Controversy Surrounding the Movie ‘Marco’
Introduction to ‘Marco’
The movie ‘Marco,’ which was released in December 2024, is a Malayalam action thriller directed and written by Haneef Adeni. The film focuses on a gangster named Marco and the powerful Adat family, which is involved in Kerala’s gold mafia. Starring Unni Mukundan in the lead role along with Siddique and Jagadish, the film aims to capture the complexities of crime and influence in the region.
Central Board of Film Certification Steps In
Recently, Nadeem Thufali T, the Regional Officer of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), reached out to the CBFC chairperson asking for government intervention to stop ‘Marco’ from being available on Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms. The CBFC had already denied the satellite rights for the film, indicating that its content was excessively violent. Nadeem Thufali stated that ‘Marco’ was rated ‘A’ by the CBFC, meaning it’s meant for adult audiences only. He cautioned parents that they should be careful when letting children watch this movie due to its intense themes.
Concerns Over Violent Content
The extreme violence portrayed in ‘Marco’ is at the center of the ongoing discussion about media impacts on society. Nadeem emphasized that while the CBFC’s role is to certify films, it does not engage in censorship. He mentioned that ‘Marco’ is not suitable for family viewing, which prompted the rejection of its satellite rights. This decision reveals the Board’s stance on the responsibility that filmmakers have to ensure films are appropriate for their intended audiences.
Reaction from Film Community
In response to the debate, the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) criticized leaders and youth organizations for blaming recent societal violence on violent themes in films. They issued a strong statement on social media, arguing that such claims are based on a misleading understanding of how cinema influences real-life behavior. This disagreement highlights the ongoing conflict between filmmakers and political leaders regarding the portrayal of violence in media.
Political Statements and Public Concerns
Kerala’s Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan recently expressed concerns during an Assembly meeting, where he discussed rising incidents of violence in the state. He mentioned that films and television shows often glorify violence, which could negatively affect young minds. Citing the recent Malayalam film ‘Avesham,’ he referred to a police report stating that some students tried to emulate gangsters after watching the film. Such incidents raise alarms about how movies may influence the youth, particularly in a society facing increasing levels of violence.
Producer’s Response
In light of the controversy surrounding ‘Marco,’ the film’s producer, Shareef Muhammed, spoke to the media about the backlash. He acknowledged the concerns and stated that the intensity of violence would be toned down in his next film, ‘Kaattalan.’ He emphasized that ‘Marco’ was never designed to promote violence in any way. Instead, he views the recent news reports as a reminder to filmmakers about the importance of being responsible when portraying violent content.
The Bigger Picture
As discussions on the impact of cinema continue in Kerala, the dialogue reflects broader issues about how films shape societal behaviors and values. Some community leaders believe that trends in media can influence individuals, especially young people, in dangerous ways. Others argue that the relationship between film and real-life behavior is complex and cannot be simplified to direct cause-and-effect.
Moving Forward
Filmmakers are now urged to consider these perspectives while creating their works. The ongoing debate over violent content in films like ‘Marco’ serves as a crucial moment for directors, producers, and audiences alike. Finding a balance between artistic expression and social responsibility remains an essential conversation, not only in Kerala but globally as well.
As the film world continues to evolve, the lessons from ‘Marco’ and similar movies will likely resonate with stakeholders for years to come. The entertainment industry must engage with its audience thoughtfully, ensuring that storytelling doesn’t cross the line into promoting harmful behaviors.