Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham Movie Review: A visual spectacle and Priyadarshan's phenomenal job

Director Priyadarshan has done a phenomenal job in weaving a story about Kunjali Marakkar, who is regarded as the first freedom fighter of India. The film makes it clear that the historical facts regarding Marakkar's life are vague. But, Priyadarshan and Ani Sasi have done a commendable job in blending the historical facts with the fictional story.

The period drama showcases the rise and fall of Kunjali Marakkar (Mohanlal), who is the naval chief commander of King of Kozhikode. Kunjali (Pranav Mohanlal played the younger version) sees the death of his mom and his entire family. He, along with his uncle, goes into exile and slowly becomes the messiah of the masses. Later, when he fights for the people, the King of Kozhikode takes his help to beat the Portuguese.

Parallel to this, Kunjali's close aide Chinnali (Jay J Jakkrit) falls in love with Archa (Keerthy Suresh), which comes as a big blow to him and his followers. What happens to Kunjali and the people who believe him, forms the story.

The film is a visual spectacle! It is Mollywood's most expensive film, and it does show on the screen. No wonder the film won National Award for Best Special Effects. The computer graphics are on par with international standards. The fight sequence staged at sea, where the Zamorins battle it out with the Portuguese, especially stands out.

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 The screenplay of the movie is a letdown as it feels disjointed, especially in the first half. It lacks coherence and sometimes there is no continuity between one sequence and another. We will have to hold on to the information and wait for the makers to provide closure. Because the film runs for 3 hours and 1 minute, holding on to one piece of information for a long time becomes almost impossible.

Also, Marakkar doesn't unveil his identity when he fights against the Zamorins. At one point, he is forced to reveal his identity. What was supposed to be one of the high points of the film didn't leave a lasting impact.

Mohanlal as Kunjali Marakkar has delivered a neat performance. In a scene where he breaks down, he proves why he is hailed as one of the best actors in the country. Siddique, Prabhu, Arjun Sarja, Harish Peradi, Ashok Selvan, Manju Warrier, and Keerthy Suresh have lived up to their respective roles.

The film is technically sound. The cinematography by Tirru is exceptional. So is the editing by MS Aiyyappan Nair. The background music of Marakkar did its best in elevating the mood of the film.

Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham is an interesting war film and a visual spectacle worth watching on the big screen.

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