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{{Short description|Indian film producer (1929–2016)}}
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{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2025}}
{{Use Indian English|date=October 2018}}
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{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
|name = M.O. Joseph
| name             = M. O. Joseph
|image =M.O.Joseph and Kunjamma Joseph.jpg
| image             = M.O.Joseph and Kunjamma Joseph.jpg
| caption = Joseph and his wife, Kunjamma, 2016
| image_size        = 250px
|birth_date ={{Birth date |df=yes|1929|1|15}}
| alt              = M. O. Joseph and his wife Kunjamma Joseph
|birth_place =[[Kerala]], India
| caption           = M. O. Joseph with his wife, Kunjamma Joseph, in 2016.
|death_date = {{death date and age|2016|1|8|1929|1|15|df=y}}
| birth_date       = {{Birth date |df=yes|1929|1|15}}
|death_place = [[Chennai]], [[Tamil Nadu]], [[India]]
| birth_place       = [[Thrissur]], [[Kerala]], India
|occupation = Film Producer
| death_date       = {{death date and age|2016|1|8|1929|1|15|df=y}}
|yearsactive = 1967–1983
| death_place       = [[Chennai]], [[Tamil Nadu]], India
| spouse = Kunjamma Joseph
| occupation       = Film Producer
| children = 5
| years_active      = 1967–1983
| spouse           = Kunjamma Joseph
| children         = 5
| notable_works    = ''[[Yakshi (film)|Yakshi]]'', ''[[Adimakal]]'', ''[[Chattakkari (1974 film)|Chattakkari]]'', ''[[Anubhavangal Palichakal]]'', ''[[Punarjanmam]]''
| awards            = [[Filmfare Award for Best Film - Malayalam]] (1969, 1970)
}}
}}
'''Manjilas Ouseph Joseph''' (15 January 1929 – 8 January 2016) was a [[Malayalam]] producer. He produced over 30 films in the 1960s and 1970s, most notably [[Yakshi (film)|Yakshi]], [[Adimakal]], [[Devi (1972 film)|Devi]], [[Chattakkari (1974 film)|Chattakkari]], [[Anubhavangal Palichakal]], and [[Punarjanmam]].<ref>{{cite web|title=List of malayalam movies under the banner Manjilas|url=http://www.malayalachalachithram.com/movieslist.php?bn=836|website=Malayalam Movie and Music Database}}</ref> He won numerous awards including National Film Awards and Kerala State Film Awards.
 
'''Manjilas Ouseph Joseph''' (15 January 1929 – 8 January 2016) was a [[Malayalis|Malayali]] film producer.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Manjilas Joseph Biography, News, Photos, Videos |url=https://nettv4u.com/celebrity/malayalam/producer/manjilas-joseph |access-date=28 May 2023 |website=nettv4u |language=en}}</ref> He produced over 30 films in the 1960s and 1970s, including [[Yakshi (film)|Yakshi]], [[Adimakal]], [[Devi (1972 film)|Devi]], [[Chattakkari (1974 film)|Chattakkari]], [[Anubhavangal Palichakal]], and [[Punarjanmam]].<ref>{{cite web|title=List of Malayalam movies under the banner Manjilas|url=http://www.malayalachalachithram.com/movieslist.php?bn=836|website=Malayalam Movie and Music Database}}</ref> He received two [[Filmfare Awards South]] for Best Malayalam Film. His films also received awards, including the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Malayalam.


==Early life==
==Early life==
Joseph was born in 1929, and grew up in the bustling temple town of [[Thrissur]], where his father was the manager of the [[Jose Theatre]].<ref>{{cite web|title=M.O Joseph Biography|url=http://www.veethi.com/india-people/m.o._joseph-profile-8110-14.htm|website=Veethi: The face of India}}</ref> The [[Jose Theatre]] has the distinction of having been the first cinema theatre to be set up in [[Kerala]], as early as 1913. Joseph studied at the [[St. Thomas College, Thrissur]] and then completed his graduation in B.Com from the Sacred Heart College in [[Ernakulam]], where his father had joined the Shenoy Theatres. When he had completed his studies, his father suggested that he join [[T. E. Vasudevan]] who was distributing and producing films under the banner of Associated Pictures as an apprentice. Joseph joined them in 1950 on an initial salary of Rs. 150 per month and quickly picked up the skills required in the role. Associated Pictures was a partnership with the Shenoys as financial partners, but some years later,  [[T. E. Vasudevan|Vasudevan]] launched out on his own and started JayaMaruthi Pictures.  Joseph joined him.
Joseph was born on 15 January 1929 and grew up in [[Thrissur]]. His father was the manager of the Jose Theatre, which was started by Kattukkaran Varunny Joseph. He studied at [[St. Thomas College, Thrissur|St. Thomas College]] and later graduated with a [[Bachelor of Commerce]] from the [[Sacred Heart College, Kochi|Sacred Heart College]] in [[Ernakulam]], where his father was employed by the [[Shenoys Theatre]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Manjilas Joseph |url=https://nettv4u.com/celebrity/malayalam/producer/manjilas-joseph |access-date=11 February 2025|website=nettv4u |language=en}}</ref> Upon completing his education, Joseph's father recommended that he assist [[T. E. Vasudevan]], who was involved in the distribution and production of films under the banner of Associated Pictures, as an apprentice. <ref>{{Cite web |title=Manjilas Joseph |url=https://nettv4u.com/celebrity/malayalam/producer/manjilas-joseph |access-date=11 February 2025 |website=nettv4u |language=en}}</ref>


