Identity star Tovino Thomas on Marco’s violence and success: ‘Unni Mukundan’s film is a hit because...’

Unni Mukundan's Marco continues with its successful run at the theatres across Kerala and other parts of the country nearly a fortnight after its release. Tovino Thomas' Identity has also entered the fray, seeking to put up a challenge with its thrilling narrative and slick making. But even when their movies are competing at the box office, Tovino Thomas has showered praise on Unni Mukundan's Marco, stating that portraying violence was not the sole reason for the movie's success. Read on to know more about Tovino Thomas’ response to Marco’s success and it is all about giving appreciation where it is due.

Tovino Thomas on Marco’s success

Tovino Thomas recently spoke about Marco, which featured Unni Mukundan in a brutal avatar, and why the movie, billed as the most violent Malayalam film, has turned out to be a success.

“Marco is a good movie. Because of the performances and also because it is a technically good movie, the violence felt believable. I don’t think the film became a hit just because of the violence," Tovino said during a press meet after his film with Trisha Krishnan, Identity, released in theatres on January 2, 2025.

Also read: Identity Day 1 box office collection: Tovino Thomas’ thriller dethrones Marco, but needs a killer weekend 

While stating that cinema is all about make-belief, Tovino said that the makers of Marco could convincingly portray that on screen. Irrespective of the emotion being portrayed, if we can convince the people properly, it would succeed, he remarked.

Marco, which resorts to brutal action and violence, hitherto unknown to Malayalam cinema, is winning accolades from various parts of the country with its dubbed versions in Hindi and Telugu too impressing audiences. Directed by Haneef Adeni, Marco also features Kabir Duhan Singh, Siddique, Abhimanyu Thilakan and Jagadish .

Also read: Marco Day 14 box office: Unni Mukundan film eyeing to cross Rs 50 Cr in India after Tamil release 

Tovino Thomas' Identity releases to positive response

On the other hand, Tovino Thomas-starrer Identity was the first major release from Mollywood in 2025. The film, which also stars Trisha Krishnan, has opened to largely positive reviews. The thriller revolves around Trisha’s character Alisha, who is witness to a crime, and sketch artiste Haran (Tovino) helps her to reveal the killer.

Identity movie review: Despite its flaws, Tovino Thomas and Trisha’s pulsating, twist-laden thriller sets the bar high 

The film is directed by Akhil Paul and Anas Khan, who had earlier helmed Forensic, which was also a thriller and featured Tovino Thomas in the lead.