The collaboration between Malayalam cinema titans, actor Mohanlal and director Priyadarshan, has historically been a guarantee of success. From timeless comedies like Kilukkam and Chandralekha to the epic historical drama Kaalapani, their partnership has defined eras. Hence, when they reunited after the hit Oppam for another historical spectacle, Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham (Lion of the Arabian Sea), expectations soared to unprecedented levels.
The Unprecedented Hype and Pre-Release Glory
Announced in March 2021, the film was based on the legendary Kunjali Marakkar IV, the naval chieftain of the Zamorin of Calicut. Mounted on a staggering budget of Rs 100 crore, it was crowned the most expensive Malayalam film ever made at the time. The cast was a who's who of Indian cinema, featuring Pranav Mohanlal, Arjun, Suniel Shetty, Manju Warrier, and Keerthi Suresh, among others.
In a rare and sensational turn of events, the film clinched three National Film Awards at the 67th ceremony in October 2021, two months before its theatrical debut. It won the coveted Best Feature Film, along with awards for Best Costume Design and Best Special Effects. This pre-release accolade, a first for a Malayalam film of such scale, amplified the hype to a fever pitch. Producers even announced it had entered the Rs 100 crore club based on pre-release business.
A Grand Release and Swift Collapse
Defying the pandemic uncertainties, the makers opted for a grand theatrical release on December 2, 2021. It opened strongly, collecting an India nett of Rs 6.37 crore on day one. However, the tide turned rapidly as the film met with largely average to negative reviews from critics and audiences alike. The narrative, visual effects, and pacing were widely criticized.
Despite a slight uptick over the first weekend, the collections nosedived. The film failed to connect even with Mohanlal's dedicated fanbase, eventually becoming a subject of online trolling. According to industry trackers, Marakkar's worldwide gross collection stalled at approximately Rs 45.4 crore. This meant the film recovered less than half of its monumental investment, cementing its status as a colossal box office bomb.
Legacy and the Duo's Unbroken Bond
The commercial failure of Marakkar stands in stark contrast to the duo's previous historical venture, Kaalapani, which, despite being a commercial flop, was critically acclaimed and beloved by audiences. Marakkar's fate highlights the risks of mega-budget filmmaking where scale can sometimes overshadow storytelling.
Nevertheless, the historic debacle has not affected the enduring professional bond between Mohanlal and Priyadarshan. The duo is already preparing for their next collaboration, which will be Priyadarshan's 100th directorial venture, following his Bollywood project Haiwaan. This upcoming project signals that for these veterans, the show, much like their partnership, must go on.
