In a surprising turn of events, actor Unni Mukundan has announced the shelving of "Marco 2," the highly anticipated sequel to his 2024 action thriller, "Marco." The decision, revealed in response to a fan's query on Instagram, cites "too much negativity" surrounding the project as the primary reason for its cancellation.
"Apologies, but I have dropped plans to continue the Marco series," Unni Mukundan stated on his Instagram. "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 announcement has left many fans disheartened, especially those who were eagerly awaiting the next chapter in the intense action saga.
"Marco," directed by Haneef Adeni and produced by Cubes Entertainments, was a significant box office success, reportedly grossing over ₹100 crore worldwide. In the film, Unni Mukundan played Mark D Peter Jr., a violent gangster who unleashes a series of attacks following his foster brother's murder. Despite its commercial success, the film received mixed responses and faced severe backlash, particularly after its OTT release. Critics and viewers alike pointed to the film's excessive violence and dark themes, leading to considerable controversy. The Censor Board even banned the TV screening of the film, adding to the negativity surrounding the project.
The film's plot follows Marco Jr, the adopted son of the Adattu crime family. The excessive violence depicted in "Marco" led to a severe backlash, with many finding it over the top. This negative reception and the controversies that arose likely played a significant role in the makers reconsidering the sequel.
Despite the criticism, "Marco" also garnered praise for its gripping narrative and Unni Mukundan's powerful performance. Some viewers appreciated the film's raw and intense action, making it a talking point both within and outside Kerala. The initial success of "Marco" prompted the announcement of a sequel, with promises to be more cautious in depicting violence. However, the persistent negativity appears to have outweighed the potential benefits of continuing the franchise.
Shelving "Marco 2" may prove to be a prudent decision, as the production team would likely have encountered similar challenges and criticisms with the sequel. Unni Mukundan's decision to shift focus to a new project has sparked excitement among his fanbase. He has assured his fans that he is dedicated to delivering something even "bigger and better" than "Marco".
Currently, Unni Mukundan is involved in several projects, including "Gandharva Jr," a Telugu film. He is also preparing to make his directorial debut with a superhero film. While fans who eagerly anticipated "Marco 2" may be disappointed, many are optimistic about Unni Mukundan's future endeavors. All eyes are now on Unni to see what new genre or story he will take up next to win over his audience once again.
