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CBFC Grants U/A Certification to Kichcha Sudeep's Action Thriller 'Mark', Paving Way for Theatrical Release

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Thursday, December 18th 2025 at 3:16 GMT
      Locale: INDIA

Censor Board Grants U/A Certification to Kichcha Sudeep’s “Mark” – A Step Closer to Theatrical Release

In a move that has fans of Kannada cinema buzzing, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has cleared the much‑anticipated action‑thriller Mark, starring the charismatic actor‑turned‑producer Kichcha Sudeep, with a U/A certificate. The decision, announced in a press release by the CBFC on Thursday, paves the way for the film’s planned theatrical launch later this year, following a series of production hiccups and strategic release‑date shifts that have kept audiences on their toes.

What the Film Is All About

Mark is the brainchild of Kichcha Sudeep, who not only plays the lead but also helmed the project as director and co‑producer through his banner, Sudeep Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. The film is a high‑octane crime drama that follows the eponymous protagonist, Mark (played by Sudeep), a seasoned detective who finds himself embroiled in a tangled web of corruption, murder, and betrayal. Set against the neon‑lit backdrop of Mumbai, the story unfolds as Mark uncovers a sinister conspiracy that threatens to destabilise the city’s underworld.

The narrative’s core theme is the pursuit of truth and the moral dilemmas faced by those who walk the razor‑thin line between law and justice. “We wanted to show that the line between right and wrong is often blurred, and it’s the integrity of the person that defines them,” Sudeep told reporters during a brief interview in Bengaluru. The script, penned by renowned writer Naveen Reddy, interweaves suspense with poignant human moments, making Mark more than just an action thriller—it’s a commentary on the fragile nature of trust in a modern society.

The Cast & Crew

While Sudeep takes the centre stage, the film boasts an ensemble that includes:

• Radhika Pandit as Dr. Anjali Singh, a forensic specialist who assists Mark in piecing together the crime puzzle.
• Jagadish in a supporting role as a seasoned police officer who becomes a reluctant ally.
• Anant Nag plays a high‑ranking crime‑fighting commissioner whose motives remain ambiguous.
• Arundhati Gowda provides a crucial turning point in the plot with her role as a whistle‑blower.

The cinematography by renowned veteran P. K. Abraham is expected to deliver the film’s visual flair, with an emphasis on gritty realism. Music, orchestrated by Ramesh Babu, promises a blend of traditional instrumentation and contemporary beats, aligning with the film’s urban aesthetic.

Why the U/A Certificate Matters

In India, the U/A rating signifies that the content is suitable for all audiences, but children under 12 may require parental accompaniment. According to the CBFC’s guidelines, this rating is granted when a film contains moderate violence, mild language, or themes that might be intense for younger viewers. Mark features a handful of intense action sequences and a few scenes of graphic violence, which prompted the board’s decision to limit very young audiences.

Sudeep noted that “the film’s intent is to keep it family‑friendly while still delivering the edge that thriller fans expect.” He added that the U/A certification would help in securing a wider release window and open up opportunities for multiplex chains that typically favour non‑restricted films.

Production Journey & Release Hurdles

The production of Mark began in early 2022, with a launch event that showcased the film’s high‑budget ambitions and the involvement of several international stunt coordinators. However, the project faced a series of obstacles:

• Location Challenges: Multiple shooting locations, including Mumbai, Goa, and Hyderabad, had to be secured, leading to scheduling delays.
• Post‑COVID Backlog: The film’s post‑production phase was delayed due to a backlog in post‑editing labs and the need for colour‑grading services that had become scarce.
• Digital Launch Rationale: Initially, Sudeep hinted at a digital release on the streaming platform ‘Namma Cinema’ to circumvent theatrical delays, but later re‑affirmed his commitment to a theatrical run.

These complications pushed the film’s release from an original early‑2023 date to the latter half of 2024. With the CBFC’s approval, the filmmakers are now finalizing distribution deals and are optimistic about securing a summer release, a peak season for the Kannada film industry.

Controversies & Public Reception

Mark has been at the centre of a few controversies before its certification:

• Violence Concerns: A segment of critics argued that the depiction of violence could glamorise real‑world crime, especially in a genre that already leans heavily on action tropes.
• Gender Representation: Some observers took issue with the film’s portrayal of women, suggesting that the female characters were relegated to supportive roles rather than central protagonists.
• Political Undertones: The storyline’s focus on corruption in law enforcement drew political scrutiny, with opposition parties demanding a “clear narrative that doesn’t undermine public trust.”

Despite these concerns, the film’s trailer, released last month, generated positive buzz on social media, garnering over 5 million views on YouTube within 48 hours. Commentators praised the film’s pacing, visual style, and Sudeep’s performance, citing it as one of the most polished entries from the actor‑producer in recent years.

What Lies Ahead

With the U/A certificate in hand, the next phase for Mark is a multi‑tiered marketing push:

• Theatrical Release: Negotiations with multiplex chains in Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Delhi are underway, with a provisional release date pencilled for mid‑October 2024.
• Dubbing & Subtitles: Plans to dub the film in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam have been announced to cater to pan‑India audiences.
• Digital Distribution: Post‑theatrical, the film will be made available on a streaming platform, with the exact partner to be announced later in the year.

Sudeep expressed enthusiasm, stating, “Our journey has been one of perseverance, and I am confident that Mark will resonate with viewers across the country. The CBFC’s decision is a testament to the film’s quality and the collective effort of the entire crew.”

For fans and film aficionados, the CBFC’s U/A certification is not just a bureaucratic milestone—it’s the green light that heralds the arrival of a film that promises to blend nail‑biting suspense with socially relevant commentary. The industry watches closely as Mark prepares to hit screens, marking another significant chapter in Kichcha Sudeep’s evolving career as an actor‑producer‑director.