Joseph moved to [[Chennai]] in 1951 to manage the regional business of Associated Pictures. By 1966, Joseph had built his own contacts in the industry, and was ready to start out on his own. His first foray into independent film making was in a partnership with P. Balthazar, who was a neighbor in Kodambakkam, and Balthazar's cousin, NV Joseph. Balthazar was a businessman dealing with contract work and trading, and wanted to get into films. Joseph provided that opportunity, and this partnership which was called Navjeevan Films, resulted in two films<ref>{{cite news|title=He was no ordinary producer|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/kozhikode/He-was-no-ordinary-producer/article13995789.ece|date=10 January 2016|newspaper=The Hindu|first=P.J. Ajith|last=Kumar|accessdate=28 October 2018}}</ref>
== Career ==
The first film, ‘[[Naadan Pennu]]’ was launched in 1967, which was directed by [[KS Sethumadhavan]], who would go on to direct some of the best [[Malayalam]] films of those times. The film established Joseph's credibility in the industry as a good producer, and broke even in commercial terms. The second film did likewise. It was ‘[[Thokkukal Kadha Parayunnu]]’, which again was directed by [[KS Sethumadhavan|Sethumadhavan]], and featured the leading actors of those times, including [[Sathyan (actor)|Sathyan]], [[Prem Nazir]] and [[Sheela]].
Joseph joined Vasudevan in 1950 with an initial salary of {{Indian rupee|150}} per month ($31.50 per month in 1950 USD).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Manjilas Joseph |url=https://nettv4u.com/celebrity/malayalam/producer/manjilas-joseph |access-date=12 February 2025|website=nettv4u |language=en}}</ref> Associated Pictures was in a financial partnership with the [[Shenoys Theatre|Shenoys]]. [[T. E. Vasudevan|Vasudevan]] later launched his own business by starting JayaMaruthi Pictures, with Joseph joining him.{{Citation needed|date=February 2025}}


In the run up to the third film, there were differences among the partners. Joseph had decided to produce a film on the unlikely story of a young man who confuses his love with a ghost. He was convinced that it would make a great story, but his partners did not like the idea, so they parted ways. ‘Yakshi’, based on a story written by [[Malayattoor Ramakrishnan]], turned out to be a big hit, and established the new banner, Manjilas after the family name, as a new household name in [[Kerala]]. The film was noted for its excellent cinematography, by Melli Irani.<ref>{{cite web|title=Melli Irani: Profile|url=http://en.msidb.org/displayProfile.php?category=camera&artist=Melli%20Irani|website=Malayalam Music and Movie Encyclopedia}}</ref> Its music, composed by Devarajan was a highlight of this all-time musical hit.
Joseph moved to [[Madras]] (now Chennai) in 1951 to manage the regional business of Associated Pictures.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Malayalam Producer Manjilas Joseph Biography, News, Photos, Videos |url=https://nettv4u.com/celebrity/malayalam/producer/manjilas-joseph |access-date=2025-02-22 |website=nettv4u |language=en}}</ref> His initial foray into [[independent filmmaking]] was through a partnership with P. Balthazar and NV Joseph, under the production company Navajeevan Films.<ref>{{cite news|title=He was no ordinary producer|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/kozhikode/He-was-no-ordinary-producer/article13995789.ece|date=10 January 2016|newspaper=The Hindu|first=P.J. Ajith|last=Kumar|accessdate=28 October 2018}}</ref> The first film, ‘[[Naadan Pennu]]’ was released in 1967. It was directed by [[KS Sethumadhavan|K. S. Sethumadhavan]].<ref>{{Citation |last=Sethumadhavan |first=K. S. |title=Naadan Pennu |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0254598/ |access-date=2025-02-22 |others=Bahadur, Adoor Bhasi, N. Govindankutty}}</ref>


==Notable Manjilas Films==
During the 1960's and 1970's, Joseph produced films under the Manjilas banner, working with directors such as [[K. S. Sethumadhavan]], Thoppil Baasi, and [[I. V. Sasi]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Profile of Malayalam Banner Manjilas |url=https://en.msidb.org/displayProfile.php?category=banner&artist=Manjilas |access-date=2025-02-22 |website=en.msidb.org}}</ref>
Joseph believed in good quality, and he followed this philosophy right from the beginning. He researched extensively to select the right stories, engaged the best actors, and took great care to ensure that every shot was well done. It made good business sense, for he made an impact with financiers, who recognized in him, the ability to deliver reliably each time.
==Contributions to Malayalam film industry==
 
