Maliampurackal Chacko Punnoose, known as Navodaya Appachan (11 January 1924 – 23 April 2012), was an Indian film producer, director, and entrepreneur.[1] 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.[2] 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 | Yes | Yes | |
| 1978 | Kadathanaattu Maakkam | Yes | Yes | |
| 1979 | Maamaankam | Yes | Yes | |
| 1980 | Manjil Virinja Pookkal | Yes | Debut of Mohanlal and debut of Jerry Amaldev as music director in films | |
| 1980 | Theekkadal | Yes | Yes | |
| 1982 | Padayottam | Yes | First 70 mm film in India | |
| 1983 | Ente Mamattikkuttiyammakku | Yes | ||
| 1984 | My Dear Kuttichathan | Yes | India's first 3-D film. | |
| 1986 | Onnu Muthal Poojaym Vare | Yes | Debut of Raghunath Paleri as director and debut of Geetu Mohandas | |
| 1989 | Chanakyan | Yes | Debut of T.K. Rajeevkumar as director | |
| 1993 | Bible ki Kahaaniyan (For TV) | Yes | Television series | |
| 2003 | Magic Magic 3D | Yes |
Awards
References
- 1."Legendary filmmaker Appachan passes away". Newindian Express. 17 May 2012.
- 2.Pillai, Sreedhar (16 October 2013). "Padayottam set to be the biggest thing in films in south India". India Today. Retrieved 2 July 2026.
- 3."28th Filmfare Awards South Winners".
- 4."The Times of India Directory and Year Book Including Who's who". 2 December 1982 – via Google Books.