Navodaya Appachan

Maliampurackal Chacko Punnoose, known as Navodaya Appachan (11 January 1924 – 23 April 2012), was an Indian film producer, director, and entrepreneur. He was best known for his work in Malayalam cinema, especially as the founder of Navodaya Studio.

Personal life Appachan was born, as M. C. Punnoose to M. M. Chacko, son of Mani of the Maliampurackal family, at Pulinkunnoo, and was an alumnus of St. Xavier's College, Palayamkottai. His brother, Kunchacko established the first film studio in Kerala, Udaya Studios.

His nephew, Boban Kunchacko, was also an actor, director, and producer who was part of a few films produced by Udaya. His grandnephew, Kunchacko Boban is also a Malayalam film actor.

Appachan is married to Baby Punnoose and have two sons Jijo and Jose, and a daughter, Jiss Punnoose.

Career Appachan first became involved in the film industry with his brother Kunchacko, at Udaya Studio, and later founded of Navodaya Studio.

He produced Manjil Virinja Pookkal and My Dear Kuttichathan. The latter was, directed by his son, Jijo Punnoose and was the first 3D movie made in India and released as Chota Chetan in Hindi.

Appachan directed Thacholi Ambu, which was the first Cinemascope film in Malayalam. He also directed Padayottam, which was the first indigenously shot 70mm movie in South India, was produced by him. He created Bible Ki Kahaniyan on Doordarshan.

He founded Kishkinta, India's first theme park, in Chennai. He was given the 2011 J. C. Daniel Award for contributions to Malayalam cinema.

Death Appachan died of cancer aged 88 on 23 April 2012 at Lakeshore Hospital in Kochi.

Filmography

Year Title Director Producer Notes 1978 Thacholi Ambu 1978 Kadathanaattu Maakkam 1979 Maamaankam 1980 Manjil Virinja Pookkal Debut of Mohanlal and debut of Jerry Amaldev as music director in films 1980 Theekkadal 1982 Padayottam First 70 mm film in India 1983 Ente Mamattikkuttiyammakku 1984 My Dear Kuttichathan India's first 3-D film. 1986 Onnu Muthal Poojaym Vare Debut of Raghunath Paleri as director and debut of Geetu Mohandas 1989 Chanakyan Debut of T.K. Rajeevkumar as director 1993 Bible ki Kahaaniyan (For TV) Television series 2003 Magic Magic 3D

Awards He won Filmfare Award for Best Film - Malayalam - Chamaram (1980)