Marco starring Indian actor Unni Mukundan storms global box office, joins Rs 1 billion club

Dubai: Malayalam-language actioner Marco, starring Unni Mukundan and directed by Haneef Adeni, has officially entered the elite Rs1 billion club at the global box office, solidifying its position as one of the biggest blockbusters of 2024.

This action-packed revenge thriller achieved the milestone in just 23 days, marking a career-defining moment for Mukundan, who proudly referred to himself as a "pan-Indian superstar" in a recent exclusive interview with Gulf News conducted before the film crossed this historic benchmark.

“Maybe for the last two or three weeks, I’ve felt like that! Thank you for saying so,” said the actor.

According to reports, Marco has not only captivated audiences in Kerala but has also found unexpected success in Hindi-speaking regions.

"The Hindi version started with just 30 shows, earning around ₹30,000 on its opening day. Now, we’re running over 3,000 shows in Hindi," he shared during our interview, adding that this surge underscores the pan-Indian appeal of Malayalam cinema.

As the film continues its theatrical run, Marco is set to make its digital debut soon. Sources confirm that Netflix has acquired streaming rights, with the film expected to release in late January or early February 2025 in multiple languages, including Malayalam, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada. The OTT version is rumored to feature extended scenes and exclusive content.

A spin-off of the 2019 film Mikhael, Marco centers on its titular character—a vengeful gangster who returns from Italy to avenge the murder of his adopted blind brother, Victor.

The narrative’s high-octane violence, involving butchering limbs, eyeballs, and even a newborn held over a vat of acid, has sparked both awe and controversy.

“I’ve read the reviews—some love it, some hate it,” Mukundan said during our candid chat. “But isn’t that what cinema should do? Provoke, challenge, and start conversations?”

The actor further elaborated on comparisons to Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Animal. “To be compared to Animal is an honor. While both films are intense, Marco is more unflinchingly brutal and raw,” he noted. “We’ve been upfront about it being the most violent film in Malayalam cinema.” Mukundan revealed plans to release Marco in South Korea, a market accustomed to graphic storytelling, emphasizing the film’s universal appeal.

Mukundan, who also co-produced the film, candidly discussed the challenges of balancing creativity with commerce. “Cinema is both art and business. At the end of the day, numbers matter—they ensure your work is talked about,” he said.

Marco, made on a budget of Rs30 crore, has become the first A-certified Malayalam film to cross the Rs 100 crore mark globally.

“It’s an aesthetically violent film with a rebellious character that resonates with audiences who feel constrained by societal rules,” he added.

The film’s most controversial scene—a baby held over acid—has drawn sharp criticism. Mukundan addressed the backlash, stating, “Cinema gives you freedom of expression, and no filmmaker should be pressured to hold back creatively. The scene you mentioned had significant cuts, but it was meant to be provocative. If it’s shocking, it’s because it mirrors extreme emotions and situations.”

When asked about violent cinema’s impact on society, he said, “I don’t believe cinema needs to teach or influence people. It’s primarily entertainment. Society reflects on cinema, not the other way around.”

With Marco, Mukundan has solidified his position as a force to reckon with in the industry. Reflecting on his journey from supporting roles to becoming an action star and producer, he said, “I’ve carved my own path. I didn’t come from a film dynasty or have godfathers. Everything I’ve achieved is through trial, error, and hard work.”

As Marco prepares for its OTT release, its theatrical success serves as a testament to the growing reach of Malayalam cinema. Whether loved or loathed, Marco has undeniably sparked conversations.