Martin Prakkat

Martin Prakkat is an Indian film director, screenwriter, and producer who works primarily in Malayalam cinema. He is known for directing films such as Best Actor, ABCD: American-Born Confused Desi, Charlie, and Nayattu. His films have received several honours, including Kerala State Film Awards, with Charlie and Nayattu receiving critical recognition.

Early life Martin Prakkat was born to Kunjamma and P. J. Sebastian of Prakkat house in Changanassery, Kerala. He completed his collegiate education at St. Berchmans College in Changanacherry.

Before entering the film industry, Prakkat worked for approximately a decade as a celebrity photographer for Vanitha, a Malayalam-language magazine. His experience in photography preceded his transition to filmmaking.

Career Prakkat made his directorial debut with Best Actor (2010), a comedy-drama starring Mammootty as a schoolteacher who aspires to become an actor. The film was a commercial success and earned Prakkat the Kerala Film Critics Association Awards for Best Debut Director. He followed it with ABCD: American-Born Confused Desi (2013), starring Dulquer Salmaan and Aparna Gopinath. The film was commercially successful and further established his career as a director.

In 2015, Prakkat directed Charlie, a romantic drama starring Dulquer Salmaan and Parvathy Thiruvothu. The film received critical acclaim and won several honours, including multiple Kerala State Film Awards.

Charlie emerged as one of the major winners at the 2015 Kerala State Film Awards, receiving awards in eight categories. Prakkat won the award for Best Director, while Prakkat and Unni R. shared the award for Best Screenplay. Dulquer Salmaan received the Best Actor award for his performance in the film, and Parvathy Thiruvothu won the Best Actress award for her performances in Charlie and Ennu Ninte Moideen. Cinematographer Jomon T. John won the Best Cinematographer award for his work in Charlie, Ennu Ninte Moideen, and Nee-Na.

After a gap in his directorial career, he returned with Nayattu (2021), a socio-political thriller centred on three police officers on the run. The film received critical acclaim for its screenplay, performances, and portrayal of policing and political influence.

Filmography Year Film Credited as NotesDirector ScreenplayProducer 2010 Best Actor Co-writer: Bipin Chandran 2013 ABCD: American-Born Confused Desi Co-writer: Naveen Bhaskar, Sooraj-Neeraj 2015 Charlie Co-producer: Shebin Becker, Joju George 2017 Udaharanam Sujatha Co-producer: Joju George2021 Nayattu Co-Producer: Ranjith, P. M. Sasidharan 2022Archana 31 Not Out Co-producer: Renjith Nair, Siby Chavara 2023 Iratta Co-producer: Joju George, Sijo Vadakkan 2025 Officer on Duty Co-producer: Renjith Nair, Siby Chavara

Advertising work The production house has produced commercials for brands in banking, FMCG, jewellery, education, and consumer services, often timed around culturally significant moments like Onam and festive seasons. He has worked on campaigns such as South Indian Bank festive films, Parle-G’s “Genius Onam” ad, Kavitha Gold & Diamonds’ gender-neutral communication featuring Fahadh Faasil, and spots for H2O Care.

As actor Achuvinte Amma Theevram - as himself, Cameo appearance

Awards

2010 Kerala Film Critics Award for Best Debut Director for Best Actor 2015 Kerala State Film Award for Best Director for Charlie 2015 Kerala State Film Award for Best Screenplay for Charlie 2021 Kerala Film Critics Award for Best Director for Nayattu 2021 Best International Feature Film Award at the Swedish Film Festival for Nayattu 2021 National award for best screenplay for Nayattu 2022 Shortlisted for India's submission for Best International Feature Film at the Academy Awards for Nayattu 2022 Official Selection at Dhaka International Film Festival for Nayattu 2024 Kerala State Film Award for Second Best Film for Iratta