Joseph was a founder member of the Malayalam Chalachitra Parishad, an organization supporting film artists and their families. He also contributed to fundraising efforts for the Parishad. He was a founder member of the management committee of [[Asan Memorial College of Engineering and Technology]].<ref>{{cite news|title=TE Vasudevan: Cinema is his world|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-is-his-world/article4904720.ece|website=The Hindu|date=11 July 2013|last1=Shivpprasadh|first1=S.}}</ref>
In most films the same set of actors performed. The leading pair would often be the same and [[Adoor Bhasi]], [[Bahadoor]] and [[Sankaradi]] would be the stock comedians. The father of the girl would invariably be played by [[Sankaradi]]. [[Paravoor Bharathan]], [[Sathyan (actor)|Sathyan]], [[Prem Nazir]], Oommar, Madhu and Soman were some of the leading male actors, and the female lead roles were played by [[Sheela]], Jaya Bharathy, Sharada, Vidhu Bala, and Laxmi among others.
[[File:M.O.Joseph - Children.jpg|thumbnail|left]]
 
The Manjilas banner produced a series of good films. Joseph came up with bold and unusual stories, juxtaposed in the social milieu of those times. ‘Kadal Paalam’ is the story of an arrogant father and his efforts to retain control over his family. In this movie, [[Sathyan (actor)|Sathyan]] plays a dual role, that of the blind and obstinate father, as well as that of his rebellious son. Written by KT Mohammad, and directed by [[KS Sethumadhavan]], the film was critically well acclaimed, and a box office hit.
 
In ‘Vazhave Maayam’, he told the story of an older man married to a young and beautiful woman. [[Sathyan (actor)|Sathyan]] in the lead, begins to suspect that his wife, played by [[Sheela]], has a lover. This culminates in a scene when a sheepish [[Sathyan (actor)|Sathyan]] is exposed, while spying on his wife, hidden in a cupboard in the bedroom. The enraged [[Sheela]] then packs her bags, never to return. Pride and circumstance keep both man and woman from coming together again. The story also stood out for the message that it was possible for a married woman to carve out a new life, instead of moping and languishing in a corner; instead, it was the man who wasted his life in this story. Most of Joseph's films featured strong female characters, who were integral to the story being told. There was no stereotyping of characters, or any application of formula to making a movie.


‘[[Anubhavangal Paalichakal]]’ is another landmark film, which released in 1971.<ref>{{cite web|title=Anubhavangal Paalichakal|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/anubhavangal-palichakal/article4687562.ece|website=The Hindu}}</ref> The story is based on [[Thakazhi]]’s novel of the same name. The film recounts the experience of a union leader, easily provoked to violence, who came to be regarded as a champion of the working class. His rebellious life runs in parallel to his personal story, where his wife, who does not get his attention or time, becomes closer to a co-worker. As the protagonist goes to jail, for a murder he commits, she starts living with the other man in her life.
== Personal life ==
In 1953, M. O. Joseph married Kunjamma Joseph. They had five children.<ref>{{cite web |title=Legendary producer M O Joseph passes away |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/legendary-producer-m-o-joseph-passes-away/articleshow/50510062.cms |website=Times of India |access-date=7 November 2024 |date=9 January 2016}}</ref>


The film deals sympathetically with both the union leader’s compulsions, as well as the motives and challenges which persuade the leading lady, played by [[Sheela]], to take a second husband. In the final part of the story, [[Sathyan (actor)|Sathyan]] comes to know about his wife’s infidelity, but does not take the conventional revenge on the other man, but simply goes and gives himself up to the police.
[[Utpal Dutt]], on seeing [[Sathyan (actor)|Sathyan's]] performance in ‘[[Anubhavangal Paalichakal]]’ - remarked
"in the face lined with the agony and threats of an ordinary laborer …I could discern the great talent of [[Sathyan (actor)|Sathyan]] portraying the inner chaos of an ordinary worker…"


This was the last film of [[Sathyan (actor)|Sathyan]]. In fact, he died suddenly, before the film was completed, and the film had to be completed by a double. The death of [[Sathyan (actor)|Sathyan]] was a double blow to Joseph, as besides being a leading man in many of his movies, he was also a close friend.<ref>{{cite web|title=SathyanBiography|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/article439690.ece?service=print|website=My big father - Sathyan}}</ref> Joseph went out of his way to ensure that [[Sathyan (actor)|Sathyan]] got a farewell befitting the icon that he had become.
Ara Naayika Neram was produced in 1970, directed by [[KS Sethumadhavan|Sethumadhavan]]. It is a gloomy saga of a decadent family as witnessed through the eyes of the grand old patriarch-Kunjochanam ([[Kottarakkara]]). We are given insight into the lives of different members of this family, and come across an interesting range of characters. After witnessing many a tragedy and ups and downs the [[octogenarian]] is struck with paralysis and loses his power of speech. He then he suffers the rudest shock of his life when he sees his daughter-in-law carry on an affair with an opium dealer. The opium dealer poisons him for fear of their secret being let out if ever he regains his speech. The film ends with the guilt ridden daughter-in-law committing suicide.


