Unni Mukundan was sure Marco would succeed in Kerala, but Hindi audience’s response surprised him: ‘We couldn’t promote the Hindi version aggressively’

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Despite facing criticism for its glamorisation of violence, Marco proved to be a massive success, grossing over Rs 115 crore worldwide and securing a place as the ninth highest-grossing Malayalam film of all time, before its OTT debut on SonyLIV on February 13. In an exclusive conversation with SCREEN, Unni Mukundan reflected on his journey with Marco, his tryst with success and failure, his acting career so far, and much more.

As Marco wraps up its theatrical run as the biggest hit of your career, besides bringing you nationwide recognition, how are you feeling right now?

It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m grateful for the response Marco has received. The numbers and feedback have been overwhelming, especially seeing how the film resonated across different regions. As an actor, you always hope for your work to be appreciated, but the way audiences have embraced Marco has been truly special.

Watch Unni Mukundan’s Marco trailer here:

Marco is quite different from Mikhael in terms of treatment and aesthetics, right? So, how did the initial idea take shape? Did Haneef just set out to create “the most violent Indian film” and then bring in Marco into that or was the original plan to make a Marco spinoff that eventually evolved into “India’s most violent movie”?

After playing Marco in Mikhael, both Haneef and I felt that the character had a lot more potential to explore. Over time, the idea of giving Marco his own story started taking shape, and we knew we had to get it right. While Marco is being talked about as ‘India’s most violent film’, at its core, it’s an emotional story about a man who will go to any lengths for his family. The film was never just about pushing the boundaries of action, it was about making sure the audience connected deeply with the character. The intensity and aesthetics may be different from Mikhael’s, but the essence of Marco remains the same.

Did you ever expect Marco to bring you this much fame, or was it like a gamble?

I always knew Marco was something fresh and unique, but more than a gamble it was an experiment as you never know which way it will go. I was confident about its success in Kerala, especially since it marked my return to the action genre after seven years. But the response from the Hindi audience genuinely surprised me. Unlike big-budget action films that usually do well outside their home market, we didn’t have the resources to promote Marco’s Hindi version aggressively; it was mostly digital promotions. So, seeing the love it received from the Hindi audience was unexpected, but incredibly rewarding and can say the gamble played in our favour.

Despite facing criticism for its glamorisation of violence, Marco proved to be a massive success, grossing over Rs 115 crore worldwide. (Credit: Instagram/@sonylivindia)

Since Marco pushed the boundaries of what’s deemed acceptable in on-screen depictions, is there anything you would never do on screen, even if the character required them?

It is always about the story, the narrative and the character arc that I prioritise above everything else.

Both of your biggest solo hits, Marco and Malikappuram, differ greatly from each other in genre and aesthetics. Have you finally unlocked the formula for winning in commercial cinema?

I always believed in diversifying my roles rather than being confined to a single image. Around 2018, I made a conscious effort to take on projects that showcased different aspects of my craft, rather than just sticking to the action-hero persona. Films like Meppadiyan, Shefeekkinte Santhosham, Jai Ganesh and Malikappuram were all part of that journey, each offering something unique in terms of genre and storytelling. I wouldn’t say there’s a fixed formula for success, but having a clear vision and staying committed to it has definitely helped. It took years of patience, persistence and strategic choices to get to a point where I could do what I truly enjoyed.

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Has success changed you in any way, for better or worse?

I am truly grateful for the results Marco has given me and I accept it with utmost humility as I don’t take anything for granted. Now it is about continuing the efforts and looking forward to the road ahead.

Your career has seen both massive highs and significant lows. How do you handle triumphs and setbacks?

They are both part of an actor’s journey and over the years, I’ve learned to take them in stride. But over a period of time, I realised that resilience is key and you can’t run away from setbacks; you have to face them head-on. I’ve understood that patience and choosing the right roles matter the most.

Dubbing Marco’s journey as incredible, Unni Mukundan told SCREEN he’s grateful for the response the film received. (Credit: Instagram/@sonylivindia)

There’s a common saying that goes, ‘It’s lonely at the top’, and cinema, in particular, is infamous for being a field where people often feel isolated. Do you also experience that, or have you built a strong support system in the industry?

It can be a lonely place at times, especially with the pressures that come with success. But I believe having the right people around you makes all the difference. I’ve been fortunate to build meaningful relationships within the industry, who offer guidance and support when things get tough. At the same time, my family and close friends outside of the cinema have been my biggest anchors, keeping me grounded. Their support helps me navigate the highs and lows without feeling isolated. Having a strong support system, both personally and professionally, is essential in a field like this.

What are your dreams for the future? And, which upcoming projects are you most excited about and eager for the audience to see?

Right now, I’m really excited about Get Set Baby — it’s a film that’s close to my heart, and I can’t wait for everyone to see it. As for Kannada films, I’ve always been open to exploring new industries and languages. It’s about finding the right story and character that resonates with me. My focus is always on good content, and I’m looking forward to what’s next, wherever it might take me!