Marakkar Review

In the 16th century, Kerala native Kunjali Marakkar IV existed to be a great naval commander and freedom fighter, fighting against the Portuguese who intended to take over his country. His narrative is told in the epic historical drama Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea. The film is well-helmed, with an all-star cast including one of the most celebrated actors in Indian cinema, Mohanlal, who plays the title role in the film.

Marakkar, directed by legendary filmmaker Priyadarshan, who is famous for his epic sagas and historical dramas, is a visual extravaganza that vividly captures the grandeur and magnificence of ancient India. It is the costliest movie ever produced in Malayalam cinema history. The whole film was made at a cost of 100 crore rupees. It has won much praise from critics for its breathtaking visuals, powerful performances, and compelling plot. Even after being praised for its stunning graphics and visual effects, it could only gather approximately 40 crores.

The movie follows the lives and times of Kunjali Marakkar IV, a naval captain who rose from modest beginnings to become one of his era's most feared and revered figures. His battles with the Portuguese invaders, who attempted to enslave and exploit his people, are legendary and have inspired many generations of Indian freedom warriors.

The movie Marakkar honours the spirit of bravery, selflessness, and patriotism that has always distinguished the Indian liberation struggle. Anyone who likes big historical plays and wants to appreciate India's rich cultural past fully must watch it.

About Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea

Storyline

The kingdom of Kochi in Malabar, Kerala, forms an alliance with the Portuguese empire in the late 1500s. This is done in an effort to colonize the area by toppling Kochi's long-time adversary and powerful kingdom of Kozhikode. Alfonso de Noronha, a Portuguese military commander, gives Kochi soldiers firearms training and offers them cannons in exchange for trading fruits and spices. The new Cartaz license system they have developed, which restricts trade with the Arabs, has angered the residents of Malabar. Influential trader Kuttiyali Marakkar discovers a way to evade Portuguese customs regulations, but he is betrayed by his brother-in-law Moidu, who is linked with Alfonso.

Kuttiyali and his sons, Kutti Poker Ali and Pattu Marakkar, were once in charge of the Kozhikode fleet and assisted in the resistance to Portuguese domination. However, after Poker was killed in action, they resigned and went into business for themselves. Muhammad Ali, the son of Poker, recently wed Aisha, his childhood sweetheart. However, during a raid, Alfonso kills her, Muhammad's mother, and Kuttiyali that same night. The king of Kochi describes it as a civil uprising and accuses Muhammad and Pattu, who had managed to leave and survive. The two manage to escape by raft after killing Moidu as payback, but a storm forces them to land in Ponnani, Kozhikode. They establish a new life there and meet the military leaders of the realm, including the sympathetic Anandan and the haughty Achuthan. Anandan dissuades them from fighting when Muhammad criticizes Achuthan for treating him disrespectfully.

Mangattachan, the right-hand fighter of the monarch, distributes provisions to the storm's victims, but Namathu Kurup hoards them to sell in the market, and his men attack Pattu for exposing him. Muhammad enlists Thangudu and his gang to rob Kurup's belongings and distribute them to civilians as payback. They carry out several attacks against corrupt nobility, and Muhammad assumes the role of Kunjali Marakkar, a fugitive from the kingdom who serves as the people's protector.

Many years later, Marakkar's gang attacks Portuguese ships in guerilla warfare, and during one of their raids, they come across Chiang, an enslaved Chinese person. As a result of Chiang's defence actions, gang member Aimutty kidnaps Chiang's mother. Marakkar saves her since he opposes harming women and children but inadvertently ends up killing Aimutty. Mayinkutty, the brother of Aimutty, witnesses this. After being saved, Chiang and his mother become friends with Marakkar, who refers to Chiang as "Chinnali". Achuthan gives Mayinkutty the order to kill Marakkar because he is a wanted man in Kozhikode, but Chinnali actually kills Marakkar first.

