An action film of this calibre is a rarity in Malayalam cinema, and the achievement of actor Unni Mukundan with his recent success, Marco, is truly remarkable. This A-certified action drama has surpassed ₹120 crore in earnings, establishing Mukundan as a pan-Indian actor with a significant presence in the Hindi market.

Described as the most violent film ever produced, this revenge narrative continues to perform exceptionally well at the box office and is set for a release in South Korea in April. In an exclusive interview with Hindustan Times, Unni Mukundan discusses his return to the action genre after a six-year hiatus and the reasons behind this break.

Marco, which serves as a spin-off to Mikhael (2019), is scheduled for release in Kannada on January 31. The actor expresses his satisfaction with the film's success across Malayalam, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu markets. The Hindi version has generated over ₹13 crore, while the Telugu version has exceeded ₹10 crore in earnings.

On Macro's pan-India success

Did he believe Marco would excel in languages beyond Malayalam? “I was quite confident that it would offer something new and innovative, but with experimentation, the outcome is always uncertain. I was certain of its success in Kerala, particularly since I had not starred in action films as a solo lead for seven years, making it easier to market the film as a return to the action genre,” Unni Mukundan elaborated. “Telugu action films have performed well outside their traditional markets, but I was surprised by Marco's success in Hindi, especially since we lacked the budget for an extensive promotional campaign – our efforts were primarily online. Nevertheless, I am thrilled that the Hindi audience embraced it,” he continued.

What was his reaction to the fact that the Hindi audience was drawn to theatres due to the film's content rather than his star power? “I felt incredibly pleased because it made me feel like a newcomer. After spending 13 years in the industry, I was closely monitoring the film's performance in the Hindi market. We began with 30 shows and eventually expanded to 3,500 shows a day! That was remarkable. I didn’t possess significant star power, and the film succeeded because viewers appreciated the story, the performances, the overall aesthetic, and the production quality, among other factors. I would regard Marco as one of my finest films – its survival was solely due to its exceptional quality,” he expressed with joy.

The actor from Garudan also disclosed that, due to the production being handled by Shareef Muhammed and himself, they lacked the necessary infrastructure and budget for a pan-India release, resulting in some language versions being launched at a later time. Regarding the sequel, Marco 2, he stated, “Malayalam cinema seldom produces action films primarily due to budgetary constraints. We endeavoured to create a quality film within our limitations. I believe Marco 2 will be executed in a significantly improved manner, as we now possess a better understanding of market dynamics and I have gained recognition beyond Kerala. With the success of Marco, if the audience has specific expectations for Marco 2, I am committed to meeting those expectations. I do not perceive this as additional pressure.”

Break from action

Unni Mukundan discussed his six-year hiatus from action films, stating, “At the beginning of my career, I took on supporting roles and participated in several women-centric films, as well as portraying antagonists. These were all commendable projects. Subsequently, I received an offer for a film that a prominent Malayalam actor had declined, which ultimately became a success. This led to my being typecast as an action hero. However, I aspired to demonstrate my versatility and showcase my acting skills. I made a deliberate choice to refrain from action films for six years, as in Kerala, actors who focus solely on action are often perceived as lacking depth. For example, I produced and starred in Meppadiyan (2022), which received National Awards, while Malikappuram (2022) grossed over ₹100 crore, and Jai Ganesh (2024) was also a unique project. After establishing my reputation in performance-driven films over the past six years, I felt ready to return to action. I have a passion for action, as it is the genre that best showcases cinematic artistry. I hold great admiration for action heroes.”

He further mentioned that he plans to pursue additional action films, including Marco 2, following his extended break from the genre. When asked if he would attempt stunts akin to those performed by Tom Cruise, he remarked, “He truly pushes the limits, and the level of action he performs at his age is unparalleled. What I particularly admire about his action scenes is not just the daring leaps but the extended single takes and his remarkable speed. He runs as if he were 15! Observing his confidence at this age while executing such sequences makes me question whether I could ever reach that level, but I will certainly make an effort,” Unni Mukundan smiled.

Recently, there have been speculations regarding his impending Bollywood debut; however, the Jai Ganesh actor clarified that it will not occur for at least another year and a half. “I have numerous commitments to fulfil here first. I am eager to undertake a direct Hindi film, which is high on my priority list. My main goal is to ensure that whatever I pursue leaves a significant impact.”

In discussing second chances, one might wonder if his career in Malayalam cinema has encountered its own set of obstacles. He clarified, “It’s not so much about challenges as it is about personal dilemmas. During the COVID pandemic, I took the initiative to produce my own films to ensure the sustainability of my career. The pandemic exposed audiences to international films, leading me to believe that conventional films would not suffice. Consequently, I opted to reduce my salary and concentrate on creating quality cinema. I began with Meppadiyan, and its success, along with the National Awards it garnered, served as a significant source of motivation for me. It instilled in me the confidence that I could produce not only good films but also those driven by strong performances. Marco is my fourth production, and I am also set to produce my fifth. All my production efforts have been financially rewarding. Had I been working under a producer, I would not have been able to uphold this level of production quality. The production standards of Marco are exceptional, and the reviews reflect this. I have communicated to my team that we must not take this success for granted, nor should they,” he emphasized.

Regarding his future projects, Unni Mukundan chose to remain discreet but mentioned, “Action films tend to resonate more broadly, and the success of Marco has been remarkable. I am genuinely pleased, as our hard work has paid off. My focus will remain on producing quality cinema. I have received commendations from several actors, including Vikram and Allu Arjun. Allu Arjun’s Pushpa served as an inspiration for me, particularly in the uniqueness of his character’s portrayal. This is something I have aimed to achieve with Marco. I hold Vikram sir in high regard; his versatility in cinema is commendable, and his recognition of my work is incredibly motivating. When established stars acknowledge the efforts of someone less known outside Kerala, it highlights their appreciation for quality cinema. Additionally, discussions are ongoing between Vikram sir and myself regarding a potential collaboration, so we shall see.”

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