[[Punarjanmam]] was another landmark film. It was based on a novel written by Dr AT Kovoor, who had become famous for his fight against blind belief in rituals and customs. He used to write in a Malayalam weekly called ‘Jaya Kerala’ which Joseph read. Someone wrote a letter to the editor that Punar Janmam, the novel written by Dr Kovoor, would make a good movie, and only Manjilas could do justice to the story. This letter attracted Joseph's attention. He got in touch with Kovoor, and bought the film rights to the story. Kovoor was based in Sri Lanka (Ceylon in those days). The two men soon became friends. When the shooting was going on, Dr. Kovoor came and stayed with Joseph's family in Madras several times. [[Punarjanmam]] proved to be a super hit!
Another superhit film was ‘[[Chattakkari (1974 film)|Chattakkari]]’ which was later produced in Hindi by [[Nagi Reddy]] as ‘Julie’. 'Chattakkari’ was the story of an [[Anglo-Indian]] family who were coming to terms with the new Indian reality. Both the [[Malayalam]] and Hindi films made waves in those times, and are well remembered by the general public.
In the 1960s and ‘70s, [[Malayalam cinema]] was fairly prolific. Around 30 films were produced each year, of which the Manjilas banner often came out with 2 or 3 films. The shooting for each film was mostly done outdoors and would be completed in a stretch of some three to four weeks. The remaining shots which were based on fabricated sets were done in one of the studios in [[Kodambakkam]]. The big studio houses were Vidya Studios, [[Vahini studios|Vahini Studios]] and [[Bharani Studios]].
Production houses like Manjilas operated on lean budgets and lean staffing. They would enter into individual contracts with the actors for each film, and then would get them to sign call sheets which helped block dates of the actors and helped firm up the calendar for the year. The company would have just two or three staff employees who took care of coordination, procurement and accounts. Joseph would himself handle the functions of theme and story selection, casting and production. He would closely involve himself with every stage of production.
The direction for almost 15 of his movies was done by [[KS Sethumadhavan]], so the two were very close to  each other. Other directors who he worked with include Thoppil Baasi, the well known script writer who directed Ponni, and IV Sashi who directed ‘Njaan Njaan Maatram’ and ‘Ivvar’.
The Manjilas banner produced some 25 films in total, from 1968 to 1984. Joseph maintained control on all the departments of film making. He would even sit with the script writer, giving suggestions on how to turn a story. He would also carefully read each script and make detailed corrections. The Malayalam film world was a smaller community in those days. Joseph's good friends were [[Vayalar Ravi]] (writer), Thoppil Baasi (writer), KG Menon, [[Sathyan (actor)|Sathyan]] (lead actor) and [[Vasudevan Nair]] (producer) and he relied on his interaction with these men, artists and men of letters for his ideas and the direction that his films would take.
==Contributions To Malayalam Film Industry==
[[File:M.O.Joseph and Kunjamma Joseph.jpg|thumbnail|right|M.O Joseph and wife Kunjamma Joseph]]
Joseph also played an important role in establishing several key institutions in the Malayalam Film industry. He was one of the founders along with [[Ramu Karyat]] and [[Vasudevan|TE Vasudevan]], of the Malayalam Chalachitra Parishad,<ref>{{cite web|title=TE Vasudevan: Cinema is his world|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-is-his-world/article4904720.ece|website=The Hindu}}</ref> an organization to help aged and needy film artistes and their families. In the beginning, the office of the Parishad started in the Manjilas office.  When [[Sathyan (actor)|Sathyan]] died, his body was kept in the Manjilas office for public display, since it was also the office of the Chalachitra Parishad.
Later, Joseph helped raise funds for the organization by organizing Star Nites, which were a hugely popular mix of show-biz, music and drama, which were held in different towns of [[Kerala]]. Stars such as [[Prem Nazir]] and  Sheila and singers such as P. Leela contributed their time to these shows. From the funds collected through these Star Nites, and from donations, the Parishad was able to buy its own land in [[Mambalam]], [[Chennai]] and construct its own double storied offices. Joseph continued as the Treasurer of the Parishad for many years. He was also a founder member of the management committee of [[Asan Memorial College of Engineering and Technology|Asan Memorial Group of institutions]] and functional as its Vice President.
[[File:M.O.Joseph - Children.jpg|thumbnail|left]]
==Family==
He married Kunjamma Joseph at the age of 24 in 1953. They have five children.{{cn|date=July 2020}}


==Filmography==
==Filmography==
MO Joseph and Manjilas contributed some of the most iconic films of his times. A list of his films and some of the awards won<ref>{{cite web|title=Manjilas Banner List of movies|url=http://en.msidb.org/displayProfile.php?category=banner&artist=Manjilas|website=Malayalam Music and Movie Encyclopedia}}</ref>
A list of M. O. Joseph's films.<ref>{{cite web|title=Manjilas Banner List of movies|url=http://en.msidb.org/displayProfile.php?category=banner&artist=Manjilas|website=Malayalam Music and Movie Encyclopedia}}</ref>


