1. Marco story: The murder of visually-impaired Victor by the son of a business magnate triggers a series of events among various factions within a gold empire. Victor's formidable brother, Marco, is determined to seek vengeance. Unbeknownst to him, his adversaries are closer than he realizes, complicating his pursuit of justice, particularly as his family becomes entangled in the ensuing conflict.

Marco review: In recent years, it has become evident that a well-crafted action film is a reliable method for a South Indian film to achieve nationwide appeal. While Malayalam cinema has explored alternative routes to success, its action films have, despite numerous attempts, often fallen short. Unni Mukundan's latest project, Marco, directed by Haneef Adeni, adopts an unrestrained approach that not only challenges the conventional limits but also delivers intense and, at times, brutal sequences.

For those unfamiliar, Marco is a character portrayed by Unni in Haneef’s Mikhael, a role that has faced significant criticism, not due to the performance itself, but rather the manner in which the character was conceived. In their efforts to redeem Marco, Haneef and Unni employ a brutal approach characterized by violence and gunfire, achieving success through stylish cinematography, an impactful background score, and a powerful performance from the lead, which drives this action-packed revenge thriller.

It is important to note that Marco carries an A rating, primarily due to its graphic depiction of violence, which includes the dismemberment of both humans and animals, as well as the murder of children. This film is not suitable for sensitive viewers. The violent scenes can be quite disturbing, and some may argue that they are excessive. Nevertheless, the filmmakers have chosen this unrestrained approach, prioritizing violence over narrative coherence.

Marco stands as the Malayalam film most reminiscent of a Prashanth Neel production, not in terms of its scale or storyline, but in its stylistic execution. The credit for this resemblance largely goes to Ravi Basrur’s intense and energizing score. Unni’s confident portrayal significantly enhances the film, particularly in its stylish action sequences, including a Raid-inspired staircase scene set in a residence in Mattanchery. The dialogue aimed at the masses is effectively delivered, and the filmmakers deliberately refrain from introducing emotional elements that might detract from their intended focus.

The relationship between the brothers and the moments that emphasize Marco’s toxic nature are commendable elements of the film. The transformation of the family into a slaughterhouse serves to illustrate the severe repercussions of a revenge-driven journey undertaken by a hypermasculine protagonist. However, this represents the extent of the film's depth, as the female characters are largely marginalized in this violent and toxic quest for vengeance.

Chandru Selvaraj’s cinematography stands out remarkably for an action film, and the production design team merits significant recognition for elevating the film beyond its expected scope. The action sequences are among the most impactful seen in Malayalam cinema, and Haneef Adeni deserves praise for effectively pushing the limits in this regard.

Unni's portrayal of Marco is commanding; there is an undeniable charisma in her performance. While Marco may not reach the iconic status of John Wick, he certainly poses a formidable challenge to the Bollywood Baaghis, showcasing impressive action skills.

In summary, Unni Mukundan's commanding performance drives this revenge thriller, which is both brutal and at times graphic. For enthusiasts of this genre, particularly those who have enjoyed recent films like Kill, Marco offers an engaging cinematic experience, bolstered by its stylish action sequences and pulsating background score. However, viewers should be cautioned about certain graphic scenes that may not be suitable for the faint of heart.

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