Marco: Unni Mukundan's hyper-violent film to debut on OTT this Valentine's Day

Dubai: South Indian actor Unni Mukundan's actioner 'Marco', labeled as one of the goriest Malayalam movies ever made, will now reach a wider audience with its OTT release this Valentine’s Day.

The film will premiere on the Sony Liv streaming platform.

In an earlier interview with Gulf News, Mukundan championed the theatrical experience, acknowledging the changing landscape of cinema.

“Watching a film in theaters is irreplaceable. But OTT platforms give films like Marco a global reach, and that’s exciting.”

Mukundan also spoke about how this movie has turned into a career-defining film.

“For the last few weeks, I’ve started feeling like a pan-Indian star. The success of Marco in theatres is not just mine; it’s a collective effort. The Hindi version, for instance, began with just 30 shows, earning Rs30,000 [Dh13,000] on the first day. Now, it’s running in over 3,000 shows across India. It proves Malayalam cinema’s capacity to resonate nationally,” he said.

The film, which revolves around two feuding families in the gold smuggling business, doesn’t shy away from its brutal and visceral storytelling. Scenes of severed limbs, a baby suspended over a vat of acid, and unflinching violence have sparked heated debates. “Some love it, some hate it. But isn’t that what cinema should do? Provoke, challenge, and start conversations,” said Mukundan in the same interview.

Comparisons to Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Animal have also fueled discussions, but Mukundan views them as a compliment.

“Animal has a unique narrative style, and to be compared to it is an honor. But Marco is rawer, more brutal, and unapologetically intense. This isn’t violence for the sake of it—it’s about creating a character who reflects the rebellious frustration of many,” he explained.

As for criticisms about the film’s male-driven narrative, Mukundan is optimistic about the future. “I’d love to see more female-led action films succeed. It’s not about gender; it’s about storytelling. If a breakthrough moment comes, it’ll change everything.”

With Marco continuing to spark debates, Mukundan remains focused on his goal: pushing Malayalam cinema to embrace bold and diverse narratives.