Marco Review: Action Over Story in Unni Mukundan's Intense Revenge Thriller

Marco Movie Review: Directed by Haneef Adeni, Marco is a high-octane action thriller that places emphasis on brutal violence and intense fight sequences over narrative depth. While the story may feel thin, the film's outstanding action choreography more than makes up for it, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats.

Release Date: January 3, 2025

Starring: Unni Mukundan

Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)

In recent years, Indian cinema has been rife with action-packed films, with 2024’s Kill standing out as a violent thriller that captured attention across Bollywood. Now, the Malayalam film Marco, starring Unni Mukundan, is making waves as one of the most violent films to hit the screens. Directed by Haneef Adeni, the film lives up to its billing, delivering explosive action scenes that will leave you breathless.

Plot Overview

Victor (Ishaan Shoukath), a visually impaired man, is a key witness to his friend's murder. His attempt to uncover the truth behind the crime leads to his brutal demise at the hands of Russel (Abhimanyu S. Thilakan), leaving behind nothing but a decomposed torso. His older brother, George (Siddique), a powerful figure, orders his men to keep the death a secret from Marco, Victor’s sibling.

However, Marco soon learns of the tragedy and goes on a vengeful rampage. As he digs deeper into Victor's murder, a series of shocking revelations unfold, driving Marco further into a quest for revenge. But when a new truth emerges about Victor's girlfriend, Marco must decide whether to continue his path of destruction or turn back. Who is the true mastermind behind the murder? Can anyone stop the unstoppable Marco? These questions are explored over the course of the film’s 2-hour-and-24-minute runtime.

The Strength of the Action

The film’s narrative is straightforward: a man on a revenge mission. What sets Marco apart is its relentless action and violence, which take center stage. The film opens slowly, reminiscent of the pacing in KGF: Chapter 2, with Marco’s introduction coming after the first 20 minutes. His character is first described by the children in his family as a fearless daredevil, a hero—almost a superhero. This portrayal helps set up the tone for the character, who is largely one-dimensional throughout the film.

Marco (played by Unni Mukundan) is a man of few emotions. His sole focus is protecting his family at any cost, even if it means resorting to extreme violence. His fiancée, Maria, expresses concern over his increasingly toxic behavior, calling him a "red flag." While you may not entirely warm to Marco’s character, you’ll begin to understand his motivations as the story unfolds.

The film’s plot is simple, but it’s the action that propels it forward. In the first half, the violence is tightly integrated with the narrative. However, by the second half, the action becomes overindulgent, featuring some of the goriest scenes you’ll see on screen. This makes Marco a film that’s not for the faint-hearted. While the film is rated A, its intense violence may alienate some viewers.

Character Dynamics and Performances

While Marco touches on family dynamics and explores the relationships between its key players, the film doesn't delve too deeply into these aspects, leaving much of the emotional weight unexplored. However, what it lacks in character development, it makes up for with its stellar performances and well-executed action.

Unni Mukundan shines as Marco, bringing intensity and conviction to a role that demands a lot physically. His stylish walk, the way he lights his cigar, and the brutality with which he handles his enemies make him a captivating presence on screen. The action scenes, whether it’s a staircase or corridor fight, are elevated by the hand-held camera work, which intensifies the drama and excitement.

Supporting performances by Siddique, Jagadish, Abhimanyu S. Thilakan, Kabir Duhan Singh, and Anson Paul add weight to the film, but it’s Mukundan who truly holds it all together.

Final Thoughts

At its core, Marco delivers what it promises—violent action, relentless fight sequences, and a hero on a warpath for vengeance. The film prioritizes brutality over emotional depth, making it a thrilling watch for action lovers. However, those looking for a more nuanced story or deeper character exploration might find it lacking.

If you can stomach the gore and are in the mood for a fast-paced, high-intensity action flick, Marco will deliver. It may not offer much beyond its action, but for fans of the genre, it’s a ride worth taking.

Rating: 3/5