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Too violent for TV? Marco banned, yet available on SonyLIV as Kerala CM raises concern over film impact

 

What’s your take

 

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has taken a strong stance against the Malayalam film Marco, calling for a ban on its OTT release. The board had previously denied the film’s satellite rights, citing extreme violence. CBFC’s Regional Officer, Nadeem Thufali, has appealed to the Chairperson, urging intervention to prevent the film from being streamed online.

 

A Film Marked by Extreme Violence

 

Directed by Haneef Adeni, Marco has been described as one of the most violent films in Malayalam cinema. It follows a ruthless criminal, played by Unni Mukundan, who embarks on a brutal path of revenge. Despite the film receiving an ‘A’ certification for theatrical release, concerns over its violent content continue to grow.

 

Kerala CM Raises Concerns Over Violence in Films

 

Even Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has raised concerns. He warned that "too much" violence in films can create aggression in reality, particularly among young viewers.

His statement follows a police report suggesting that students had attempted to associate with real-life gangsters after watching violent films. He pointed to Aavesham, another Malayalam film, as an example of cinema’s influence on youth behavior.

 

CBFC Defends Its Decision

 

CBFC’s Thufali defended the board’s decision, stating that while CBFC certifies films, it does not censor them. He emphasized that parents should be cautious when allowing children to watch such films. Despite the controversy, Marco remains available on SonyLIV, where it has been streaming since its theatrical run.

 

Unni Mukundan and Producer Respond to Criticism

 

Unni Mukundan, the lead actor in the film, defended the violence by saying it reflects reality: "There has always been violence in human history, and that's only a fraction of what happens in real life."

"We will have lesser violence in the movies from now on although we understand such scenarios," said producer Shareef Muhammed.

 

The Larger Debate on Violent Cinema and Censorship

 

This whole debate over Marco's OTT appearance is to be seen in the larger context of the effects of violent cinema on audiences. While the CBFC continues pressing for tougher regulations, the fact that the film is being made available online raises issues during a censorship debate in the digital age.