Highlights
- Kamal Haasan says advances in technology can revive the long-delayed epic Marudhanayagam.
- The actor speaks at Goa airport ahead of IFFI 2025, where his film Amaran opens the India Panorama section.
- Kamal suggests rewriting the script or casting a younger lead for the historic role.
- Production challenges halted the project after its high-profile launch in 1997.
Kamal reignites hopes for his most ambitious film
Kamal Haasan has once again raised expectations surrounding Marudhanayagam, the long-dormant epic that has remained one of Indian cinema’s most anticipated unfinished projects. Speaking to reporters as he arrived in Goa for the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2025, the actor-filmmaker said he remains optimistic about bringing the project back to life.
The historical drama, initially launched in 1997 with global fanfare and attended by Queen Elizabeth II, was envisioned as a sweeping portrayal of 18th-century warrior Muhammad Yusuf Khan. Although filming began and several portions were completed, the production was forced to halt due to funding constraints. In the decades since, Marudhanayagam has achieved a legendary status, symbolising Kamal’s pursuit of uncompromising scale and ambition.
Kamal told reporters he believes today’s filmmaking tools can finally resolve the hurdles that once made the production nearly impossible. “I am confident that Marudhanayagam is possible with the advancement of technology in today's era,” he said, prompting an immediate surge of excitement across fan communities.
Script rework and casting possibilities
The actor reflected on earlier comments made during an Instagram live session in 2020, where he first spoke openly about revisiting the project. He noted that the original screenplay had been tailored for a protagonist in his 40s, which could now require a major creative rethink.
According to Kamal, the project could move forward in one of two directions: reimagining the timeline to fit his current age or selecting another actor to take on the lead role. “Either I have to change the time frame and reimagine the proceedings, or I have to find another suitable actor to play the role,” he had said in the earlier discussion.
The update suggests that development conversations have advanced further than previously assumed, renewing industry speculation about casting, financing, and a potential global-scale production model.
Spotlight at IFFI and parallel projects
Kamal arrived in Goa as his latest production, Amaran, opens the India Panorama section. Starring Sivakarthikeyan and Sai Pallavi, the film is also vying for IFFI’s Golden Peacock award, placing Kamal’s production banner at the festival’s centre stage.
At the same time, industry attention remains fixed on his collaboration with Rajinikanth for Thalaivar 173Thalaivar 173, produced under Raaj Kamal Films International. Director Sundar C recently stepped away from the project, leading to speculation that Dhanush may take over direction. The team has yet to confirm a replacement.
With Amaran positioned for major recognition, and fan hopes for Marudhanayagam surging once more, Kamal Haasan steps into the festival riding a wave of renewed creative momentum, and the sense that one of Indian cinema’s most elusive dreams could finally take shape.