{| class="wikitable sortable"
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
|-
!  !! Name of Film !! Banner !! Direction !! Year !! Cast !! Awards
!  !! Name of film !! Banner !! Direction !! Year !! Cast !! Awards
|-
|-
| 1 || NAADAN PENNU || Navajeevan Films || KS Sethu Madhavan || 1967 || Prem Nazir, Sathyan, Sheela, Jayabharathi ||
| 1 || ''[[Naadan Pennu]]''|| Navajeevan Films || K. S. Sethu Madhavan || 1967 || Prem Nazir, Sathyan, Sheela, Jayabharathi ||
|-
|-
| 2 || THOKKUKAL KADHA PARAYANNU || Navajeevan Films || KS Sethu Madhavan || 1968 || Prem Nazir, Sathyan, Sheela ||
| 2 || ''[[Thokkukal Kadha Parayunnu]]''|| Navajeevan Films || K. S. Sethu Madhavan || 1968 || Prem Nazir, Sathyan, Sheela ||
|-
|-
| 3 || YAKSHI || Manjilas Films || KS Sethu Madhavan || 1968 || Sathyan, Sharada ||
| 3 || ''[[Yakshi (film)|Yakshi]]''|| Manjilas Films || K. S. Sethu Madhavan || 1968 || Sathyan, Sharada ||
|-
|-
| 4 || ADIMAKAL || Manjilas Films || KS Sethu Madhavan || 1969 || Prem Nazir, Sathyan, Sheela, Sharada || Best Picture in Malayalam <br> NATIONAL AWARD for Best Feature Film
| 4 || ''[[Adimakal]]''|| Manjilas Films || K. S. Sethu Madhavan || 1969 || Prem Nazir, Sathyan, Sheela, Sharada || Best Picture in Malayalam National Award for Best Feature Film
|-
|-
| 5 || KADALPPALAM || Manjilas Films || KS Sethu Madhavan || 1969 || Sathyan, Jayabharathi, KP Ummer ||
| 5 || ''[[Kadalpalam]]''|| Manjilas Films || K. S. Sethu Madhavan || 1969 || Sathyan, Jayabharathi, K. P. Ummer ||
|-
|-
| 6 || VAAZHVE MAYAM || Manjilas Films || KS Sethu Madhavan || 1970 || Sathyan, Sheela ||
| 6 || ''[[Vazhve Mayam]]''|| Manjilas Films || K. S. Sethu Madhavan || 1970 || Sathyan, Sheela ||
|-
|-
| 7 || ARANAAAZHIKANERAM || Manjilas Films || KS Sethu Madhavan || 1970 || Prem Nazir, Sathyan, Sheela, Ambika (Old), Kottarakkara || Best Director <br> Best Story <br> Best Actor
| 7 || ''[[Aranazhika Neram]]''|| Manjilas Films || K. S. Sethu Madhavan || 1970 || Prem Nazir, Sathyan, Sheela, Ambika (Old), Kottarakkara || Best Director <br>Best Story <br>Best Actor
|-
|-
| 8 || ANUBHAVANAGAL PAALICHAKAL || Manjilas Films || KS Sethu Madhavan || 1971 || Sathyan, Sheela || Best Picture in Malayalam
| 8 || ''[[Anubhavangal Paalichakal]]''|| Manjilas Films || K. S. Sethu Madhavan || 1971 || Sathyan, Sheela || Best Picture in Malayalam
|-
|-
| 9 || DEVI{{citation needed|date=February 2016}} || Manjilas Films || KS Sethu Madhavan || 1972 || Prem Nazir, Madhu, Sheela ||
| 9 || ''Devi''{{citation needed|date=February 2016}} || Manjilas Films || K. S. Sethu Madhavan || 1972 || Prem Nazir, Madhu, Sheela ||
|-
|-
| 10 || PUNARJANMAM || Manjilas Films || KS Sethu Madhavan || 1972 || Prem Nazir, Jayabharathi || Best Picture in Malayalam
| 10 || ''[[Punarjanmam]]''|| Manjilas Films || K. S. Sethu Madhavan || 1972 || Prem Nazir, Jayabharathi || Best Picture in Malayalam
|-
|-
| 11 || CHUKKU || Manjilas Films || KS Sethu Madhavan || 1973 || Madhu, Sheela ||
| 11 || ''[[Chukku]]''|| Manjilas Films || K. S. Sethu Madhavan || 1973 || Madhu, Sheela ||
|-
|-
| 12 || KALIYUGAM || Manjilas Films || KS Sethu Madhavan || 1973 || Jayabharathi, Sudheer, Bahadoor ||
