Malayalam film ‘Marco’ denied satellite rights over extreme violence

Malayalam film Marco, dubbed the most violent movie in the language’s history, has been denied satellite streaming rights in India. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) rejected the producers' request to reclassify the film from an ‘A’ (Adults Only) to a ‘UA’ (Parental Guidance) category, which is necessary for TV broadcasts.

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The regional examination committee dismissed the appeal on February 19, reportedly according to CBFC regional officer T. Nadeem Thufali. He stated that only films with a ‘U’ or ‘UA’ certificate qualify for satellite streaming. Despite its ‘A’ certification, Marco emerged as a major box office success following its theatrical release on December 20, 2024. It later premiered on SonyLiv on February 14, 2025.

The CBFC clarified that while it has no regulatory authority over OTT platforms, it has formally recommended restrictions on Marco’s online streaming due to its violent content. Censor Board member G. M. Mahesh acknowledged receiving multiple public complaints regarding the film’s availability on digital platforms.

Directed by Haneef Adeni and starring Unni Mukundan, Marco has drawn criticism from political and cultural figures for allegedly glorifying violence. Producer Shareef Mohammed defended the film, asserting that storytelling should remain uncompromised. However, he expressed concerns over rising youth violence in Kerala and indicated a shift away from violent themes in future projects.