Marco Ban On OTT? Producer Vows To Not Make 'Violent Films' After Unni Mukundan Starrer Stirs Controversy Over TV Premiere

Malayalam film Marco, starring Unni Mukundan, was not granted satellite TV rights due to "extreme violence", thus cancelling its planned small screen premiere. The action drama released on December 20 last year and is already streaming on OTT. A plea by its producers for category conversion from A certificate to UA for obtaining TV rights has been cancelled by the regional office of the CBFC. Additionally, the team has written to the Central Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to cancel the digital streaming rights of Marco.

Also read: Unni Mukundan’s Marco Faces OTT Ban? CBFC Seeks Strict Measures

Violence in movies becomes a political issue in Kerala

Marco is also the first Malayalam film with an A rating to gross over ₹100 crore at the box office. The movie is streaming on SonyLIV and Prime Video. There has been concerns raised against violent films affecting and wrongly encouraging the youth in Kerala and Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) Directors' Union has also allayed such fears. Now, the call for Marco streaming rights cancellation may signal something much worse for the team and the film community.

Also read: Marco OTT Release: No 'Uncut' And 'Raw' Version For Fans?

The Union recently refuted claims that violent Malayalam films are responsible for real-world violence. FEFKA’s statement was a direct response to voices raised by prominent political figures, including Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan , as well as law enforcement officials and social commentators. Speaking about the matter, Marco producer Shareef Muhammad for Cubes Entertainments said that he will no longer make movies as violent as Marco and that he intended to provide entertainment to the audience. The movie includes scenes of violence against kids and animals.  

When Unni Mukundan apologised to young kids for Marco's A certificate

Malayalam actor Unni Mukundan, known for making family-friendly comedies and drama movies, with Malikappuram (2022) being the latest example, had earlier apologised to young kids and family audiences who would not be able to watch Marco due to its A certification. Understanding the disappointment that a lot of families felt because of not being able to watch his film, Mukundan had then promised families and children that he will, with his next film, make up for them not being able to watch Marco.

Produced by Shareef Muhammad for Cubes Entertainments, the film, directed by Haneef Adeni, features Unni Mukundan in the titular role.