| 12 || ''[[Kaliyugam (1973 film)|Kaliyugam]]''|| Manjilas Films || K. S. Sethu Madhavan || 1973 || Jayabharathi, Sudheer, Bahadoor ||
|-
|-
| 13 || CHATTAKKAARI || Manjilas Films || KS Sethu Madhavan || 1974 || Lakshmi, Mohan Sharma || Best Picture in Malayalam<br>Best Actress
| 13 || ''[[Chattakkari (1974 film)|Chattakkari]]''|| Manjilas Films || K. S. Sethu Madhavan || 1974 || Lakshmi, Mohan Sharma || Best Picture in Malayalam<br>Best Actress
|-
|-
| 14 || MAKKAL || Manjilas Films || KS Sethu Madhavan || 1975 || Jayabharathi, Kaviyoor Ponnamma ||
| 14 || ''Makkal''|| Manjilas Films || K. S. Sethu Madhavan || 1975 || Jayabharathi, Kaviyoor Ponnamma ||
|-
|-
| 15 || CHUVANNA SADHAYAKAL || Manjilas Films || KS Sethu Madhavan || 1975 || Lakshmi, Mohan Sharma ||
| 15 || ''Chuvanna Sadhayakal''|| Manjilas Films || K. S. Sethu Madhavan || 1975 || Lakshmi, Mohan Sharma ||
|-
|-
| 16 || MISSI || Manjilas Films || Thopil Bhasi || 1976 || Lakshmi, Mohan Sharma, KP Ummer ||
| 16 || ''[[Missi (film)|Missi]]''|| Manjilas Films || Thopil Bhasi || 1976 || Lakshmi, Mohan Sharma, KP Ummer ||
|-
|-
| 17 || PONNI || Manjilas Films || Thopil Bhasi || 1976 || Kamalahasan, Lakshmi ||
| 17 || ''[[Ponni (1976 film)|Ponni]]''|| Manjilas Films || Thopil Bhasi || 1976 || Kamalahasan, Lakshmi ||
|-
|-
| 18 || AGNINAKSHATARAM || Manjilas Films || A Vincent || 1977 || Lakshmi, Mohan Sharma ||
| 18 || ''[[Agninakshathram (1977 film)|Agninakshathram]]''|| Manjilas Films || A Vincent || 1977 || Lakshmi, Mohan Sharma ||
|-
|-
| 19 || GURUVAYOOR KESAVAN || Manjilas Films || Bharathan || 1977 || Jayabharathi, MG Soman, Adoor Bhasi ||
| 19 || ''[[Guruvayur Keshavan]]''|| Manjilas Films || Bharathan || 1977 || Jayabharathi, MG Soman, Adoor Bhasi ||
|-
|-
| 20 || NJAAN NJAAN MAATHARAM || Manjilas Films || IV Sasi || 1978 || Madhu, Jayabharathi, Jose, Seema || Best Picture in Malayalam
| 20 || ''[[Njaan Njaan Maathram]]''|| Manjilas Films || I. V. Sasi || 1978 || Madhu, Jayabharathi, Jose, Seema || Best Picture in Malayalam
|-
|-
| 21 || ANIYARA || Manjilas Films || Bharathan || 1978 || Soman, Padma ||
| 21 || ''[[Aniyara]]''|| Manjilas Films || Bharathan || 1978 || Soman, Padma ||
|-
|-
| 22 || EZHUNIRANGAL || Manjilas Films || Jeasy || 1979 || Jose, Vidhubala ||
| 22 || ''Ezhunirangal''|| Manjilas Films || Jeasy || 1979 || Jose, Vidhubala ||
|-
|-
| 23 || IVAR || Manjilas Films || IV Sasi || 1980 || Sharada, Seema, Jose ||  
| 23 || ''[[Ivar (1980 film)|Ivar]]''|| Manjilas Films || I. V. Sasi || 1980 || Sharada, Seema, Jose ||
|-
|-
| 24 || PARANKIMALA || Manjilas Films || Bharathan || 1981 || Benny, Soorya, Rani Padmini ||
| 24 || ''[[Parankimala]]''|| Manjilas Films || Bharathan || 1981 || Benny, Soorya, Rani Padmini ||
|-
|-
| 25 || ODUKKAM TUHDAKKAM || Manjilas Films || Malayatoor Ramakrishnan || 1982 || Ratheesh, Kalaranjini, Rajkumar, Nanditha Bose, KP Ummer ||
| 25 || ''[[Odukkam Thudakkam]]''|| Manjilas Films || Malayatoor Ramakrishnan || 1982 || Ratheesh, Kalaranjini, Rajkumar, Nanditha Bose, K. P. Ummer ||
|-
|-
| 26 || EENAM || Manjilas Films || Bharathan || 1983 || Venu Nagavally, Shanthi Krishna, Unni Mary ||
| 26 || ''[[Eenam]]''|| Manjilas Films || Bharathan || 1983 || Venu Nagavally, Shanthi Krishna, Unni Mary ||
|}
|}


