Marco, a film directed by Haneef Adeni, is a milestone in Malayalam cinema, for the director has been known to weave his intense narratives, full of action and emotion. Adeni has already delivered hits like "The Great Father" and "Mikhael." He teams up with Unni Mukundan once again in this film. Timed to release during the festive season, Marco has made its mark well within a very short time as it has received excellent viewership and also broke box office collections to be the first A-rated Malayalam film to reach more than ₹100 crores. The movie Marco features an able ensemble cast which includes Yukti Thareja, Siddique, Jagadish, and Kabir Duhan Singh. Marco revolves around the gory genre of intense action and is rarely observed in regular movies.
The film follows Marco, played by Unni Mukundan, who gets caught up in a violent world run by a gold syndicate. A blind man named Victor who witnesses the murder of his friend identifies the killer, despite being blind leading to his death. His brother Marco, who vows to take revenge on those responsible for Victor’s death further realizes that the people involved in this are his closest allies. In the first half of the film, we know the characters and the world in which they live. Although I felt that the first half was especially slow, it provided a setup for the action later on. As the story unfolds, Marco’s character is tested through loyalty.
Marco brings in quite a few new ideas to Malayalam cinema. It is bold, first of all, of its violence, as it is something different from usual films in the industry. The fight scenes are more like international movies such as John Wick; choreographed meticulously and thrilling at the same time. The film also has a darker look, with cinematography that captures a world where violence is common. The music and visuals elevate this atmosphere. Unni Mukundan’s role as Marco stands out both for his range of acting and physique. Even the supporting characters played their part well.
It is a special experience to watch Marco in the theaters. Action scenes are so thrilling that one should watch them on a big screen, and every punch and explosion seems to be stronger. I got completely absorbed in the film’s gritty world several times, and I reacted to shocking moments. The theater atmosphere adds to the enjoyment of the film’s rawness and intensity. I loved the editing of the movie. All the fast-paced scenes are smoothly edited. The film reflects changing audience expectations in India and Kerela toward more aggressive narratives and extreme violence, showing how cinema is evolving.
If you like action movies or want something different in Malayalam cinema, "Marco" is worth watching in theaters. Bold storytelling and technical skills set it apart from the usual films in this genre. However, if you are watching it with kids, be aware of its graphic content; those sensitive to violence may find some scenes disturbing. All-in-all, Marco gives an intense cinematic experience with breathtaking action and high-performing performances. It is a change from traditional action movies since it indulges in extreme violence. It is quite a step forward for Malayalam cinema towards ambition and execution. So, if you are ready for an adrenaline ride on the big screen, then get ready to live the experience at the movies!