R ARIVANANTHAM
Ilaya Thilagam Prabhu had made his debut in Malayalam cinema in 1996 in the black buster ‘Kalapani’ with Superstar Mohanlal and the film was directed by Priyadarshan. Its Tamil version, ‘Siraichalai’, was released by Kalaipuli S Thanu and it became a roaring success.
After 25 years, the actor- duo have joined hands and acted in ‘Maraikar Arabikkadalinde Simham’ in Malayalam again directed by Priyadarshan. Set in the 16th century Calicut, the film is based on the fourth Kunjali Marakkar, the admiral of the fleet of the Zamorin.
Priyadarshan scripted the film with Ani Sasi. The film was produced by Antony Perumbavoor through Aashirvad Cinemas, with Roy C. J. and Santosh T. Kuruvilla as co-producers.
Incidentally, Kalaipuli S Thanu has released its Tamil version titled ‘Maraikayar Arabikkadalin Singham.’
Actors Arjun, Sunil Shetty, Manju Warriar, Suhasini, Keerthi Suresh, Kalyani Priyadarshan, Mukesh, Nedumudi Venu, Ashok Selvan, Biashal, Siddique and Suresh Krishna have acted in supporting roles.The film was made with a budget of Rs 85–100 crore.
The original score was composed by Rahul Raj, Ankit Suri and Lyell Evans Roeder; and songs by Ronnie Raphael.
Cinematography was handled by Thirunavukkarasu while editing was done by MS Iyyappan Nair. The film’s screen play was written by Bala, who had also contributed his service for the earlier Mohanlal films like Puli Murugan and Loosibhar.
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Speaking at media conference of film in Chennai, Kalaipuli S. Thanu said, “Priyadarshan had given me the opportunity to release ‘Siraichalai’ about 25 years ago. It was a black buster and was telecast on various leading channels every week. Thus it was leading the popularity chart. Now, in this film, ‘Maraikayar Arabikkadalin Singham’, also cinematography, art direction and the music are a class apart. RP Bala has written excellent lyrics and dialogues for this film. I wish that Bala should write more lyrics for my future films too. I convey my gratitude and wishes to all those who have dedicated a lot for making this film.”
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“We have started making this film as Mohanlal had told me that this film could be made in Tamil and Malayalam and dubbed in other languages. I have requested Kalaipuli S Thanu to release the Tamil version as I was having full confidence in his capabilities. This film is like a family. My daughter Kalyanai, Pranav Mohanlal, my assistants and daughter of Suresh – Keerthi Suresh – have acted in this film. Mohanlal had asked me to giv an important role to Prabhu sir. Of the total 639 theatres in Kerala, this film is being shown in 632 theatres. In a box office hit, the reservation alone had racked in a revenue of over Rs 100 crore as the film is getting houseful response in all theatres in the first week itself. This mega budget film is a grand success in Malayalam,” said director Priyadarshan.
Speaking at length on his involvement in this film, music director said, “I am indebted to director Priyadarshan and Kalaipuli Thanu. Priyadarshan Sir had given me a golden chance to make a turnaround in my life. I have worked as assistant music director for many years. I express my heartfelt gratitude to the director Sir for having given me this opportunity. All the songs have come out well with long-lasting effect.
Meanwhile, at the 67th National Film Awards, the film won three awards – Best Feature Film, Best Special Effects, and Best Costume Design.
The film released worldwide on 2 December 2021. The film received mixed reviews from critics praising the casting, performances, cinematography, editing, visual effects and production value but criticism for the pacing, writing and screenplay.