==Notable Awards==
== Awards ==
Joseph was recognized for his ‘outstanding contribution to the growth and development of [[Malayalam films]]’ by [[K. Karunakaran|Mr. Karunakaran]], Chief Minister of Kerala in 1985. In 1996, he was again awarded for ‘outstanding contribution to [[Malayalam cinema]]’ by the [[Government of Kerala]]. Some of the other notable awards that he has received include:
* [[Filmfare Award for Best Film - Malayalam]] - ''[[Adimakal]]'' (1969)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Q5UqAAAAYAAJ&q=1969+M.O.Joseph|title = Collections|year = 1991}}</ref>
 
* [[Filmfare Award for Best Film - Malayalam]] - ''[[Vaazhve Mayam|Vazhve Mayam]]'' (1970)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=aoPiAAAAMAAJ&q=vazhve+mayam|title = The Times of India Directory and Year Book Including Who's who|year = 1971}}</ref>
• Contribution to [[Malayalam Film Industry]], Kerala Film Producers Association, 2001
 
• Creative Producer, Amrutha Film Fraternity, 2005
 
• Outstanding contribution to [[Malayalam Cinema]], Kerala State Film Development Corporation, 2007
 
==Death==
==Death==
Joseph died on 8 January 2016 at his home in [[San Thome]], [[Chennai]] just before his 87th birthday.<ref>{{cite web|title=Film producer Manjilas Joseph passes away|url=http://english.mathrubhumi.com/movies-music/movie-news/film-producer-manjilas-joseph-passes-away-english-news-1.784769|website=Mathrubhumi}}</ref>
Joseph died on 8 January 2016 at his home in [[San Thome|San Thomas]], [[Chennai]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Film producer Manjilas Joseph passes away|url=http://english.mathrubhumi.com/movies-music/movie-news/film-producer-manjilas-joseph-passes-away-english-news-1.784769|website=Mathrubhumi}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
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[[Category:20th-century Indian businesspeople]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian businesspeople]]
[[Category:Film producers from Thrissur]]
[[Category:Film producers from Thrissur]]
[[Category:Malayalam cinema]]

Latest revision as of 16:34, 7 March 2026


M. O. Joseph
M. O. Joseph and his wife Kunjamma Joseph
M. O. Joseph with his wife, Kunjamma Joseph, in 2016.
Born(1929-01-15)15 January 1929
Thrissur, Kerala, India
Died8 January 2016(2016-01-08) (aged 86)
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
OccupationFilm Producer
Years active1967–1983
Notable work
Yakshi, Adimakal, Chattakkari, Anubhavangal Palichakal, Punarjanmam
Spouse(s)Kunjamma Joseph
Children5
AwardsFilmfare Award for Best Film - Malayalam (1969, 1970)

Manjilas Ouseph Joseph (15 January 1929 – 8 January 2016) was a Malayali film producer.[1] He produced over 30 films in the 1960s and 1970s, including Yakshi, Adimakal, Devi, Chattakkari, Anubhavangal Palichakal, and Punarjanmam.[2] He received two Filmfare Awards South for Best Malayalam Film. His films also received awards, including the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Malayalam.

Early life[edit | edit source]

Joseph was born on 15 January 1929 and grew up in Thrissur. His father was the manager of the Jose Theatre, which was started by Kattukkaran Varunny Joseph. He studied at St. Thomas College and later graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce from the Sacred Heart College in Ernakulam, where his father was employed by the Shenoys Theatre.[3] Upon completing his education, Joseph's father recommended that he assist T. E. Vasudevan, who was involved in the distribution and production of films under the banner of Associated Pictures, as an apprentice. [4]

Career[edit | edit source]

Joseph joined Vasudevan in 1950 with an initial salary of Template:Indian rupee per month ($31.50 per month in 1950 USD).[5] Associated Pictures was in a financial partnership with the Shenoys. Vasudevan later launched his own business by starting JayaMaruthi Pictures, with Joseph joining him.[citation needed]

Joseph moved to Madras (now Chennai) in 1951 to manage the regional business of Associated Pictures.[6] His initial foray into independent filmmaking was through a partnership with P. Balthazar and NV Joseph, under the production company Navajeevan Films.[7] The first film, ‘Naadan Pennu’ was released in 1967. It was directed by K. S. Sethumadhavan.[8]

During the 1960's and 1970's, Joseph produced films under the Manjilas banner, working with directors such as K. S. Sethumadhavan, Thoppil Baasi, and I. V. Sasi.[9]

Contributions to Malayalam film industry[edit | edit source]

Joseph was a founder member of the Malayalam Chalachitra Parishad, an organization supporting film artists and their families. He also contributed to fundraising efforts for the Parishad. He was a founder member of the management committee of Asan Memorial College of Engineering and Technology.[10]

Personal life[edit | edit source]

In 1953, M. O. Joseph married Kunjamma Joseph. They had five children.[11]



Filmography[edit | edit source]

A list of M. O. Joseph's films.[12]

