Unni Mukundan's action film, Marco, has landed in trouble with Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). CBFC has denied permission for its TV broadcast due to excessive violence. OTT rights are also under controversy.
Marco: A Brutal Action Thriller
Marco is directed by Haneef Adeni. Marco is reported to be the most violoent Malayalam movies ever made. This movie was released on 20th December, 2024. This is reported to be a big hit drawing viewers who liked revenge-based action scenes.
This movie provoked controversy among the critics. This move was said by the critics to have a negative effect on children. This controversy increased when CBFC rejected its television & satellite broadcast rights.
Why did CBFC Reject Marco for TV Broadcast?
According to a report submitted by Manorama News, CBFC Kerala Regional Officer Nadeem Thufali T withheld Marco's TV screening permission due to its violent content. The board's regional examination committee had recommended the denial and the same was affirmed at the central level.
Moreover, the CBFC official has also approached the central government to block Marco's streaming on OTT platforms. The decision has also sparked speculations over the potential censorship action on violent movies on digital platforms.
👉 Read the full report on Manorama News
Where to Watch Marco Online?
Even in the middle of controversy, Marco is now streaming on different OTT platforms.
- SonyLIV – Malayalam and other South Indian languages
- Prime Video – Hindi-dubbed version
- Aha – Telugu version
The movie was originally scheduled to be released on OTT on February 14, 2025, but was advanced by a day and released on February 13 as a surprise.
Public Debate: Is Marco Too Violent for Streaming?
The raw, unfiltered violence of Marco has elicited extreme reactions. Some fans appreciate the raw, unfettered action, while others believe the movie glorifies brutal excess.
Veteran actor Jagadish, villain Tony Issac in Marco, defied the criticism by arguing:
"If violence in movies influences audiences, then why not the good messages conveyed?"
Is this perpetual debate a bigger issue on the regulation of content on OTT platforms? Will the OTT platforms get censored even more stringently in the days to come?
Final Thoughts
Marco has undoubtedly made a massive dent in the Malayalam cinema both economically and professionally.
📢 What’s your take on Marco’s violent action?
