The Malayalam action thriller Marco stirred a storm in the box office, earning astronomical figures not only in Kerala but also in the Hindi market. Though its hard-hitting tale and high-dose action engaged many, its violence has turned into a flashpoint of fierce debates. The Telugu-dubbed version drew decent traction but heated debates around its brutal scenes have dominated the social media sites.
Marco has been criticized since the start for its violent and disturbing action sequences. Both the hero and villain are shown indulging in brutal violence, and many viewers were left disturbed. Although the Censor Board gave it an “A” certificate, the film was able to draw a huge crowd, including children, and people were worried about its impact.
In a strong action, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has allegedly denied Marco permission for a TV telecast because of its violent content. Moreover, CBFC regional officer Nadeem Tufail has even recommended that the film be pulled from OTT platforms too. This move has sent shockwaves through the Malayalam film world, and debates on content control have ensued.
In spite of the controversies, Marco has been a box office hit, going past ₹100 crore in collections. But critics caution that if excessive violence becomes a trend in films, it may have a long-term impact on audiences. With talks ongoing, the future of Marco on streaming platforms is uncertain, as fans wait for an official announcement.
