Unni Mukundan's latest film, Marco, has stirred excitement across Indian cinema as it opens the floodgates on the genre of action films. Directed by Haneef Adeni, the movie has emerged as one of the most talked-about and violent productions of early 2025. It presents its protagonist, Marco, as he embarks on a feverish quest for vengeance, captivating audiences with explosive action sequences.
One of the film's staunchest supporters is action hero Babu Antony, who praised both Mukundan and Adeni for giving Malayalam cinema such a strong start this year. He noted, "Congratulations, Marco team! Good to hear..." adding how, unlike many of his own films, Marco embraces violence openly. Antony clarified, "I am not a promoter of violence... All my movies were no blood, purely physical action based." Yet he recognizes the audience's choice, especially since the film has received 'A' certification from the censor board.
The film is garnering accolades not just locally but also nationally, catching the attention of critics and cinemas alike. Unni Mukundan has been recognized as the perfect fit for the action hero role, rising to the occasion under the direction of Kalai Kingson, who has received praise for his innovative approach to action choreography.
Kalai, whose work has impacted various film industries, mentioned, "We wanted the action to be bold and fresh..." during his exclusive interview with ETV Bharat. His vision for Marco highlighted the importance of safe execution, ensuring no injuries occurred during dangerous stunts, even as Mukundan delivered gravity-defying performances.
The essence of Kalai's work is unveiled through standout scenes such as the iconic staircase fight, where Marco engages over fifty adversaries, ascending to new heights of intensity. Kalai shared, "We shot the scene in a single take, with no rehearsal," showcasing the fervor and commitment of Mukundan to the character.
Unni Mukundan's evolution as the action hero of Marco is underscored by Kalai's testimonial: "He has the swag of a Hollywood star... His flexibility and commitment were invaluable." This has raised questions about why Mukundan has not been utilized to greater effect until now, leaving audiences eager for more of his capabilities.
Despite its emphasis on violent action, critics have noted the simplicity of the story, which focuses on Marco's personal quest for revenge. From its opening moments, where Marco's family dynamics are introduced, to the heart-pounding chase for truth, the narrative seems thin, and some reviews suggest it falls short of emotional depth.
A recent review highlighted, "Marco is not for the faint-hearted..." This sentiment emphasizes the film's heavy reliance on brutal action sequences, asserting the film’s grip on the viewer is often due to its visual intensity rather than traditional storytelling mechanisms.
The film is poised to attract audiences with its over-the-top action, which at times borders on the excessive. Some critics suggest, "The first half blends violence with the storyline. The second half, though, becomes overindulgent." The commentary suggests audiences witness visually impressive, yet at times gratuitous violence as the film progresses.
Mukundan's portrayal of Marco, with captivating scenes such as lighting his cigar with effortless cool, juxtaposes his raw fighting skills to something more complex. His co-stars, like Siddique and Abhimanyu S Thilakan, have also received nods for enhancing the dramatic weight the film carries.
The exhilarating climax took place over exhaustive shoot days, with stars like Mukundan demonstrating tremendous physical preparations, such as not consuming water to achieve peak physicality for his role. Kalai, reflecting on the extreme measures during shooting, described Mukundan’s determination to perform dangerous stunts firsthand instead of using body doubles.
Looking forward, the combination of Mukundan's raw talent as showcased through Marco, alongside Kalai's innovative action direction, shapes the promise of future projects. Unni Mukundan may emerge as the quintessential action hero the Malayalam film industry desperately needs.
Going forward, as audiences witness the rise of films like Marco, which lean heavily on high-octane violence, one must ponder: will substance be sacrificed for spectacle? Kalai Kingson and Unni Mukundan challenge audiences to engage deeply with their work, even as they entertain through thrilling, albeit ambitious, cinematic experiences.