Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea

The grand scale of production values such as Art, VFX, series of mega actors, costumes,Songs, Cinematography all would make one think here is Malayalam movie's KGF and Bahubali. First half is crisp and engaging. Pranav Mohanlal portion was very well done. Apart from some miscasting and every one using their own slangs , first half was very impressive.

Second half started of with long cliche melodrama that will put shame to the word cliche. From that point script and director did not know what to do and how to take it to a climax.

Any how, watch it for the first half, for the grandness never seen in malayalam movies before.

Don't expect much from this filim, watch it like a epic movie a real life story without adding any extra items they ve presented well,if u want a movie like kgf or Bahubali don't go for this one u will be disappointed acting of pranv Mohanlal is superb 🔥

Marakkar is a decent attempt and a one time watch (sans the hype). The cinematography, costumes, sets etc. Are quite well done. However, the core of the movie is amiss. The story and characters are all over the place and none of the arcs are well developed. It's just poor direction from Priyadarshan, throwing so many characters into the mix for no good reason whatsoever. All the plot lines are so short and meaningless, that nothing sticks. I watched it on the first day and took my family along as well, and it was truly an excruciating watch for my parents since it's 3 hours of boredom with no story. Mohanlal still has so much to offer and I really hope good directors take advantage of his acting prowess and producers spend big money on promising projects, unlike this one.

It's not worth talking about the historical significance of the film because the director itself claimed that the film has only 30% of historical factor rather all other events are merely fictional. The titular character, Kunjali Marakkar is a historical person (where the film's protagonist is Kunjali Marakar IV), and some of the elements flavored on the path of the story have that kind of historical significance. The Zamorins governance, invasion of the Portuguese, etc are the noted historical connotations. When we heckle the traces of Marakkar's legacy at the verge of the freedom movement we get the clear idea that all the marks pointed in the history is totally not at all history but it is something mythical in context. So we can't argue about the exact validation of the things that the film shows and the historical shreds of evidence portraying. Just put aside the matter of history, the film Marakkar: Lion of Arabian Sea is not much catchy and has not reached the expected level for me. The term 'expected' only refers to the fuss covered on all sides by filmmakers, news channels, and also among the fans. Actually, I didn't expect anything more from Marakkar because all the fuss that I'm talking about only has validity when the film gets released. After all, it's up to the audience. All that tumult is only a matter of marketing or publicity. Except for that tumult I went for the movie because of some of the factors. The one thing is the director itself. Priyadarshan is a good-crafty director whose visuals have innate quality and freshness. I love his frames and composing. As an admiring filmmaker, I look upon his films not because of the subject matter he discussed but because of those frames. I expect that kind of frame in this film and he didn't disappoint me. The next thing that urge me to watch the film on the first day is the acclamation received for the film at the National awards. It bagged the best feature film, Visual effects, and Costume design recognition at National Awards. I completely agree with the Visual Effects and Costume Design section but I don't know why the jury selected this film as the best feature one. I think they are mistaken. The main problem relies on the script itself. The movie lacks its core on the progression where it can't connect the emotion among the audience. It has visual assistance with CGI but more than the gimmicks of visual effects the film swirled into dialogue to dialogue presentation. I felt that the director intentionally packed dialogues in each and every corner of the movie. It is a big film; in content and making but can't be valued as a good one because it lacks the nucleus that a film must-have.

Overview: "Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham" is a cinematic spectacle that boasts intense action sequences, commendable performances, and a storyline that, while thin, serves as a backdrop for the film's visual grandeur.

Visuals: The film's visual composition is nothing short of stunning, with each frame resembling a meticulously crafted painting. The combined efforts of the cinematography team, art department, and director are deserving of high praise for creating such a visually arresting experience.

Special Effects: The VFX work in "Marakkar" is arguably the finest within the Malayalam film industry to date. In contrast to other high-budget Indian films, "Marakkar" exercises restraint in its CGI usage, opting for a balanced blend of visual effects and practical effects that enhance the narrative without overshadowing it-a decision that will likely age well over time.

Design and Artistry: Both costume design and art direction are standout elements, successfully navigating the director's vision of a story that is 30% historical and 70% fictional. The film's aesthetic choices effectively support this creative balance.

Music and Performances: The soundtrack adds an enjoyable layer to the film's atmosphere, while the cast delivers solid performances across the board, despite some characters receiving limited screen time.

Narrative Challenges: However, the film's narrative is encumbered by an excess of characters who fail to justify their presence, leading to a bloated runtime and a sluggish pace. Those seeking a traditional historical drama may find themselves underwhelmed, as the film lacks emotionally resonant moments with its protagonist, Kunjali Marakkar IV, save for the intense final sequence and ending song.

Authenticity: A notable shortcoming is the film's inability to authentically reflect its historical setting. The dialogue lacks period-specific nuances, often indistinguishable from contemporary vernacular, which detracts from the immersive experience.

Screenplay and Theme Music: The screenplay's mediocrity is a significant detriment, undermining the film's potential impact. Additionally, while the theme music is functional and occasionally evocative, its repetitive nature is noticeable.

Conclusion: Despite not meeting the lofty expectations set by its pre-release buzz, "Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham" is a commendable effort that showcases the dedication of a large creative team. It represents a bold venture in the Malayalam film industry, with a budget that surpasses typical box office returns.

Verdict: "Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham" is a film best appreciated on the big screen, offering a watchable experience that highlights the fruits of collective ambition and hard work.