Amid hits like Animal and Kill, a low-budget film surprised everyone in late 2024 with its brutal violence and gripping story, earning the title of the most violent film of the year.
Published: September 11, 2025 1:33 PM IST
In a cinematic landscape dominated by high-budget action films like Ranbir Kapoor’s Animal and Lakshya’s Kill, a modestly budgeted movie emerged as a surprise hit in late 2024. This film captivated audiences with its intense storytelling and graphic violence, earning it the title of the most violent film of the year, much more brutal than the other two films.
Which film is this?
The film in question is Marco, directed by Haneef Adeni and starring Unni Mukundan. Released in December 2024 across Telugu, Hindi, and Tamil languages, Marco was produced on a budget of Rs 30 crore. Despite its modest budget, the film achieved remarkable success, grossing over Rs 115 crore worldwide, with Rs 60.27 crore from the Indian box office. Its intense and violent scenes resonated with audiences, leading to widespread acclaim and discussions about a potential sequel.
What is the storyline?
The narrative centers on Marco Jr., the adopted son of the Adattu crime family, who returns to India from Italy after the brutal murder of his blind foster brother, Victor. Victor had identified his killer by scent and vehicle, leading to a deadly chain of events. Marco’s quest for retribution pits him against the Isaac family, a powerful gold smuggling syndicate, leading to a series of violent confrontations. The film is noted for its intense action sequences and graphic violence, which have sparked both acclaim and controversy.
More about Marco
The success of Marco has prompted the filmmakers to confirm a sequel, Marco 2. According to reports, the sequel aims to surpass the original in terms of production scale and storytelling. There are also speculations about Malayalam superstar Mohanlal joining the cast, which would significantly elevate the film’s profile in the Malayalam cinema industry. The film is currently streaming on JioHotstar and Sony LIV, which has managed to hold its IMDb rating at 6.7.
Story Highlights
- Marco, directed by Haneef Adeni and starring Unni Mukundan, was released in December 2024 across Telugu, Hindi, and Tamil.
- Made on a modest budget of Rs 30 crore, the film grossed over Rs 115 crore worldwide, with Rs 60.27 crore from India alone.
- The story follows Marco Jr.’s violent revenge mission against a gold smuggling syndicate after the murder of his blind foster brother.
- A sequel, Marco 2, is officially in the works, with speculation around Mohanlal joining the cast.
Marco shocked the Indian film industry by becoming a breakout hit despite stiff competition from bigger films like Animal and Kill. Its gritty storytelling, raw violence, and emotional depth made it stand out among action thrillers. With a sequel on the way and continued buzz on streaming platforms, Marco has carved a cult-like following among fans of dark action cinema.
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