Threats from Viceroy Francisco de GamaViceroy are received when Kozhikode's monarch, the Samoothiri, rejects a trading arrangement their king has proposed; Francisco de Gama threatens to wage war against Kozhikode. Marakkar commands the warriors in battle, and they employ traps to destroy numerous Portuguese ships before locating and killing Alfonso. The court praises Marakkar, with the exception of the Kolathunadu diplomats who support the Portuguese. The Samoothiri gives Marakkar thanks by upgrading the citadel of his ancestors, which later develops into a hamlet. Meanwhile, Chinnali develops feelings for Aarcha, minister Dharmoth Panicker's daughter. Achuthan feels the same way for her, and she feels the same way back. Their parents decide to arrange the marriage of Aarcha and Achuthan. They are unaware that Aarcha, who is now expecting Chinnali's child, flees with him. In order to create tension, Achuthan accuses Chinnali of kidnapping her out of jealousy. Achuthan, Chinnali, and Anandan fight when Achuthan tries to get Aarcha to go back to the kingdom. Anandan begs Chinnali to calm down, but Achuthan kills Chinnali and flees. Marakkar slits Anandan's throat after arriving late and believing he is the murderer, causing Aarcha to commit suicide.

Achuthan also assaults a court participant in an effort to blame Marakkar and further portray him as a traitor. The Samoothiri was succeeded by a new ruler named Nambyathiri, who chose to surrender to Portuguese authority. As a result, Kozhikode and the Portuguese conspire to assassinate Marakkar. Despite Marakkar's village being under siege by the two armies, they are forced to retreat because of Kolathunadu's betrayal. De Gama suggests that they execute a few of Marakkar's people (who were seized as prisoners) daily because he still resists them. De Gama beats Nambyathiri for refusing, and Pattu is one of the first people put to death. In order to get De Gama to free his people, Marakkar successfully kidnaps him. However, Zubaida, the wife of Aimutty, and Achuthan lure Marakkar into a trap. When Marakkar apologizes, but it's too late, and De Gama's men arrest him, she regrets it. After being taken to Velha, Goa, Marakkar is found guilty and given execution by guillotine sentence after refusing to plead for compassion. He can be seen going to the otherworld with his mother.

Plot

Kunjali Marakkar IV, a renowned naval commander and freedom fighter from Kerala who fought against the Portuguese conquest of his motherland in the 16th century, is the subject of the epic historical play Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea. The Portuguese invasion of India and the indigenous warriors' resistance to save their people and territory serve as the setting for the movie.

The Portuguese fleet arrives in the Indian Ocean at the movie's start, and they try to build commercial ties with the regional tyrants. However, the Portuguese quickly betrayed the natives' confidence and started forcibly annexing their domains. Kunjali Marakkar IV, who was chosen to lead the Zamorin of Calicut's navy, was given the responsibility of protecting the coastline against the Portuguese invasion.

A man of remarkable bravery, skill, and loyalty, Kunjali Marakkar IV has a strong loyalty to his country and people, and he will do anything to defend them from Portuguese assault. He assembles a powerful navy and instructs his soldiers to engage the Portuguese with all their strength.

In contrast, the Portuguese are commanded by a cunning general by the name of Dom Francisco de Almeida, who is keen to conquer India and establish Portuguese dominance in the area. He possesses immense military skill but also great brutality and cruelty. He gives his forces orders to attack Indian villages and towns, murdering and plundering the defenceless residents.

The clashes between the Portuguese fleet and the Indian navy are depicted in the movie as being fierce, with both sides incurring significant losses. In several crucial fights, Kunjali Marakkar IV proves to be a master thinker and tactician, outwitting the Portuguese. He also creates agreements with other soldiers and local lords to fight the Portuguese invasion as a single front.

The movie also looks at Kunjali Marakkar IV's private life, including his ties with his family and loved ones. Kunjali Marakkar is portrayed as a man with a complicated personal life in the film Marakkar. Although he is revealed to be a devoted husband to his wife, their connection is strained. Additionally, his connection with his son is tense. This is a result of his son's unwillingness to assume the role of a Marakkar, which Kunjali had hoped for.

The film also examines Kunjali's connection with his daughter. She is portrayed as his confidante and advisor, and he highly values her viewpoint. This bond, however, is put to the test when his daughter develops feelings for a Portuguese sailor, leading to conflict between the two.

Kunjali's ties with his fellow commanders are also highlighted throughout the movie; they are like family to him. They interact with each other in a spirit of camaraderie and respect, both on and off the battlefield.

Although he is a loving husband and father, his commitment to his country frequently interferes with his personal life. He also has to deal with treachery and betrayal from within his own ranks, as a result of some of his soldiers being bought off by the Portuguese to betray him.

