke about his ambitious film, the challenges the team faced while filming, and also revealed the dream that Priyadarshan and he carried in their hearts for over 25 years has seen the light through ‘Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea’.
‘Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea’ is grandeur in all its true sense. From the magnificent sets to the star-studded cast, the film was made on a massive budget, and when asked about the biggest challenge the team faced, Mohanlal shares, “The greatest challenge for us was to complete the film in 106 days. Although it wasn’t planned, we did it. In order to make a movie of this grandeur, a minimum of six months to one year was required, however, we succeeded to do it in a very short time.”

Mohanlal and Priyadarshan had earlier collaborated for ‘Kaalapani’ a historical drama and The Complete Actor reveals that they had plans to make ‘Marakkar’ ever since then! “‘Kalaapani’ was made about 25 years ago. After ‘Kaalapani’ we had a plan of making Marakkar. But at that time it wasn’t possible, due to certain factors. In order to make a movie like this at that time, we would have to go abroad and film it there, the graphics that were required and the budget for it were beyond our imagination. So, we waited 25 years to make ‘Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea’, after ‘Kaalapani’!,” Mohanlal divulges.
‘Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea’ also was rich with perfectly choreographed action sequences and the makers managed to pull off the battle scenes.
“The war sequences were challenging. The biggest challenge was to make it feel real. And yes, preparations were required in terms of choreographing the action sequences. Carrying out the action sequences were tough. We made the ship and the whole setup. So, Marakkar is unlike any other film we have made, considering the time and space it took,” Mohanlal shares, however, he doesn’t agree with referring to those challenges as a ‘tough’ one as always.

It has been over four decades since Mohanlal and Priyadarshan has entered the show business. Over the years, they have delivered countless blockbuster films together. When asked about what are the biggest challenges they face, at this juncture, as a team, Mohanlal shares, “The expectations from the audience itself is the challenge. We have to cater to them as well. Having said that, I must add that first, we make films for ourselves. See if it is up to our satisfaction. And that will obviously cater to the expectations of the audience. If there is a balance between both our and the audience expectations, that brings us joy!”