Niyas Backer

Niyas Backer is an Indian actor, mimicry artist, and occasional film director who works primarily in the Malayalam film and television industry. He is best known for his portrayal of the character Koya in the long-running Malayalam television sitcom Marimayam. Over the years, he has appeared in a wide range of Malayalam films, mainly in supporting and character roles, and has also directed a feature film.

Early and personal life Backer hails from Vadakkancherry in Thrissur district, Kerala. He is the eldest son of Aboobacker, a theatre artist and actor, and the elder brother of the late Malayalam actor and mimicry artist Kalabhavan Navas, who died in August 2025.

In 2025, Backer publicly refused a viral social media claim that his late brother's family had received a ₹26 lakh insurance payout, stating the posted insurance card was fake and warning the public against spreading misinformation.

Career

Backer began his career as a mimicry artist and stage performer, participating in comedy shows and theatre programmes across Kerala. He gradually transitioned to cinema, establishing himself as a dependable character actor in Malayalam films.

Alongside film appearances, he gained widespread popularity on television through his role as Koya in Marimayam, a satirical sitcom broadcast on Mazhavil Manorama since 2011. His performance in the series earned him recognition among television audiences.

In 2013, Niyas made his directorial debut with the Malayalam film Vallatha Pahayan, in which he also acted. The film marked his entry into filmmaking beyond acting. In 2014, he played the lead role in the film Manja, portraying the central character.

Filmography

Films Year Film Role Notes 1993 Venkalam — 1993 Chamayam — 2014 Polytechnic Murugan 2014 Mannar Mathai Speaking 2 Cook Manjulan 2024 Vivekanandan Viralanu Jayan Civil Police Officer 2025 Pravinkoodu Shappu Ceylon Ramakrishnan 2025 Sarvam Maya Client