“Marco” (2024) is a Malayalam-language action thriller directed by Haneef Adeni, featuring Unni Mukundan in the titular role. The film delves into the underworld of Kerala’s gold mafia, centering on Marco, a formidable gangster entangled in a web of betrayal and vengeance.
The narrative unfolds with Marco’s brother, Victor, a blind man, who becomes an unwitting witness to the murder of his close friend, Wasim. Despite his blindness, Victor identifies the killer by recognizing the distinct scent of the killer’s perfume and the vehicle. This identification leads the police to uncover that the killer is Russell Issac, who conspired with Wasim’s elder brother, Tariq, to carry out the murder. Tragically, Victor is captured by Russell, who throws him into a vat of hydrofluoric acid, resulting in his agonizing death. Victor’s brother, George Peter, the patriarch of the Adattu family, is devastated by the loss. Marco, Peter’s adopted brother who had been sent to Italy for safety, returns after learning about Victor’s death. At Victor’s memorial service at their local church, Marco vows to avenge Victor’s death, declaring his intent to eliminate everyone involved in the heinous act, including Russell, who is present at the scene. Despite Peter’s attempts to dissuade him from taking a path of violence, Marco remains resolute. The film progresses through a series of intense confrontations, strategic maneuvers, and emotional revelations, culminating in a climactic showdown that tests Marco’s resolve and morality.
Unni Mukundan delivers a compelling performance as Marco, embodying the character’s complexity and intensity. His portrayal captures the essence of a man driven by vengeance, yet burdened by the weight of his actions. The supporting cast, including Siddique and Jagadeesh, provide strong performances that complement the film’s dark tone.
The film’s technical aspects are noteworthy. The stylized action sequences are choreographed with precision, offering a visceral experience that keeps the audience engaged. The cinematography by Chandru Selvaraj enhances the film’s gritty aesthetic, while the background score by Ravi Basrur amplifies the tension and drama. The film’s pacing maintains a relentless momentum, ensuring that the audience remains invested in the unfolding narrative.
Critically, “Marco” has received positive reviews. Sanjith Sridharan of OTTplay awarded the film 3.5 out of 5 stars, highlighting Unni Mukundan’s performance as a significant strength. Janani K of India Today also gave the film 3 out of 5 stars, noting that it “will blow your mind off with its action pieces” and praising Mukundan’s exceptional performance. Pratyusha Sista of Telangana Today described it as a “must-watch for action lovers,” commending the director’s unique vision in crafting a top-notch thriller. Arun Antony of Deccan Herald rated the film 3 out of 5 stars, acknowledging its bloody and violent nature but appreciating the fresh and enjoyable action sequences. ABP Live awarded it 3.5 out of 5 stars, stating that it “sets a new standard in Indian cinema” with its thrilling pace and powerful action. Aaliya Farzeen Ashraf of The Week gave it 3 out of 5 stars, noting that it caters to fans of stylized action and intense violence. Shilpa Nair Anand of The Hindu wrote that the film “scores on the technical aspects such as the stylised stunts, cinematography and background score; the writing, however, flounders.”
In terms of box office performance, “Marco” has been a commercial success. On its opening day, the film grossed ₹10.8 crore worldwide, marking it as one of the highest openers in Malayalam cinema. Within three days, it grossed over ₹30 crore worldwide, with ₹14.75 crore from Kerala. In its first four-day weekend, it grossed around ₹40 crore worldwide, with ₹18.15 crore from Kerala. The film continued its strong performance, grossing ₹25 crore in Kerala and around ₹50 crore worldwide in seven days. By the eighth day, it had grossed ₹56 crore. The Hindi dubbed version became the highest-grossing Malayalam dubbed film in the Hindi-speaking region, netting ₹5 crore as of January 3, 2025. In 17 days, the total worldwide gross collection stood at ₹91 crore, including ₹40 crore from Kerala, ₹20 crore from the rest of India, and ₹31 crore from overseas. As of January 12, 2025, the film had grossed ₹104 crore worldwide.
In conclusion, “Marco” is a high-octane action thriller that combines intense performances, stylized action sequences, and a gripping narrative. Its commercial success and critical acclaim underscore its impact on the Indian film industry. For fans of the genre, “Marco” offers a compelling cinematic experience that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.