Unni Mukundan Shelves ‘Marco 2’, Promises a Bigger and Better Project Amid Backlash

Malayalam actor Unni Mukundan has officially confirmed that the much-anticipated sequel to the 2024 action film Marco has been shelved.

Though the announcement was brief, it caught many fans off guard and left them disappointed. Nevertheless, Unni’s assurance of bringing something “bigger and better” has renewed interest and sparked anticipation for what lies ahead.

Marco’s Impact and Plotline

The first installment of Marco, released in 2024, was a neo-noir crime thriller that belonged to the same universe as Mikhael.

The film starred Unni Mukundan as Mark D Peter Jr., a man driven into a cycle of violence after the murder of his foster brother. The narrative followed his descent as he launched a brutal string of attacks.

Directed and written by Haneef Adeni, Marco was made on a reported budget of Rs 30 crore. It performed well at the box office, garnering praise for its compelling screenplay and gripping storyline.

Initially released in Malayalam and Hindi, the film’s Telugu version arrived in theatres on January 1, while the Tamil version was scheduled for January 3.

Unni Mukundan’s Social Media Revelation

Recently, Unni took to Instagram and shared a video highlighting his significant physical transformation, potentially hinting at a new role.

In the comments section, a fan inquired, “Marco 2 kab ayegi?” Responding directly, Unni wrote, “Bro, apologies, but I have dropped plans to continue the Marco series. Too much negativity around the project. I’ll try my best to bring something bigger and better than Marco. Thanks for all the love and positivity. Cheers.”

This revelation surprised many, especially fans who were eagerly awaiting the continuation of the gritty storyline.

Despite the disappointment, Unni accompanied his announcement with a workout video captioned with “#Reminder”, indicating a fresh start.

Backlash and Controversy

While Marco was celebrated for its bold visuals and intense storytelling, it also attracted criticism for its portrayal of graphic violence and morally ambiguous characters. This controversy appears to have played a role in Unni’s decision to discontinue the series.

Veteran actor Jagadish, who portrayed the film’s antagonist Tony Isaac, had earlier addressed the criticism. At a press event, he asked, “The question is, do audiences like the character or Jagadish as a person?”

He further clarified, “In Marco, my character 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 favour of violence.”

Commercial Success and Fan Expectations

Marco stood out as one of the top-grossing Malayalam films of 2024. Unni’s portrayal of Mark D Peter Jr., combined with the film’s dark atmosphere and layered narrative, contributed significantly to its success.

The movie’s neo-noir style and connection to the Mikhael universe added to its popularity.

The sequel had been highly anticipated, with many expecting a continuation of the dark, gripping storyline. Unni’s statement, however, confirmed that the chapter had come to a close.

“Too much negativity” was cited as the primary reason for stepping away from the project, and he also extended an apology to fans for having to let them down.

Looking Ahead: A New Beginning

While the shelving of Marco 2 marks the end of a chapter, Unni Mukundan appears focused on new beginnings. His promise of delivering a film even better than Marco has left fans hopeful.

Unni was last seen in Get Set Baby, directed by Vinay Govind. With his statement hinting at future plans and his ongoing physical transformation, it is evident that the actor is preparing for another demanding role.

Though Marco 2 will not materialize, the excitement around Unni’s next venture is already building. Fans are eagerly awaiting more updates on what is expected to be a bigger and bolder project.