M.O. Joseph

M.O. Joseph Biography

M. O. Joseph, popularly called Manjilas Joseph was a famous producer of Malayalam cinema during 1960s and 1970s. Known for several iconic performances of legendary actor Sathyan on silver screen, Joseph has produced those landmark movies of Malayalam cinema starring Sathyan in main lead; Yakshi, Vazvemaayam, Kadal Paalam, Anubhavangal Paalichakal to mention a few. He formed his own film production company – Manjilas. Adimakal, Ponni, Guruvayur Kesavan, Devi, Eenam, Chattakkaari, Lissi, Kaliyugam, Makkal, Agni Nakshatram, Jnan Jnan Maatram, Aniyara, Ivar, Parangi Mala, Paara, Odukkam Thudakkam, Parangi Mala etc of some of his production ventures. Manjilas has witnessed the change of Malayalam cinema over decades and has given many award winning movies to film viewers. He passed away on 8^th Janaury 2016 aged 80.

He was born and brought up in Thrissur. He later moved to Ernakulam to pursue his graduation. By that time itself he entered the film scene. His father was the manager of film theater Shenayis at Ernakulam in those days. Joseph was introduced to film by his father’s friend T. E. Vasudevan, who was a film producer. He along with his friends formed a production company – Navayuga Pictures in 1967 and ‘Naadan Pennu’ starring Prem Nazir was his debut film.  ‘Thokkukal Katha Parayunnu’ was the next movie produced under the same banner.

Later he started his own production company – Manjilas Films and the landmark film – Yakshi starring Sathyan was its first film. The last film produced under this banner was ‘Paara’ in 1985. The production company stood in the film making industry for about two decades giving several entertainers to film goes. Most of the movies produced by Joseph won national and State awards, a rare honour. Most of his movies were based on the works of prominent Malayalam writers, Parappuram, Malayatoor Rakmakrishnan and P Bhaskaran to name a few. These great writers have also written scripts for Manjilas Films. Most of his films claim the beautiful association of Vayalar and Devarajan compositions.

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Updated: January 18, 2016