Alleppey Vincent

Alleppey Vincent Biography

Alleppey Vincent was an actor associated with early talkies of Malayalam. He acted in Balan (1938), the first talkie made in Malayalam, and later played lead roles in a few movies in 1940s. In the history of Malayalam cinema, his name is credited as the first voice to be recorded in Malayalam cinema, and it happened when his words, 'Good Luck everyone' were recorded for Malayalam's first talkie. His elder brother Sebastian Kunjukunju Bhagavathar was a well-known stage actor, singer, and author. Alleppey Vincent was active in the film industry during the period, 1938-1984, and worked in less number of films. He was first president of The Kerala Cooperative Cine Society Limited, Alwaye.

In 1940 he played parallel lead in Gnanambika, followed by Vellinakshathram (1949), where he appeared in lead role. The film was a miserable failure at the box office. Miss Kumari, Lalitha, Kuttanadu Ramakrishna Pillai etc were other artists associated with the movie. It also marked the acting debut of Lalitha of Travancore sisters, and B. A. Chidambaranath, who composed its music. Vincent later worked in the movies - Jenova (1953), Oraal Koodi Kallanaayi (1964), Periyar (1973), Kaamini (1974) and Aarorumariyaathe (1984). As an actor of movies, he received only limited success.

Alleppey Vincent hailed from Ambalappuzha of Alappuzha district of present-day Kerala. He, along with his elder brother Sebastian Kunjukunju Bhagavathar is credited for early association with Malayalam talkies. Thus the brothers form an integral part of Malayalam cinema history. Vincent’s name will always be remembered for his association with Malayalam’s first talkie, Balan, where he portrayed the role of Shanku. Vincent was the first person to record his voice in a Malayalam cinema, when he uttered the phrase 'Good Luck everyone'.

Published: September 17, 2018

Updated: September 17, 2018