Marco Denied Satellite Rights as CBFC Rejects Category Conversion

Malayalam film Marco labeled the most violent movie ever made in the language, has been denied satellite streaming rights after the regional office of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) rejected its producers’ request to convert the film’s certification from ‘A’ to ‘UA’. The conversion was essential for obtaining TV broadcast rights.

CBFC Blocks Satellite Rights for Marco

T. Nadeem Thufali, regional officer of the CBFC, confirmed on Wednesday that the regional examination committee had rejected the application on February 19.

Marco, starring Unni Mukundan, was released on December 20 last year and was one of the highest-grossing ‘A’-certified films in Malayalam cinema. It has been streaming on SonyLiv since February 14.

Thufali explained that satellite rights are only granted to films certified as ‘U’ or ‘UA’, as classification is based on content suitability. He also emphasized the importance of parental vigilance to prevent children from watching films with extreme violence.

The CBFC has formally recommended to the Centre that Marco be prohibited from streaming on OTT platforms as well, though it currently lacks regulatory authority over digital content.

Censor Board Urges OTT Restrictions

CBFC member G. M. Mahesh stated that several private complaints had been filed by citizens under the misconception that the CBFC has control over OTT platforms. “This is why we have made a formal request at the ministerial level to address the issue,” he told PTI.

Filmmaker Responds to Criticism

Written and directed by Haneef Adeni, Marco has been widely criticized by political, social, and cultural figures for allegedly glorifying violence and negatively influencing youth, amid rising crime rates in Kerala.

Producer Shareef Mohammed defended the film, asserting that a writer-director must depict what is necessary for the story. “Cinema should not change—our perspective should,” he argued.

He pointed out that Marco is not the first film to portray violence, adding that all required content warnings were properly displayed in theaters.

However, he acknowledged concerns about increasing youth violence in the state. “The reports are disturbing. Moving forward, I will not produce any film that seemingly promotes violence,” he said.