Antony Perumbavoor

Malekudy Joseph Antony, better known as Antony Perumbavoor, is an Indian film producer, distributor, cinema exhibitor and actor, who works in Malayalam film industry. He began his career as a chauffeur to Mohanlal in 1987 and started appearing in brief roles in Malayalam films in 1990s. In 2000, he established the film production house Aashirvad Cinemas, which exclusively produces Mohanlal films. Antony owns the multiplex theatre chain Aashirvad Cineplexx and co-owns the film distribution company Maxlab Cinemas and Entertainments. He is the president of Film Exhibitors United Organisation of Kerala (FEUOK).

As a producer, he has received several awards, including two National Film Awards, four Kerala State Film Awards and a Filmfare Awards South among others.

Early life and family M. J. Antony was born as the son of Joseph of the Malekudy house and Elamma. He hails from Perumbavoor in Ernakulam district, Kerala and studied in a government upper primary school in Iringole, Perumbavoor and MGM Higher Secondary School in Kuruppampady. Antony is married to Shanti and the couple have two children. He resides in Aimury, Perumbavoor.

In 2000, he established the film production company Aashirvad Cinemas, debuting with Mohanlal-starring action drama Narasimham, which became the highest-grossing Malayalam film to that date. Until 2009, the films of Aarshirvad Cinemas were distributed by Swargachitra and later by Central Pictures. In 2009, Antony along with Mohanlal and industrialist K. C. Babu established the film distribution company Maxlab Cinemas and Entertainments, debuting with Sagar Alias Jacky Reloaded.

In 2016, Antony established his first multiplex theater, Aashirvad Cineplexx in Perumbavoor and later opened its chain in other regions in the state. In 2017, Antony was elected the vice-president of the newly formed Film Exhibitors United Organisation of Kerala (FEUOK), an organisation comprising producers, distributors, and exhibitors in Malayalam film industry. Since July 2017, he is the president of FEUOK. In 2019, Aashirvad Cinemas opened office in Hong Kong under the name Feitian Aashirvad Cinemas.

Filmography Acting credits

Production

Distribution

Accolades National Film Awards 2012: Best Film on Other Social Issues – Spirit 2021: Best Feature Film – Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham Kerala State Film Awards 2001: Best Film with Popular Appeal and Aesthetic Value – Raavanaprabhu 2008: Best Film with Popular Appeal and Aesthetic Value – Innathe Chintha Vishayam 2009: Best Film with Popular Appeal and Aesthetic Value – Evidam Swargamanu 2013: Best Film with Popular Appeal and Aesthetic Value – Drishyam

Filmfare Awards South 2013: Best Film – Malayalam - Drishyam

South Indian International Movie Awards 2013: Best Film in Malayalam – Drishyam

Asianet Film Awards 2000: Best Film – Narasimham 2012: Most Popular Film – Spirit 2013: Best Film – Drishyam 2013: Most Popular Film – Drishyam 2016: Best Film – Oppam 2020: Best Film — Lucifer

Jaihind TV Awards 2007: Best Film – Paradesi 2013: Best Film - ‘’Drishyam’’

Kairali TV – World Malayali Council Film Award 2009: Best Film – Evidam Swargamanu