Set in the 16th century, the film is based on Kunjali Marakkar IV, the admiral of the fleet of the Zamorin of Calicut. The screenplay was written by Priyadarshan with Ani Sasi; the film was produced by Antony Perumbavoor through Aashirvad Cinemas, with Roy C. J. and Santosh T. Kuruvilla as co-producers. The film stars Mohanlal in the title role, and also features Arjun Sarja, Suniel Shetty, Prabhu, Manju Warrier, Keerthy Suresh, Siddique, Mukesh, Nedumudi Venu, Ashok Selvan, Pranav Mohanlal, Jay J. Jakkrit, Max Cavenham, and Toby Sauerback in supporting roles.