The film, which was announced eight years ago, will start shooting this year itself.

After years of anticipation and speculation, the Malayalam film Kaliyan is finally inching closer to production. For fans of historical cinema and Prithviraj Sukumaran, this news comes as a welcome surprise. Announced in 2018 with much fanfare, Kaliyan went quiet for several years—leading many to believe the ambitious project had been shelved. However, the recent announcement that the film will begin shooting by the end of this year has reignited excitement.

Starring Prithviraj in the titular role, Kaliyan is a historical drama based on the legendary warrior Kunjirakottu Kaliyan of Venad (present-day Kerala). The film promises to be a cinematic tribute to a lesser-known hero, blending valor, cultural history, and grand visuals to craft a compelling narrative.

A Comeback to the Historical Genre

Prithviraj is no stranger to epic historical roles. His performance in Urumi (2011), where he portrayed a warrior battling colonial forces, won acclaim for its scale and depth. With Kaliyan, the actor once again steps into the world of period drama—but this time, rooted in Kerala’s own native history.

The role of Kaliyan presents a unique challenge: bringing to life a regional folk hero whose stories have been passed down through oral tradition and ballads. As a figure steeped in legend, Kaliyan embodies courage, rebellion, and fierce loyalty to his land. Portraying such a character requires more than just physical transformation—it demands a deep cultural and emotional connection, something Prithviraj has consistently delivered in his career.

The Long Road to Production

Kaliyan was officially announced in 2018 with the release of a powerful motion poster and a dialogue teaser that quickly went viral. The visuals hinted at a grand, large-scale film with high production values and deep historical undertones. But after this initial hype, the film’s progress stalled. Production delays, budgetary concerns, and perhaps the uncertainty of mounting such a massive project in the post-pandemic world led to a long silence.

Now, nearly eight years later, the crew behind Kaliyan has confirmed that the film is back on track. According to reports, pre-production is in full swing, and principal photography is expected to begin by the end of this year. This revival comes as a relief to fans and film lovers who had almost given up hope.

A Script Years in the Making

One of the key strengths of Kaliyan lies in its script, penned by BT Anilkumar. Reports suggest that Anilkumar spent several years researching the life and times of Kunjirakottu Kaliyan before crafting the screenplay. The story is expected to blend folklore with historical research, offering a layered and authentic narrative.

Unlike mainstream mythological films that rely heavily on fantasy, Kaliyan aims to root its story in the soil of Kerala’s past. The script is said to explore the social, political, and cultural context of the Venad region, drawing from ballads like Vadakkan Pattukal and local history.

This grounded approach gives Kaliyan the potential to stand apart in the genre of Indian historical dramas, offering not just action and spectacle but also emotional depth and cultural significance.

The Team Behind the Epic

Director S. Mahesh is at the helm of this ambitious project. While not as widely known as some of his contemporaries, Mahesh’s passion for the subject and commitment to historical accuracy have been noted in industry circles. His collaboration with seasoned technicians adds further weight to the project.

Sujith Vasudev, the film’s cinematographer, is known for his sharp visual sensibilities and has previously worked on visually stunning films like Lucifer and Drishyam. His ability to balance grandeur with intimacy will be crucial in bringing Kaliyan’s world to life.

Adding to the excitement is the inclusion of music composer Ravi Basrur, who rose to fame with his background scores in KGF and Salaar. Known for creating thunderous, emotionally charged music, Basrur’s involvement indicates that Kaliyan will feature a powerful and immersive soundtrack—perfectly suited to a war epic.

The Hero from Venad: Who Was Kunjirakottu Kaliyan?

Kunjirakottu Kaliyan is a relatively obscure figure in popular Indian history, but among Kerala’s local legends, he stands tall as a warrior of pride and resistance. He is believed to have been a fierce defender of the Venad kingdom, known for his unmatched swordsmanship, bravery in battle, and unflinching dedication to justice.

Much like figures from Northern India’s Rajput or Maratha lore, Kaliyan’s story is interwoven with loyalty, rebellion, and tragic heroism. Bringing such a complex and culturally specific character to the big screen is no easy task—but it also presents a rare opportunity to preserve and celebrate a slice of Kerala’s rich past.

Grand Ambitions and Historical Authenticity

The filmmakers behind Kaliyan have repeatedly emphasized their commitment to authenticity. Costumes, weaponry, and set design are reportedly being handled with historical precision. Locations are being carefully scouted to match the landscapes of medieval Kerala, and the production team is reportedly working with historians and cultural consultants to avoid inaccuracies.

This level of detail suggests that Kaliyan won’t just be a visual spectacle—it will also be a cinematic preservation of Kerala’s past. For an industry that often leans toward fantasy when dealing with history, this grounded approach is refreshing and ambitious.

What Fans Can Expect

From what we know so far, Kaliyan is shaping up to be a richly layered historical drama with high emotional stakes and epic visuals. Audiences can expect intense battle scenes, royal intrigue, and deep-rooted cultural themes. Prithviraj’s transformation into Kaliyan is likely to be both physical and emotional, and his screen presence could elevate the character into a memorable cinematic hero.

For fans of Malayalam cinema, Kaliyan also represents a shift toward more daring and grand-scale productions. While the industry is known for its realism and strong storytelling, large-scale historical films are still relatively rare. Kaliyan could open the doors to a new genre within Malayalam cinema—one that blends native folklore with world-class filmmaking.

Final Thoughts

The road to Kaliyan has been long and uncertain, but the film’s resurgence is proof that good stories, when told with passion and authenticity, can never be forgotten. With a powerful cast, a dedicated crew, and a story rooted in Kerala’s proud warrior past, Kaliyan has all the makings of an epic.

As we await further updates and a confirmed release date, one thing is certain: Prithviraj’s return to historical cinema is bound to be worth the wait.