Mohanlal and Prithviraj defend violence in ‘Marco’: “If the situation demands, it’s fine”

The intense violence recently in Malayalam cinema has sparked debate, especially with films like ‘Marco’ being accused of influencing societal aggression. However, actors Mohanlal and Prithviraj Sukumaran have strongly defended the portrayal of violence in such films, arguing that if justified by the storyline, it remains acceptable.


Mohanlal - It is not the violence. It’s the situation

Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Mohanlal stated, “It is not the violence. It’s the situation. If the situation demands that kind of violence, it’s fine. But you have to justify it.” He emphasized that when violence lacks narrative justification, it becomes problematic, but when done with purpose, it holds cinematic value.

Prithviraj Sukumaran: I disagree with people having a problem with films like Marco

Backing Mohanlal’s view, L2: Empuraan director Prithviraj Sukumaran dismissed criticisms against Marco, calling it an “honest” film. He argued that from the very beginning, the film was marketed as a hyper-violent action thriller, making complaints about its content unjustified. “I disagree with people having a problem with films like Marco because it never pretended to be anything else. From the first announcement, they clearly said that audiences would witness never-before-before violence. They called it a slasher film on steroids, repeatedly emphasizing its brutality. So, if you go in knowing that and still complain, that’s on you.”


The conversation around Marco intensified as crime rates among Kerala’s youth have risen, leading to scrutiny over the impact of violent films.


‘Marco’ actor’s previous reaction

Earlier, Jagadish, who plays Tony Isaac in ‘Marco’, addressed the controversy in a press meet, clarifying that while his character endorses violence, he himself does not. “In ‘Marco, ’ my character Tony Isaac supports violence. But does the audience like Tony Isaac or Jagadish? If it's Jagadish they like, then let me be clear—I have never spoken in favor of violence. When I visit schools and colleges, I always try to spread a message of love. If audiences reject the message I, Jagadish, am giving and instead accept what Tony Isaac portrays, then that is indeed a topic for debate,” Jagadish said.