'Marco' movie review: Flawed yet enjoyable action drama

With Marco, director Haneef Adeni seems to have finally found his element. Adeni’s films are known for astonishing camera work and little substance. 

Marco is everything it claims to be: bloody, violent, and brutal. It holds back little in terms of onscreen violence. However, the action and stunts are fresh and enjoyable.

It seems like the Malayalam film industry’s answer to Bollywood’s Kill. But, the latter is better in many aspects, especially the emotional angle, which offers justification for the onscreen violence. Else, it just looks like gore fantasy. 

An action film to its core, Marco offers little in terms of character development, likability, or emotional depth. The movie has many characters. Most of them leave the screen without making a mark, except for Marco and his blind brother, Victor, who also acts as his moral compass. The villains are tyrannical and powerful. They’re not mere props conveniently placed in the hero’s way, which is often the case in many Indian action films. 

The characterisation of Marco doesn’t obsess over making him appear unbeatable. He is relatable — unconventionally strong — but human after all. He makes mistakes, fails to keep his promises, and takes the brunt of the consequences for his thoughtless actions. Marco faces challenges unlike most Indian action heroes who are unbeatable, never sorry, and always save the day.

However, don’t be mistaken, this is a one-time watch and a passable film.