Principal photography commenced in early July 2025 and concluded in approximately 110 days, with key locations including Bengaluru’s Kanakapura Road and several sets across Karnataka. Post-production—including visual effects, background score, and dubbing—was completed by mid-November 2025 with the film’s official trailer unveiling on 7 December 2025.
The film had a pan-Indian theatrical release on 25 December 2025 to capitalize on the Christmas season. It was simultaneously released in Kannada alongside dubbed versions in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Hindi.
Plot
Ajay Markandeya, known as Mark (Kiccha Sudeep), is a suspended Superintendent of Police in Bengaluru, sidelined after a clash with a corrupt politician. His life takes a dramatic turn when a series of violent incidents unfold across Karnataka. A brutal mass murder in Kolhapur introduces Bhadra (Naveen Chandra), a gangster whose rage stems from his brother’s elopement. Meanwhile, Mark rescues a group of policemen from rowdies in Bengaluru, pulling him back into active duty.
The investigation deepens when Mark’s mother is stabbed and Archana’s daughter, the caretaker’s child, is abducted. He discovers a large-scale child kidnapping racket, with nearly twenty children missing. As Mark races against time, a political conspiracy surfaces: the Chief Minister is murdered in a hospital, and his son Adikeshav (Shine Tom Chacko) kills his own mother to seize power. The nexus between the drug mafia, child trafficking, and political ambition becomes clear.
Mark faces betrayal within his own ranks while battling Bhadra’s gang and rescuing the abducted children. In a high-octane climax, he exposes Adikeshav and dismantles the criminal cartel, restoring law and clearing his name. The narrative unfolds over a tight 24-hour window, blending intense action, emotional stakes, and political intrigue. [1][3]
The project was publicly announced in 2025. Initial reports referred to the film under a working title before the official title Mark was revealed. The title reveal was widely covered by regional and national entertainment media, many of which published details about its planned release and production background.[5][6]
Crew
The film's technical crew includes Vijay Kartikeyaa as director and writer, Shekar Chandra as cinematographer and S R Ganesh Babu as editor. B. Ajaneesh Loknath serves as the music director.[7][8]
Filming
According to press sources, principal photography took place through 2025. Reports from Udayavani and The Times of India indicated that filming finished in November 2025, aligning with the production's goal of a late-2025 release. [8][7]
Music
B. Ajaneesh Loknath is credited as the film's composer. The first song associated with the film received coverage in several outlets, which noted its release schedule and early audience response. [9][10]
Teaser descriptions and title reveal updates were carried by outlets including Times of India, OneIndia, Public TV, and Zoom TV. Coverage generally focused on the film's announcement, cast details, and scheduled release window. [1][4][6][2]
Release
Mark was released on 25 December 2025 On Christmas in Kannada, Tamil, Telugu and Hindi. [7][8]
Reception
Critical reception
Sanjay Ponnappa of India Today gave 3/5 stars and wrote "Mark is another entertainer from Sudeep for Christmas. It delivers mass appeal through its action and class through its investigative thriller elements. While the film does come with its share of flaws, for anyone looking for a fun time at the theatres, Sudeep’s swag is more than enough to make up for them."[11] Nirali Kanabar of Times Now gave 3/5 stars and wrote "All in all, Mark is a solid massy action thriller that knows exactly what it wants to be. Director Vijay Karthikeyaa delivers an engaging narrative packed with well-shot action sequences and impactful emotional beats. As for Kiccha Sudeepa, the actor is in a terrific form. He dominates the screen with swag and intensity. The film, backed by impressive music and crisp editing, makes for a satisfying theatrical experience. On the whole, Mark is a worthy Christmas watch for those who love watching action thrillers."[12]
Swaroop Kodur of The Indian Express gave 2.5/5 stars and wrote "Vijay Karthikeyaa's hotch-potch narrative is met by subpar execution, leaving Sudeep and many other talented names with little to work with."[13] Prathibha Joy of OTT Play gave 2/5 stars and wrote "Mark is just another movie in the Max template, albeit one that is not half as fun, entertaining or gripping. Vijay’s style-over-substance approach is a misfire. Despite massively tempered expectations, Mark was disappointing to say the least."[14] Vivek MV of The Hindu wrote "With some stylish scenes and a few catchy dance numbers, ‘Mark’, starring Sudeep and directed by Vijay Kartikeyaa, tries to be a gripping thriller, but it ultimately misses the mark on delivering a memorable experience."[15]
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