Marakkar trailer: Mohanlal's period film promises an epic and patriotic story of courage and sacrifice

With just days left for Priyadarshan and Mohanlal's magnum opus Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham to hit theatres, the makers have released its final trailer revealing the epic scale at which the director has mounted the period film.

The trailer, which was released on Saina Videos YouTube page, starts with a Portuguese general claiming that he has arrived with an army of 6000 men, cavalry and artillery to stop the atrocities of Kunjali Marakkar IV and issuing a notice to have the latter's head at his feet - dead or alive. We also get voiceovers - probably from Anandan or Achutan (played by Arjun Sarja and Ashok Selvan, respectively) - saying that they will bring him out of hiding. 

But that is just the backstory as we get to see the glimpses of battle sequences at sea that the team has been raving about. In between the trailer also shows the emotional scenes as Kunjali Marakkar recalls the memories of his mother (Suhasini) along with the members of Zamorins plotting against him as their king is rendered helpless. 

Apart from the technical perfection, cutting-edge VFX and stellar performances promised by the brilliant cast of the movie, it has also seems to have an emotional layer that films made of a massive scale often lack. Priyadarshan had told us that his conviction in the movie stems from its screenplay and the trailer very much points to it.

Starring Mohanlal in the titular role of Kunjali Marakkar IV, the movie's story, which spans decades, narrates the tale of bravery and sacrifice by Kunjali and his troops as they fought against the invading Portuguese troops.

Kunjali Marakkar was essentially a pirate, who was roped in by Zamorins in the 16tj century to protect them against the Portuguese. However, they ultimately betray him, leaving him and his forces to fend for themselves.

The film has Hareesh Peradi playing Mangottachan, Suniel Shetty as Chandroth Panicker, Keerthy Suresh as Aarcha, Arjun Sarja as Anandan and Ashok Selvan as Achuthan. Pranav Mohanlal plays the younger version of Mohanlal's Kunjali Marakkar IV.

The National Award-winning film, produced on a budget of Rs 90 crore, had wrapped up production almost three years ago after principal photography of 100 days. The movie required 14 months of post production due to the extensive graphics for the battle sequences at sea.

Marakkar also has Manju Warrier, Prabhu, Mukesh, Kalyani Priyadarshan and Nedumudi Venu as part of its cast.

Also read: Exclusive! Priyadarshan: My conviction is in the emotional thread of Marakkar rather than on its grandeur 

Also read: Exclusive! Ashok Selvan: I was under pressure on Marakkar’s sets because of the presence of all the veterans