Marco is a Malayalam film starring Unni Mukundan and directed by Haneef. Released last week in Malayalam and Hindi, the film is currently enjoying massive box-office success. Let’s review the film here.
Macro Story: George (Siddiqui) and his half-brother Marco (Unni Mukundan) lead a powerful mafia syndicate. When George’s biological brother, Victor (Ishaan), is brutally murdered, Marco embarks on a relentless mission for revenge. How does Marco track down the killers? How does this quest for vengeance impact Marco’s family? These questions drive the plot of Marco.
Performances: Unni Mukundan has already established himself as a mass action hero, so his performance – even in intense action sequences – feels par for the course. The standout performances come from Siddiqui and Kabir Duhan Singh, whose characters receive significant elevation. Kabir Duhan Singh, in particular, delivers one of his best performances since Jil, utilizing his body language effectively. Jagadeesh and Abhimanyu also add depth to the film’s antagonists, enhancing the sense of villainy.
Technical Aspects: Kalai Kingson’s action choreography deserves special mention. While the film’s core narrative lacks a gripping storyline, the action sequences stand out as its saving grace. A building fight scene, inspired by the Indonesian film The Raid delivers an adrenaline rush. Ravi Basrur’s music and Chandra’s cinematography are exceptional, enhancing the film’s overall presentation. The production design and artwork contribute to the authenticity of the action sequences.
Analysis: Indian society is not yet accustomed to glorifying extreme violence. However, when violence is used to elevate heroism or drive the story forward, audiences can appreciate the intensity. In Marco violence often overshadows the story, resulting in a film that may leave audiences disturbed rather than entertained.
However, the violence escalates excessively in certain scenes to the point where it feels more sadistic than cinematic. A particularly disturbing sequence shows a pregnant woman being punched in the stomach, a child being beaten to death with a gas cylinder, and a mother’s mouth being pierced with fingers.
The level of bloodshed rivals the brutal Korean B-grade films of the 90s and echoes Japanese and Hollywood productions like “Wrong Turn” and “The Hills Have Eyes.” This degree of violence is unprecedented in Indian cinema, and the pre-climax action block, in particular, will not sit well with all audiences.
Verdict: Overall, Marco is raw and unfiltered and has so many action-filled moments. There is a lot of bloodshed and will be loved by a select few. For the others, it can be brutal and boring.
Bottom Line: Too much violence
Macro Rating: 2/5
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