Unni Mukundan, the actor behind the hit Malayalam action film Marco, has made waves in the pan-India film industry with his role in the film, which has grossed over Rs.120 crore. Known for his portrayal of the character Mikhael in Mikhael (2019), Unni’s comeback to the action genre with Marco after a six-year hiatus has earned him a strong following across multiple regions, including Hindi, Telugu, and Tamil. In an exclusive interview with Hindustan Times, he discusses the film’s success, his journey in the Malayalam film industry, and his upcoming ventures.
Marco’s Pan-India Success
Unni’s latest release, Marco, has struck a chord with audiences across various languages, including Malayalam, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu. Despite limited promotion in the Hindi market, the film’s content drove its success, particularly in Hindi, where it grossed Rs.13 crore. Unni shared his surprise at the film’s success outside of Kerala, particularly in Hindi, where the movie performed beyond expectations without a heavy promotional budget. He attributes the success to the quality of the film, the performances, and the overall production value.
“I never thought Marco would do well in other languages, but the response has been overwhelming. The Hindi audience loved it because of the content and quality. It feels like a newcomer’s journey for me,” said Unni, adding that the movie expanded from 30 shows to 3,500 shows per day, a feat that spoke volumes about its appeal.
The Break from Action Films
Before Marco, Unni Mukundan took a deliberate break from action films, wanting to showcase his versatility as an actor. He explained, “In Kerala, actors are often pigeonholed as ‘all brawn and no brain’ when they focus solely on action films. I wanted to prove my acting skills, so I consciously decided to stay away from the genre for six years.” During this break, he worked in performance-driven films like Meppadiyan (2022), which earned National Awards, and Malikappuram (2022), which grossed Rs.100 crore.
However, after proving his acting chops in more serious roles, Unni decided to return to action films with Marco, citing his passion for the genre and the cinematic brilliance it offers.
Future in Hindi Cinema and Bollywood Debut
Unni Mukundan also shared his thoughts on venturing into Bollywood. While rumors suggest that he’s ready for a Bollywood debut, Unni clarified that it will likely be one and a half years before he makes that transition. He emphasized that he wanted to ensure his debut project in Hindi was impactful, saying, “I want to make a mark in Bollywood and provide good cinema for the audience. I don’t take things for granted, and I want to give my best to the Hindi audience, who supported Marco.”
Unni also noted that action films have the potential to reach wider audiences across borders, and he is focused on continuing to produce high-quality cinema. He spoke fondly of Allu Arjun’s Pushpa, calling it an inspiration for his own character in Marco.
Inspiration from Industry Veterans
Unni was particularly moved by the recognition he received from actors like Vikram and Allu Arjun. He revealed, “I am a huge fan of Vikram sir. His recognition of my work, despite being new to the pan-India space, motivates me a lot. His and Allu Arjun’s appreciation of my effort in Marco is truly special.” Unni also hinted at future collaborations with Vikram, stating, “There are talks between Vikram sir and me for a film. Let’s see what happens.”
What’s Next for Unni Mukundan?
While Unni kept his upcoming projects under wraps, he confirmed that the sequel to Marco (Marco 2) is in the works. He promised a bigger and better film, now that the team understands the market and audience expectations better. “Marco 2 will be made in a much better way, given the experience we’ve gained from the first one,” he added.
