Jijo Punnoose

Jijo Punnoose is an Indian film director, producer and actor from Kerala. He is best known for directing the two landmark films in Malayalam cinemaPadayottam and My Dear Kuttichathan (1984). Jijo directed Padayottam, the first 70 mm film of South Indian cinema, and My Dear Kuttichathan is the first 3D film in India. He is the son of Navodaya Appachan of Navodaya Studios.

Early life and family Jijo was born as the eldest son of producer Navodaya Appachan, in a Syro Malabar Catholic family in Alappuzha, Kerala. He hails from the Maliampurakal family, which is credited with owning the first film studio in Kerala, Udaya Studios; considered the ancestral home of the Malayalam film industry. His great-grandfather, M. M. Chacko, started the first boat service in Kuttanadu.

He is the nephew of legendary film producer Kunchacko, who established Udaya Studios. Jijo is a relative of Kunchacko Boban, an Indian actor and film producer.

Career

Padayottam was a wide canvas film produced by Navodaya Appachan. The story was inspired from the novel The Count of Monte Cristo. It was the first 70 mm film in South Indian cinema. In 1984, he directed My Dear Kuttichathan, India's first 3D film.

Filmography

Year Title Actor Director Notes 1962 Bharya 1965 Inapraavugal 1966 Thilothama 1970 Pearl View 1980 Theekkadal Assistant director 1982 Padayottam 1984 My Dear Kuttichathan 1991 Bible Ki Kahaniya Creative director; TV serial 2024 Barroz: Guardian of D'Gama's Treasure Screenplay