Joy Mathew

Joy Mathew Biography

Joy Mathew is one of the big findings of year 2013 of Malayalam cinema, who made a comeback to film industry after 27 years. He played the main villain’s role of Father Abraham Ottaplakal in the biggest hit of 2013 – Amen. He also debut as film director through the movie – Shutter the same year which was praised well by critics. This movie was shown at different international film festivals and has received many honours. This movie received Silver Crow Pheasant Award for Best Feature Film (Audience Prize) at the 17th International Film Festival of Kerala.

Joy played the lead role in the critically acclaimed movie, Ammaye kanan in 1986 directed by John Abraham. After this single movie, he took a long break from film industry and returned back only in 2013 with new role of a director as well as supporting actor. Surprisingly he acted in 14 movies in 2013 and regarded as one of the greatest comebacks of Malayalam film actors. Now a series of movies are waiting for release as well.

He was born in Challissery of Thrissur district in 1951. Mathew is also known as a theatre actor, playwright and political activist. He played lead role in Ammaye kanan in 1986. This movie was voted one of the Top 10 Indian films by British Film Institute. Though he took break from film industry, he was active in theater.  Athirthikkal (1989), Sankadal (1996), Pretoria – Oct 18 (1996) and Chille 73 (1997) are his most noted works as a playwright. He won the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for the play Madhya Dharanazhi (1996). He was also honoured by Sangeeta Nataka Academy for his works as a playwright.

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Updated: February 24, 2014