The movie culminates with a last fight between Kunjali Marakkar IV and Dom Francisco de Almeida as the battle between the Portuguese fleet and the Indian navy grows more intense. Both men battle fiercely and brutally throughout the conflict. At a high personal cost, Kunjali Marakkar IV ultimately triumphs. Mohanlal, who gives a strong performance as Kunjali Marakkar IV, is the star of the movie's all-star cast. Suniel Shetty, Arjun Sarja, Prabhu, Manju Warrier, and Keerthy Suresh are a few other important actors in the movie. Priyadarshan, a master director renowned for his epic sagas and historical plays, directs the movie.

Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea is a visual extravaganza that honours the spirit of bravery, selflessness, and patriotism that has always distinguished the Indian liberation struggle. It pays tribute to the valour and tenacity of the Indian warriors who resisted the Portuguese conquest and defended their homeland and population from outside invaders. For everyone with a passion for Indian history, culture, and ideals, you must see the movie.

Review

In the historical epic Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea, Kunjali Marakkar IV, a naval captain who fought against Portuguese invaders in ancient India, is profiled. This movie's breathtaking graphics and grand scale originally drew a huge audience. The film also carried a potent message about family dynamics, loyalty, and leadership.

The value of family is one of the film's major themes. Kunjali Marakkar IV is shown as a dedicated family man who is prepared to do anything to defend those who are important to him. His interaction with his son, whom he raises to become a naval captain in his own right, is a clear example of this. The link between father and son is a major theme in the movie, and it is obvious that Kunjali Marakkar IV is motivated to fight the Portuguese invaders by this bond.

Loyalty is another significant element in the film. Kunjali Marakkar IV is devoted to his nation and his people and will do anything to protect them. This can be seen in the manner in which he commands his soldiers in battle and in his desire to resist the Portuguese invaders, even when it seems hopeless. The film also emphasizes the loyalty of his soldiers, and it is obvious that their willingness to fight beside him in war is a result of their respect and trust for him.

The character Kunjali Marakkar IV is shown as a powerful and capable leader who can motivate his soldiers and inspire them to victory. Instead of depending on intimidation or fear, his leadership is founded on his capacity to comprehend his men and provide a positive example. This lesson is particularly important for young people, who are frequently expected to assume leadership responsibilities in their own lives.

Overall, Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea is a strong and captivating movie. The plot is interesting, the performances are potent, and the sights are spectacular. The movie's message of leadership, loyalty, and family dynamics are particularly quite intriguing. Anyone looking for an impactful cinematic experience that tackles significant subjects and provides an interesting and thought-provoking narrative should watch this film. Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea is a movie that is well worth your time and attention, regardless of whether you are a fan of historical epics or are just seeking a terrific movie to watch.

Moral

The life of Kunjali Marakkar and the difficulties he encountered as a leader are powerfully portrayed in the film Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea. The movie conveys a number of significant lessons about leadership, bravery, and sacrifice that apply to today's society.

The value of loyalty is one of the film's main lessons. With his deeds and an everlasting dedication to his people, Kunjali Marakkar was a leader who won the admiration and loyalty of his followers. He gained the trust and respect of those around him because he was willing to make sacrifices for the benefit of his community.

Additionally, the importance of family dynamics is emphasized throughout the film. As a dedicated husband and father, Kunjali Marakkar's love for his family served as a catalyst for his leadership. His commitment to them was a reflection of his character and integrity, and it gave him the encouragement and drive he needed to tackle the challenges of leadership.

The importance of strategic thought and leadership is a further key takeaway from the film. Despite overwhelming odds, Kunjali Marakkar was a brilliant tactician who was able to guide his forces to victory. His leadership abilities were a major contributing factor to his success as a leader since he was able to motivate and inspire his supporters.

Awards and Nominations

National Film Awards, India

• 2020 Winner of Golden Lotus Award for Best Feature Film to Priyadarshan (director) & Antony Perumbavoor (producer).
• 2020 Winner of Silver Lotus Award for Best Special Effects to Sidharth Priyadarsan.
• 2020 Winner Silver Lotus Award for Best Costume Design to Sujith Sudhakaran & V. Sai.

Kerala State Film Awards

• 2020 Winner of Kerala State Film Award for Best Dubbing Artist to Vineeth (Shared with Lucifer).
• 2020 Winner of Kerala State Film Award for Best Choreography to Brinda Master & Prasanna Sujit.
• 2020 Winner of Special Jury Award for Visual Effects to Sidharth Priyadarsan.