Coronavirus outbreak, Kerala movie theatres to remain shut till March 31

As Kerala confirmed its 12th coronavirus positive case on Tuesday, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced that movie theatres will remain closed till March 31. Announcing a slew of measures to curb further spread of the virus in the coastal state, the state government has declared holiday for educational institutions.

The announcement will hit movies that were scheduled to release Friday and later this month. The list includes Mohanlal’s highly anticipated big budget film Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham. Directed by Priyadarshan, the film was scheduled to hit screens on March 26.

Ever since the announcement of the project, fans have been waiting with bated breath for the release of the movie. According to media reports, the period drama is produced at a budget of Rs 100 crore. Co-produced by Antony Perumbavoor and Ashirvad Cinemas, the film is touted to be the most expensive Malayalam film yet. Mohanlal plays the titular role of Kunjali Marakkar IV, who was the naval chief of the Zamorin of Calicut. The film also features Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty, Manju Warrier, Kalyani Priyadarshan, Keerthy Suresh, Mukesh, Siddique among others.

Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham is Priyadarshan’s 45th film as a director and the 25th movie which will be bankrolled by Aashirvad Cinemas.