Marco Banned from TV due to Violent Content: The Malayalam action thriller Marco (2024), starring Unni Mukundan, has faced a ban from Indian television. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has rejected its satellite rights, citing extreme violence as the reason. Reports suggest that the CBFC is also pushing for a ban on its streaming rights.
The film, directed by Haneef Adeni, follows Marco, a ruthless criminal, who seeks revenge after the brutal death of his blind foster brother, Victor. Despite its success, the film has been criticized for its graphic violence.
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Marco Banned from TV – CBFC’s Decision and Government Involvement
The CBFC’s Regional Officer, Nadeem Thufali, has confirmed that Marco was certified ‘A’ for adults only, but its extreme content makes it unsuitable for family audiences. He also stated that while CBFC’s role is limited to certification, they have appealed to the Central Government to take action against its OTT streaming.
The film is currently available on SonyLIV, but its future on streaming platforms remains uncertain.
Criticism and Reactions to the Ban
The Kerala Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, has openly criticized Marco, stating that its violence could influence real-life aggression among youngsters.
Meanwhile, Unni Mukundan, the lead actor, defended the film, saying:
- Violence is a reality of human life, and Marco only shows a fraction of what happens in real life.
- Cinema should challenge and provoke conversations, rather than avoid difficult topics.
- The film was designed as the most violent movie in Malayalam cinema, and the team even plans to release it in South Korea, where audiences are more accustomed to graphic content.
Box Office Success of ‘Marco’
Despite the controversy surrounding its violent content, Marco (2024) emerged as a blockbuster hit in Malayalam cinema. The film, led by Unni Mukundan, initially had limited screenings but quickly gained momentum due to word-of-mouth popularity.
The Hindi-dubbed version of Marco started with just 30 shows in North India, collecting a mere ₹30,000 on its first day. However, as demand skyrocketed, the number of screenings jumped to over 3,000 shows, resulting in a massive box office turnaround.
The film’s success also extended beyond South India, drawing comparisons to Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s ‘Animal’, another violent action thriller. With record-breaking collections, Marco cemented its place as one of the highest-grossing Malayalam films of all time.
How Did Marco Perform Financially?
- The Malayalam version saw massive footfalls, especially in Kerala.
- The Hindi-dubbed version had a slow start but gained popularity after positive reviews.
- Marco outperformed several mainstream Bollywood releases despite its limited screens.
- The movie’s OTT streaming on SonyLIV further expanded its audience.
What’s Next for ‘Marco’?
While Marco continues its successful OTT run on SonyLIV, its future remains uncertain due to the CBFC’s push for a streaming ban. If the Central Government approves the request, Marco could be removed from digital platforms just like it was from television.
Despite this setback, the filmmakers are exploring international releases. There are plans to release the film in South Korea, a market known for embracing violent and dark storytelling. Given the rising demand for neo-noir action films, Marco could potentially reach a global audience.
Will There Be a Sequel?
Although there has been no official confirmation, the film’s open-ended climax has fueled speculation about a potential Marco 2. Director Haneef Adeni and lead actor Unni Mukundan have hinted at the possibility of continuing Marco’s story, especially if the film remains popular among audiences.
Could Marco Return to TV or OTT?
If SonyLIV faces pressure to remove the film, the producers may seek alternate platforms. Some reports suggest that international streaming services might acquire the rights, allowing Marco to reach audiences outside India.
Despite the CBFC restrictions, Marco’s success at the box office and on OTT proves that audiences are willing to embrace bold, violent storytelling. Whether it remains available in India or shifts to an international market, Marco has already made its mark in Malayalam cinema history.
FAQs
Why was ‘Marco’ banned from TV?
The CBFC rejected its satellite rights due to excessive violence, making it unsuitable for a family audience.
Is ‘Marco’ still available on OTT?
Yes, Marco is currently streaming on SonyLIV, but its OTT future is uncertain as the CBFC is requesting a ban.
Who directed ‘Marco’?
The film was written and directed by Haneef Adeni.
What is the story of ‘Marco’?
The film follows Marco, a ruthless criminal, who seeks revenge after his foster brother Victor is murdered.
Will ‘Marco’ be removed from SonyLIV?
The CBFC has requested the government to ban its OTT release, but no official decision has been made yet.
