(27)Movie Review: Marco [CBFC: 2024 ‧ Adventure ‧ 2h 25m]
"Rise of the Superstar: Unni Mukundan"
Cast & Crew:
Director: Haneef Adeni
Lead Cast: Unni Mukundan as Marco Jr., Anson Paul, Arjun Nandakumar, Siddique, Jagadish, Malavika Menon
Music: Jakes Bejoy
Cinematography: Vishnu Panicker
Editing: Nishadh Yusuf
Production House: Unni Mukundan Films
Introduction: A Dark and Stylish Return of a Fan-Favorite Character
Marco (2025) brings back the menacing and magnetic character Marco Jr., originally introduced in Mikhael (2019). This time, the villain takes center stage in an intense and darkly emotional spin-off. Directed by Haneef Adeni and led by the ever-charismatic Unni Mukundan, Marco dives deep into the psyche of a gangster torn between power, revenge, and redemption.
Storyline/Plot: The Rise of a Ruthless Gangster with a Soul
The film follows Marco Jr., who rises from the shadows of his past to establish himself as a dominant force in the criminal underworld. Unlike stereotypical gangster films, Marco delves into the emotional undercurrents of betrayal, family trauma, and a desperate thirst for identity.
The narrative shifts between timelines, tracing Marco’s transformation from a broken child to a brutal gangster. Haneef Adeni weaves the story with signature style – slow-burn drama, intense dialogues, and emotionally-charged confrontations. The pacing may falter in a few areas, but the gripping intensity keeps the audience locked in.
Cast Performances: Power-Packed and Emotionally Charged
Unni Mukundan delivers his career-best performance as Marco. His portrayal oscillates between raw aggression and haunting vulnerability. He brings immense physicality and emotional depth, making the character memorable and relatable despite his violent tendencies.
Anson Paul and Arjun Nandakumar provide solid support, while veterans like Siddique and Jagadish lend credibility and gravitas to the narrative. Malavika Menon shines in a limited role, offering emotional balance to the testosterone-driven drama.
Cinematography & Photography: Visually Striking and Symbolic
Vishnu Panicker’s cinematography stands out as one of the film’s strongest technical elements. The gritty portrayal of urban landscapes, blood-soaked closeups, and symbolic use of color (especially red and grey tones) amplify the narrative intensity. Night shots are brilliantly executed, adding to the noir aesthetic.
The photography encapsulates Marco’s journey with metaphorical visuals – from dim-lit alleyways to sprawling cityscapes – all reinforcing the central theme of duality between darkness and light.
Choreography: Brutal and Stylish
The action choreography deserves applause. It’s not just about over-the-top stunts; each fight sequence feels personal and brutal, reflecting Marco’s internal conflict. The fights are grounded, raw, and stylized without losing their impact. Every punch feels earned, every confrontation intense.
Musical Score & Background Theme: A Sonic Identity
Jakes Bejoy’s musical score is electric. The title track is addictive, and the background score (especially during emotional flashbacks and confrontations) is deeply immersive. The Marco theme song carries a haunting blend of aggression and pain, becoming a character in itself.
The music never overshadows the visuals but elevates every frame with atmosphere and urgency.
VFX & Special Effects: Subtle but Effective
While Marco isn’t a VFX-heavy film, the use of visual effects during high-octane scenes – like explosions or hallucination sequences – is well done and never distracts. Special effects support the gritty realism rather than showcase grandeur.
Final Verdict/Conclusion: A Character-Driven Crime Saga
Marco is not just an action film; it’s a deep dive into the emotional scars that shape a criminal. It’s visually stunning, emotionally resonant, and brutally honest. The film dares to show the human side of a villain, making it one of Malayalam cinema's boldest character explorations in recent times.
The South Indian Movie industry is nailing it down. And, this time it's the Malayalam (Mollywood) industry taking the new leap in cinema making. Bollywood movies like "Kill" and "Animal" which carry the same bloodbath concept and scenes are a complete failure in front of this movie Marco. View action, killings, brutality, merciless acts like never before. The scenes are so bold and brutal that will go beyond your expectations and imagination. I won’t say much but would like you to go and enjoy the cinema. I saw it in Malayalam as I would enjoy it in its original language. But, since it’s in Hindi too you must definitely go for it. Highly Recommended!! And, two important things:
1. Do not miss the post credit scene. A sequel is expected.
2. DEFINITELY NOT FOR THE FAINT HEARTED. VIEWERS DISCRETION IS ADVISED. NOT FOR SMALL CHILDREN TOO.
Expectations & Recommendation: Worth the Hype
If you enjoyed Mikhael, Kumbalangi Nights (for emotional depth), or KGF (for its stylized narrative), Marco is a must-watch. It’s recommended for fans of psychological thrillers, gangster dramas, and strong character-driven stories.
This movie meets most of the expectations fans had and surpasses them in terms of performance and visual storytelling.
Next Installment (If Any): The Universe is Expanding?
Hints dropped in the climax suggest a possible sequel or a crossover with another Adeni universe character. Marco’s evolution isn’t over yet – a final scene teaser confirms “Marco: Resurrection” might already be in the pipeline.
PROS:
Stellar performance by Unni Mukundan
Visually captivating cinematography
Emotionally gripping storyline
Excellent music and background score
Gritty, intense action scenes
CONS:
Some pacing issues in the mid-section
Supporting characters underused
May be too intense for casual viewers
SCREEN SPEAK: (8.5/10) ★★★★★★★★☆☆
#SuperDirection #GreatActing #Blockbuster #Rocking #Wellmade #Unbelievable
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