Marco movie producer says he won’t promote violence anymore
The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), on Wednesday, March 5, blocked the satellite release of Marco, citing its extreme violent content. CBFC’s Regional Officer Nadeem Thufali T wrote to the CBFC chairperson seeking the Union government’s intervention to prevent the latest blockbuster of Unni Mukundan from streaming on OTT platforms. Meanwhile, producer of the film Shareef Muhammed, speaking to Asianet News, expressed concern over the scrutiny faced by filmmakers and stated that he would avoid making such films in the future.“Writers and directors always think about and intend to show things that are relevant and needed for the story. At no time does anyone make a film to promote violence or increase violence in society,” he said. He acknowledged that Marco was intentionally marketed as a violent film but stressed that the team followed all necessary regulations. “We had planned our marketing strategy in a way that highlighted the film’s violent nature. We followed the rules and regulations and released the film accordingly. Further, we clearly stated that those under 18 years of age shouldn’t watch it. The ‘A’ certificate was prominently displayed on posters and in promotions,” he added.Shareef further said that filmmakers have a responsibility to differentiate between cinema and reality. “I feel it is not cinema that should change, but our perspective. Marco is not the first film to depict on-screen violence. However, as a responsible citizen, I wouldn’t promote violence hereafter,” he added.The CBFC had previously denied Marco's satellite rights and is now seeking to prevent its OTT release. Nadeem Thufali clarified that while the board certifies films, it does not censor them, stating that parents must exercise caution.Despite the controversy, Marco has been a box office juggernaut, raking in nearly Rs 100 crore. It is currently streaming on SonyLIV and Amazon Prime Video. The debate over its impact has reignited concerns about cinema’s influence on society, with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan warning that films could shape real-world behavior. However, the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) strongly dismissed the idea that films incite violence, calling it a flawed "reflection theory." Their response follows growing political and public calls for stricter regulations on violent content.
THE Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), on Wednesday, March 5, blocked the satellite release of Marco, citing its extreme violent content.
CBFC’s Regional Officer Nadeem Thufali T wrote to the CBFC chairperson seeking the Union government’s intervention to prevent the latest blockbuster of Unni Mukundan from streaming on OTT platforms.
Meanwhile, producer of the film Shareef Muhammed, speaking to Asianet News, expressed concern over the scrutiny faced by filmmakers and stated that he would avoid making such films in the future.
“Writers and directors always think about and intend to show things that are relevant and needed for the story. At no time does anyone make a film to promote violence or increase violence in society,” he said.
He acknowledged that Marco was intentionally marketed as a violent film but stressed that the team followed all necessary regulations.
“We had planned our marketing strategy in a way that highlighted the film’s violent nature. We followed the rules and regulations and released the film accordingly. Further, we clearly stated that those under 18 years of age shouldn’t watch it. The ‘A’ certificate was prominently displayed on posters and in promotions,” he added.
Shareef further said that filmmakers have a responsibility to differentiate between cinema and reality.
“I feel it is not cinema that should change, but our perspective. Marco is not the first film to depict on-screen violence. However, as a responsible citizen, I wouldn’t promote violence hereafter,” he added.
The CBFC had previously denied Marco's satellite rights and is now seeking to prevent its OTT release. Nadeem Thufali clarified that while the board certifies films, it does not censor them, stating that parents must exercise caution.
Despite the controversy, Marco has been a box office juggernaut, raking in nearly Rs 100 crore. It is currently streaming on SonyLIV and Amazon Prime Video.
The debate over its impact has reignited concerns about cinema’s influence on society, with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan warning that films could shape real-world behavior. However, the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) strongly dismissed the idea that films incite violence, calling it a flawed "reflection theory."
Their response follows growing political and public calls for stricter regulations on violent content.
