CBFC Denies Satellite Rights for ‘Marco’ Over Violent Content; OTT Release Also in Question

In an interview with Manorama News, Nadeem Thufali stated that ‘Marco’ was already given an ‘A’ certificate due to excessive bloodshed and violence. While the CBFC’s role is limited to certification and not censorship, he clarified that the board has denied satellite screening rights as the film is not suitable for a family audience.

"Parents should exercise caution when allowing children to watch such films," he advised.

The controversy around ‘Marco’ comes amidst a larger debate on whether violent films impact society. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan recently expressed concerns about films and TV serials that glorify violence, warning about their potential influence on young viewers.

He referenced a police report linking the recent Malayalam blockbuster ‘Avesham’ to real-life incidents, where students allegedly sought to associate with gangsters after watching the film.

Reacting strongly to these concerns, the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) released a statement on Facebook, criticizing the idea that films alone are responsible for real-world violence.

FEFKA also pointed out that police and media reports frequently cite drug abuse as a major factor in crimes, questioning why movies are selectively blamed for influencing criminal behavior. They further added:

"Malayalam cinema’s biggest star once delivered the iconic line, 'Narcotics is a dirty business,' in two blockbuster films. If those films did not encourage drug abuse, why selectively blame other films for their supposed negative influence?”

With satellite screening blocked and the CBFC seeking to prevent an OTT release, the fate of ‘Marco’ remains uncertain. The debate surrounding violence in films vs. real-life influence continues to intensify in the Malayalam film industry.