Last updated: 8 May 2026
Lion of the Arabian Sea
Malayalam · Action, Drama, History
3h 2m · 2 Dec 2021
Music: Ronnie Raphael | DOP: S. Thirunavukkarasu | Writer: Priyadarshan, Ani. I.V. Sasi
Ratings
Our Rating
2.5
Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea is a historical epic that chronicles the life of Kunjali Marakkar IV, the naval chief of the Zamorin of Calicut, who led the resistance against Portuguese colonizers in the 16th century. The story weaves through his strategic naval battles, personal sacrifices, and the socio-political turmoil of the era, highlighting themes of patriotism, valor, and leadership.
Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea is a grand cinematic spectacle that blends history with high-octane action sequences and lavish production design. The screenplay attempts to balance the sprawling narrative of naval warfare and personal drama, though at times the pacing feels uneven, especially in the first half where exposition dominates. The second half picks up momentum with intense battle scenes and emotional depth, providing a satisfying payoff.
The film's music and background score by Ronnie Raphael complement the epic scale, with stirring themes that enhance the tension and drama. The songs are well-placed, though they occasionally disrupt the narrative flow. Cinematography by S. Thirunavukkarasu captures the vastness of the sea and period details beautifully, adding to the immersive experience.
Overall, the movie is a commendable effort in Malayalam cinema for its ambition and scale, though the dense storytelling and length may challenge some viewers. The combination of historical grandeur and emotional storytelling makes it a memorable watch for fans of epic dramas.
Mohanlal: Powerful and commanding as Kunjali Marakkar, Mohanlal delivers a nuanced portrayal of the legendary naval chief, balancing strength with vulnerability.
Arjun Sarja: Strong and intense, providing a formidable presence as the antagonist.
Suniel Shetty: Effective in a supporting role, adding depth to the conflict.
Manju Warrier: Graceful and impactful, bringing emotional resonance to her character.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Priyadarshan's direction showcases his ability to handle large-scale productions with a focus on detail and grandeur. While the narrative is ambitious, some pacing issues dilute the impact. His vision brings history to life with a blend of drama and action.
| Source | Rating |
|---|---|
| 3.50 / 5 | |
| 3.00 / 5 | |
| 3.25 / 5 | |
| 3.00 / 5 | |
| 3.50 / 5 |
Our Rating
No collection data available yet.
No centers data available.
| Award | Category | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| National Film Awards | Best Feature Film | Won for its overall excellence in filmmaking |
| National Film Awards | Best Special Effects | Recognized for outstanding visual effects |
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 60% |
| Neutral | 25% |
| Negative | 15% |
Critics praised Marakkar for its ambitious scale, Mohanlal's commanding performance, and the grandeur of its naval battle sequences. However, some noted the film's uneven pacing and lengthy runtime as drawbacks. The production design and cinematography were widely appreciated, while the music received mixed reviews.
Final Box-Office Result
Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea released on 2 December 2021 (2021).
Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea is declared a BELOW AVERAGE at the box office.
Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea is available on Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video. OTT date will be updated soon.
Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea directed by Priyadarshan. Produced by Antony Perumbavoor.
Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea stars Mohanlal, Arjun Sarja, Suniel Shetty, Prabhu, Nedumudi Venu.
Tollybo rates Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea 2.5/5. Verdict: BELOW AVERAGE.
Music for Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea composed by Ronnie Raphael.
Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea — Genre: Action, Drama, History, Runtime: 182 minutes, Language: Malayalam.