Name of film Banner Direction Year Cast Awards
1 Naadan Pennu Navajeevan Films K. S. Sethu Madhavan 1967 Prem Nazir, Sathyan, Sheela, Jayabharathi
2 Thokkukal Kadha Parayunnu Navajeevan Films K. S. Sethu Madhavan 1968 Prem Nazir, Sathyan, Sheela
3 Yakshi Manjilas Films K. S. Sethu Madhavan 1968 Sathyan, Sharada
4 Adimakal Manjilas Films K. S. Sethu Madhavan 1969 Prem Nazir, Sathyan, Sheela, Sharada Best Picture in Malayalam National Award for Best Feature Film
5 Kadalpalam Manjilas Films K. S. Sethu Madhavan 1969 Sathyan, Jayabharathi, K. P. Ummer
6 Vazhve Mayam Manjilas Films K. S. Sethu Madhavan 1970 Sathyan, Sheela
7 Aranazhika Neram Manjilas Films K. S. Sethu Madhavan 1970 Prem Nazir, Sathyan, Sheela, Ambika (Old), Kottarakkara Best Director
Best Story
Best Actor
8 Anubhavangal Paalichakal Manjilas Films K. S. Sethu Madhavan 1971 Sathyan, Sheela Best Picture in Malayalam
9 Devi[citation needed] Manjilas Films K. S. Sethu Madhavan 1972 Prem Nazir, Madhu, Sheela
10 Punarjanmam Manjilas Films K. S. Sethu Madhavan 1972 Prem Nazir, Jayabharathi Best Picture in Malayalam
11 Chukku Manjilas Films K. S. Sethu Madhavan 1973 Madhu, Sheela
12 Kaliyugam Manjilas Films K. S. Sethu Madhavan 1973 Jayabharathi, Sudheer, Bahadoor
13 Chattakkari Manjilas Films K. S. Sethu Madhavan 1974 Lakshmi, Mohan Sharma Best Picture in Malayalam
Best Actress
14 Makkal Manjilas Films K. S. Sethu Madhavan 1975 Jayabharathi, Kaviyoor Ponnamma
15 Chuvanna Sadhayakal Manjilas Films K. S. Sethu Madhavan 1975 Lakshmi, Mohan Sharma
16 Missi Manjilas Films Thopil Bhasi 1976 Lakshmi, Mohan Sharma, KP Ummer
17 Ponni Manjilas Films Thopil Bhasi 1976 Kamalahasan, Lakshmi
18 Agninakshathram Manjilas Films A Vincent 1977 Lakshmi, Mohan Sharma
19 Guruvayur Keshavan Manjilas Films Bharathan 1977 Jayabharathi, MG Soman, Adoor Bhasi
20 Njaan Njaan Maathram Manjilas Films I. V. Sasi 1978 Madhu, Jayabharathi, Jose, Seema Best Picture in Malayalam
21 Aniyara Manjilas Films Bharathan 1978 Soman, Padma
22 Ezhunirangal Manjilas Films Jeasy 1979 Jose, Vidhubala
23 Ivar Manjilas Films I. V. Sasi 1980 Sharada, Seema, Jose
24 Parankimala Manjilas Films Bharathan 1981 Benny, Soorya, Rani Padmini
25 Odukkam Thudakkam Manjilas Films Malayatoor Ramakrishnan 1982 Ratheesh, Kalaranjini, Rajkumar, Nanditha Bose, K. P. Ummer
26 Eenam Manjilas Films Bharathan 1983 Venu Nagavally, Shanthi Krishna, Unni Mary

Awards[edit | edit source]

Death[edit | edit source]

Joseph died on 8 January 2016 at his home in San Thomas, Chennai.[15]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "Manjilas Joseph Biography, News, Photos, Videos". nettv4u. Retrieved 28 May 2023.
  2. ↑ "List of Malayalam movies under the banner Manjilas". Malayalam Movie and Music Database.
  3. ↑ "Manjilas Joseph". nettv4u. Retrieved 11 February 2025.
  4. ↑ "Manjilas Joseph". nettv4u. Retrieved 11 February 2025.
  5. ↑ "Manjilas Joseph". nettv4u. Retrieved 12 February 2025.
  6. ↑ "Malayalam Producer Manjilas Joseph Biography, News, Photos, Videos". nettv4u. Retrieved 22 February 2025.
  7. ↑ Kumar, P.J. Ajith (10 January 2016). "He was no ordinary producer". The Hindu. Retrieved 28 October 2018.
  8. ↑ Sethumadhavan, K. S., Naadan Pennu, Bahadur, Adoor Bhasi, N. Govindankutty, retrieved 22 February 2025
  9. ↑ "Profile of Malayalam Banner Manjilas". en.msidb.org. Retrieved 22 February 2025.
  10. ↑ Shivpprasadh, S. (11 July 2013). "TE Vasudevan: Cinema is his world". The Hindu.
  11. ↑ "Legendary producer M O Joseph passes away". Times of India. 9 January 2016. Retrieved 7 November 2024.
  12. ↑ "Manjilas Banner List of movies". Malayalam Music and Movie Encyclopedia.
  13. ↑ "Collections". 1991.
  14. ↑ "The Times of India Directory and Year Book Including Who's who". 1971.
  15. ↑ "Film producer Manjilas Joseph passes away". Mathrubhumi.

External links[edit | edit source]

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