Marco, the controversial Malayalam film starring Unni Mukundan in the lead, has come under scrutiny amid rising concerns over violence among students and youth in Kerala. Responding to the backlash, producer Shareef Muhammed of Cubes Entertainment banner stated that he will no longer make films as violent as Marco. Speaking to Asianet News, he clarified that the film was never intended to promote violence and was meant to be viewed purely as a cinematic experience. Despite the criticism, Marco was a huge commercial success, raking in over Rs 100 crore at the global box office, reportedly making it the highest-grossing A-rated Malayalam film of all time. It is now streaming on SonyLIV.
Shareef also acknowledged that his upcoming production, the Antony Varghese-starrer Kaattalan, contains some violent scenes but asserted that the extreme brutality in Marco was necessary for the story’s completeness. Regarding the much-debated scene involving a pregnant woman, he defended its inclusion, stating that it was essential to the narrative. He further explained that marketing Marco as "The Most Violent Film" was an attempt at transparency rather than sensationalism. He emphasised that Marco had an 18+ certification and was never meant for children.
The controversy surrounding Marco is part of a broader debate on the influence of violent films on real-life crime. The Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) Directors’ Union recently refuted claims that violent Malayalam films are responsible for real-world violence, asserting that societal violence is shaped by deeper socio-economic and psychological factors rather than cinematic portrayals. FEFKA’s statement was a direct response to concerns raised by prominent political figures, including Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, as well as law enforcement officials and social commentators.