Transitioning into the role of Marco was no easy feat for Unni. Coming from his previous project Jai Ganesh, where he portrayed a specially-abled man confined to a wheelchair, he had to go through a complete transformation
Published Date – 18 December 2024, 10:34 AM
Hyderabad: Unni Mukundan, the charming actor from Kerala, has carved a special place in the hearts of Telugu cinema lovers. From playing a villain in Janatha Garage to a supportive yet memorable role in Ravi Teja’s Khiladi and as the love interest of Anushka Shetty in Bhagmati, Unni has proven time and again that he can seamlessly slip into any role. Now, he’s ready to captivate audiences once more with Marco, set to release worldwide on December 20, 2024.
But what makes Marco so special? Years ago, Unni played this stylish antagonist in Mikhael, where his character stood out so much that it won immense love from fans.
That very character “Marco” has now been given an entire movie as the protagonist. In an exclusive interview with Pratyusha Sista, Unni Mukundan opened up about the film, his preparation, and why Marco is set to be one of the most awaited action thrillers of the year.
On Skipping Traditional Promotions
Unni believes that cinema should retain its magic, and audiences should experience it in the theatres first-hand. “Traditional marketing is good, but we felt at some point people would want to come to the theatres and experience cinema as it is. The posters and teasers we released created the much-needed curiosity,” he says. “Marco as a film is unique because I played the same role years ago as a villain. Now, the antagonist has turned into hero. I don’t think there’s any other instance in Indian cinema where a villain gets a spin-off like this.”
The Challenge of Preparing for Marco
Transitioning into the role of Marco was no easy feat for Unni. Coming from his previous project Jai Ganesh, where he portrayed a specially-abled man confined to a wheelchair, he had to go through a complete transformation. “I had gained weight for that role. For Marco, I had to achieve a lean and intense look for the action sequences. I was on a strict diet for a long time. There’s a 6-minute-long single-take action scene in Marco, and it demanded so much from me both physically and mentally.”
Fearlessness: A Shared Trait
When asked about the one quality he shares with Marco, Unni says, “Fearlessness. Both Marco and I are fearless in our own ways. It’s this quality that drives the character and probably even me as an actor.”
What Makes Marco Stand Out?
For Unni, Marco is unlike any character he’s played before. “Compared to the other roles I’ve done, Marco stands out because he is both loved and feared. He’s good and bad, and that combination is what makes him so unique.”
Success, Failure, and Fan Love
In a competitive industry, handling success and failure can be tough. But Unni takes a balanced approach. “I don’t know if I’ve completely understood success or failure yet. Both have deep meanings, and they’re different for everyone.”
However, it’s the fans’ love that has stayed with him the most. “Some people have named their kids after me. A few have even tattooed my face on their bodies. While I wish they didn’t go to such lengths, love has no boundaries. It’s overwhelming to see such affection, and I truly respect it.”
Hero or Villain?
Setting Marco aside, would Unni prefer playing the hero or the villain? With his trademark confidence, he says, “I’m the best at what I do. Hero or villain, it doesn’t matter. Both roles challenge me, and I enjoy doing justice to them.”
A Journey Worth Celebrating
Looking back at his transition from Mikhael to Marco, Unni appreciates the trust his team and fans have shown in him. “Working with the director, producer, and my co-actors has been an incredible experience. I’m grateful for their belief in me and this film.”
Future in Telugu Cinema
With Marco generating buzz even before its release, Unni Mukundan has definitely strengthened his bond with the Telugu audience. He shares his excitement for the future, saying, “Malayalam films like Malikapuram received so much love from Telugu fans. It’s truly humbling. I want to work in all languages, and I hope to do a full-length Telugu film very soon.”
While Unni remains tight-lipped about his upcoming projects, he promises to make the announcements soon. For now, all eyes are on Marco.
Why Marco is Special
Without traditional promotions like trailer launches or extensive tours, Marco has still managed to grab the audience’s attention. The songs and teasers have created a buzz like no other, proving the power of content and Unni’s growing popularity.
With Marco, audiences can expect a raw, action-packed thriller. Unni Mukundan, with his dedication and charm, promises a movie that will leave fans at the edge of their seats.
As someone who has played diverse roles, Unni continues to surprise us, and this time, he’s ready to bring the most violent and loved character to life.
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