Unni Mukundan’s latest film, Marco, has taken the Malayalam film industry by storm, not just for its commercial success but also for its intense narrative centered around violence and revenge. Released theatrically on December 20, 2024, Marco was marketed as the most violent Malayalam film ever made. Directed by Haneef Adeni, the film quickly garnered attention, especially for its gripping portrayal of the Kochi underworld and the brutal rivalry of gold syndicates.
The movie has already grossed over ₹115 crore globally, making it one of the highest-grossing Malayalam films of all time. Despite being labeled as excessively violent, it was praised for its storytelling and performances. Mukundan expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming response, mentioning, "It’s been an incredible experience, especially seeing how Marco connected with audiences across different regions. I always hoped for positive feedback, but the love it received truly astonished me." He credited his team’s efforts and the compelling narrative as factors behind the film's success.
Set against the backdrop of revenge, Marco tells the story of its titular gangster who seeks justice after his stepbrother’s murder. Critics have noted its resemblance to cinematic works like Animal by Sandeep Reddy Vanga and others, highlighting its grittiness and graphic violence. Mukundan, reflecting on the nature of violence depicted, stated, “Marco doesn’t even show ten percent of the violence present in our society,” during an interview with Galatta Plus. He explained, “Violence has been part of human evolution. We have attained peace through wars. Above all, survival is our ultimate goal.” This perspective has spurred discussions among cinephiles about where the line ought to be drawn with on-screen violence.
The film’s transition to digital platforms on February 13, 2025, sparked mixed emotions among its fan base. While eagerly anticipating the OTT release on SonyLIV, many were disappointed to find the version available streaming was not the uncut variant they had hoped for. Fans expressed dissatisfaction over the film being trimmed—despite expectations for the extended runtime. Critics and viewers alike argued about the philosophical and ethical dimensions of cinematic violence as Mukundan noted the harsh ways violence mirrors society. He emphasized, “Just because one doesn’t see violence, they cannot say it doesn't exist.”
After the film’s success and its accompanying pressures, Mukundan announced his resignation from the position of Treasurer at AMMA (Association of Malayalam Movie Artists). He cited overwhelming responsibilities due to his intensifying work commitments alongside Marco as contributing factors affecting his mental health. He shared with fans, "After much thought and reflection, I have made the difficult decision to step down from my role as the Treasurer (AMMA). I have truly enjoyed my time, but I now realize the importance of stepping back to focus on my own well-being and my family’s.” This shift highlights the intense pressures actors face, often intricately woven with their public personas and the expectations placed upon them.
Looking to the future, Mukundan appears eager to explore new creative avenues. He spoke about his next project, Get Set Baby, directed by Vinay Govind, which is set to hit theaters shortly. Emphasizing the importance of exploring varied roles and stories, he mentioned the diversity of his recent films and how they represent his commitment to the art form. "I always believed in diversifying my roles rather than being confined to one image. I wouldn’t say there’s a fixed formula for success, but it’s about having clear vision and staying dedicated to it,” he articulated.
Mukundan’s experience with Marco serves as both triumph and learning experience. The mix of success and challenges he faces paints the picture of the modern actor—juggling acclaim with responsibility, all under the watchful eyes of cinema lovers both at home and abroad. With sequels already being discussed and his eagerness to embrace new genres, Unni Mukundan is poised for even greater efforts beyond the success of Marco.
He is also keeping fans engaged by exploring projects across different mediums and languages, expressing interest in Kannada films as well. “It’s about finding the right story and character. My focus is always on good content,” he concluded, leaving audiences eager for what he has instore next.