The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has reportedly sought a ban on the streaming of Unni Mukundan’s Malayalam action thriller Marco (2024) on OTT platforms, citing excessive violence. The film, currently available on SonyLIV, had earlier been denied satellite rights due to its extreme content.
According to reports, the CBFC’s Regional Officer has appealed to the board’s Chairperson, requesting the Central Government’s intervention to prevent the film from being streamed online. Marco has been described as one of the most violent films in Malayalam cinema history.
CBFC’s Stand on Marco
Speaking to Manorama News, CBFC Regional Officer Nadeem Thufali stated, “Marco has already been certified with an ‘A’ rating. Parents should exercise caution when allowing children to watch such films. The CBFC’s role is limited to certification and does not involve censorship. However, we have rejected the satellite rights as the film is not suitable for a family audience.”
Kerala CM Criticizes the Film
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had earlier criticized Marco for its violent themes, expressing concerns that it could influence real-life aggression among young viewers.
Unni Mukundan Defends the Film
Actor Unni Mukundan, who plays the lead role in Marco, defended the film’s depiction of violence. In an interview with Galatta Plus, he stated, “Violence has been a part of human evolution. We have attained peace through wars. Above all, survival is our ultimate goal. I’m not saying it is an excuse to show violence on screen, but the fact remains that violence exists in our society. Marco doesn’t even show ten percent of the violence present in our society.”
About Marco
Marco is a 2024 Malayalam neo-noir action thriller written and directed by Haneef Adeni. The film follows the journey of Marco, a ruthless criminal and the adopted son of the Adattu family, who embarks on a violent rampage after the brutal murder of his blind foster brother, Victor.
Sources By Agencies
