PJ Antony

A staunch communist since he was young, he started PJ Theaters with the aim of producing good plays. He played a significant role in giving Malayalam Theater a new facet by challenging the existing norms in Malayalam literature and theater.

PJ Antony who received the President’s Gold Medal for his role of a Velichappadu/Oracle in Nirmalyam (1973), was a brilliant actor who brought to the screen his individual stamp. He entered the filed of Malayalam cinema with his role in ‘Randidangazhi’ and went on to turn director with ‘Periyar’.

PJ Antony was given the Best Actor Award given by the Film Fans Association five times.

In the 1940s, PJ Antony fought in World War Two as part of the royal Navy. After the War, he returned home and joined a workshop as an officer. It was during this time that he was given a chance to get involved with professional theater. PJ Antony who soon won acclaim with his excellent performances was also active in the noted theater group of the day, KPAC.

Besides PJ Theaters, he also established Prathibha Theaters in Kochi, which is active to this day.

Prepared by: Remitha Satheesh