The Malayalam action thriller Marco, starring Unni Mukundan, has started its box office rampage, earning ₹8.95 crore within its first two days. Directed by Haneef Adeni, the film debuted on December 20, 2024, and quickly garnered attention for its intense action sequences and gory visuals.
On its opening day, Marco earned ₹4.3 crore from India, with ₹4.29 crore coming from Kerala and about ₹1 lakh from Hindi regions. The movie's solid performance carried over to its second day, where it brought in ₹4.65 crore, reflecting an 8.14% growth. According to estimates from Sacnilk, this brings the film's total collections to ₹8.95 crore, with ₹8.92 crore of the share coming from Kerala and ₹3 lakhs from the Hindi belt.
Audience reception has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the film for delivering what was promised through its trailers and promotional materials. Reportedly, Marco is being hailed as one of the most violent films ever made in Mollywood. Viewers have responded particularly well to the film’s stylized action scenes, including notable sequences such as stairway fights and first-person shooter-style encounters.
The appeal of the film extends beyond just its thrilling visual style; many critics have also acknowledged Unni Mukundan's compelling portrayal of Marco, described as hyper-masculine and revenge-driven, which exudes both charisma and dominance. His performance has been touted as one of the film’s biggest strengths, alongside those of supporting actors like Siddique and Jagadish, who also received commendations for their roles.
Despite Marco's impressive numbers, its collections are primarily driven by its stronghold in Kerala, with little traction found outside this market. The film has reportedly already surpassed the lifetime collection of Mukundan’s previous release, Jai Ganesh, which earned only ₹3.07 crore. With Marco already grossing 171% more than Jai Ganesh's total lifetime earnings, it seems to be on track for significant success.
The film is closing in on the total lifetime collection of Anweshippin Kandethum, another Malayalam film which earned ₹9 crore. Just half a crore away from surpassing this milestone, projections suggest Marco could continue its successful run through the holiday season.
Industry insiders predict the film might achieve remarkable milestones, eyeing the potential to cross the ₹100 crore mark, particularly with estimates hinting at weekend earnings hitting ₹35 crore. The budget for Marco stands at ₹30 crore, meaning its return on investment is already promising. These positive indicators may pave the way for more ambitious productions within the Malayalam cinema space.
Reflecting on the transition from Marco to wider market dynamics, it stands positioned against other upcoming films, particularly Barroz, which is set to release on December 25. There's buzz about whether Marco will maintain its momentum or be overshadowed by Mohanlal’s anticipated release. Since Barroz aims for broader appeal, the competition could prove challenging for Marco.
Experts have drawn parallels between Marco and other successful Indian films, such as the KGF series, citing how audience expectations for violent action thrillers have evolved. With its bold narrative choices and commitment to stylized bloodshed, Marco is not just another addition to the genre but has begun to shape the future of Malayalam cinema. Should it continue to attract viewership, it could lead to more projects exploring similar themes of revenge, power, and familial conflict.
Overall, Marco has marked its territory firmly within the box office arena, and with such strong initial interest, there’s no telling how far this film could go before the year wraps up. Its success shines as both a celebration of Unni Mukundan's star power and the appeal of high-octane action narratives within Indian cinema.
