- Muralitharan Kasiviswanathan
- BBC Tamil
Image source, Aashirvad Cinemas, oMohanlal, Twitter
Maraikkayar Cinema Films
Cast: Mohanlal, Arjun, Prabhu, Manju Warrier, Keerthi Suresh, Kalyani Priyadarshan, Pranav Mohanlal, Sunil Shetty, Suhasini, Ashok Selvan, Haris Piradi, Nedumudi Venu; Music: Rahul Raj, Ankit Suri, Loyal Evans, Ronnie Raphael; Cinematography: Mr.; Writing, Direction: Priyadarshan.
The film is based on the story of Mohammadali Maraikkayar, the fourth Maraikkayar of the Kunjali Maraikkayar dynasty, who was the naval commander of the Samudri Kingdom who ruled Kozhikode in the 16th century. Priyadarshan-directed ‘Kalapani’ starring Mohanlal and Prabhu, centered on the Andaman Prison, was well received and the film generated great anticipation.
Mohammad Ali Kunjali (Mohanlal), who lost his father in the Samudra-ruled Kozhikode country, lives like Robin Hood who takes wealth from the rich and gives it to the poor. When the country is in danger of being invaded by the Portuguese, the pirate Kunjali is given the post of naval commander. Kunjali defeats the Portuguese.
Thus, his value in the court rises. The love affair between a commander and a woman close to Kunjali at this time shifts all equations. What happens after this is the rest of the story.
The first thing that occupies the mind in this film is its gigantic scenes. Priyadarshan has given a visual treat like forts, battlefields, ships. Similarly, Mohanlal, Prabhu, Keerthi Suresh and Nedumudivenu are in the cast. But, these alone are not enough for a great movie …
Image source, Aashirvad Cinemas, oMohanlal, Twitter
Maraikkayar Cinema Films
The opening scenes of the film, which are slightly modified from the real history of Kunjali, are tiring. From being a playful teenager to becoming a pirate and becoming a naval commander, we both get tired of watching movies.
There are a lot of great actors in the film. But many have only got one or two shots. So, no character could enjoy or get along. What inspiration must have been the story of the hero fighting aliens? But that did not happen.
There is no chemistry in the love story of Archa (Keerthi Suresh) who is forced into this story. The already slow-moving film is still moving slowly, that’s all.
The whole story took place in Kerala. But the castle in the picture and the costumes worn by those in the picture are reminiscent of Middle Eastern countries.
Mohanlal is a great actor. But, in this vibrant role he has struggled in many places. Prabhu, who has played the role of Thangudu who accompanies him, has no big job other than to offer comfort.
The visuals, background music, and fight scenes are captivating. However, the film did not do well because of the lack of excitement in the screenplay.
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