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CBFC Seeks a Ban on OTT Streaming Rights of the Malayalam Film Marco
Updated on: 06 March, 2025 01:02 PM IST |Amruta Karulkar
Marco Movie Poster
Unni Mukundan’s Marco (2024) has made waves in the Malayalam film industry. Deemed one of the most violent films in its history, it became one of the biggest grossers with an ‘A’ certificate. The neo-noir action thriller, written and directed by Haneef Adeni, was released on December 20 last year. Mukundan played the titular role of Marco, a ruthless criminal who embarks on a bloody rampage after the brutal death of his blind foster brother, Victor.
Despite its commercial success, Marco has faced significant criticism from various quarters, including political and cultural personalities. Many argue that the film glorifies violence and could mislead the youth.
The CBFC had previously rejected the satellite rights for Marco as per the existing certification policies. Satellite rights are only granted to films with either a ‘U’ or ‘UA’ certificate, but the film’s producers had sought a category conversion from ‘A’ to ‘UA’ to qualify. Their plea was denied.
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Unni Mukundan, on the other hand, defended the film’s content. He argued, “Violence has been a part of human evolution. We have attained peace through wars. Above all, survival is our ultimate goal. I`m not saying it is an excuse to show violence on screen, but the fact remains that violence exists in our society. Marco doesn`t even show ten percent of the violence present in our society.”
While Marco has found commercial success, its portrayal of violence continues to spark debates. Many believe films like these can influence impressionable audiences, while others argue that cinema merely reflects reality. The final decision on whether Marco will continue streaming remains in the hands of government authorities.
Also Read: Game of Thrones Actor Jerome Flynn to Star in Sukumaran’s L2: Empuraan
Despite its commercial success, Marco has faced significant criticism from various quarters, including political and cultural personalities. Many argue that the film glorifies violence and could mislead the youth.
CBFC’s Attempt to Block Marco on OTT Platforms
The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has taken a firm stance against Marco, seeking to ban its streaming rights. Following its theatrical run, the film began streaming on SonyLIV. However, the Regional Officer of the CBFC, Nadeem Thufali, has appealed to the committee’s Chairperson, urging the Central Government to intervene and block its streaming on OTT platforms.The CBFC had previously rejected the satellite rights for Marco as per the existing certification policies. Satellite rights are only granted to films with either a ‘U’ or ‘UA’ certificate, but the film’s producers had sought a category conversion from ‘A’ to ‘UA’ to qualify. Their plea was denied.
Also Read: Mohanlal Confims Collaboration with Director Jeethu Joseph for Drishyam 3
Official Statements on the Film’s Violent Nature
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan also criticized the film, calling attention to its extreme depiction of violence. Addressing the ongoing controversy, CBFC Regional Officer Nadeem Thufali stated, "Marco has already been certified A by the CBFC. Parents should exercise caution when allowing children to watch such films. The CBFC`s role is limited to certification and does not involve censorship. We have rejected the satellite rights for the movie Marco as it`s not suitable for a family audience."Unni Mukundan, on the other hand, defended the film’s content. He argued, “Violence has been a part of human evolution. We have attained peace through wars. Above all, survival is our ultimate goal. I`m not saying it is an excuse to show violence on screen, but the fact remains that violence exists in our society. Marco doesn`t even show ten percent of the violence present in our society.”
While Marco has found commercial success, its portrayal of violence continues to spark debates. Many believe films like these can influence impressionable audiences, while others argue that cinema merely reflects reality. The final decision on whether Marco will continue streaming remains in the hands of government authorities.
Also Read: Game of Thrones Actor Jerome Flynn to Star in Sukumaran’s L2: Empuraan
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