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Basil Joseph
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Basil Joseph (born 28 April 1989) is an Indian film actor and director who works in the Malayalam film industry. He started his film career as an assistant director of Vineeth Sreenivasan in the 2013 film Thira. He has directed three films till date, Kunjiramayanam (2015), Godha (2017) and Minnal Murali (2021).
Key Information
Basil made his acting debut in the 2013 film Up & Down: Mukalil Oralundu. Basil has played supporting roles in numerous Malayalam films and is well appreciated for his role in Joji (2021). He has since received praise for his lead roles in films such as Jan. E. Man (2021), Jaya Jaya Jaya Jaya Hey (2022), Palthu Janwar (2022), Falimy (2023), Nunakkuzhi (2024), Sookshmadarshini (2024), and Ponman (2025).
Early life
[edit]Basil Joseph was born at Sultan Bathery[2][3] in the Wayanad district of Kerala. He is the son of Fr. Joseph Pallippatt, a Jacobite priest. He studied at St. Joseph's School, Sulthan Bathery, and at SKMJ Higher Secondary School in Kalpetta.[4] He then did his B.Tech. degree at the College of Engineering, Trivandrum.[5] He worked at Infosys in Technopark, Trivandrum for two years before starting his career in movies.[6]
Career
[edit]Basil Joseph acted in the short film CET Life whilst attending College of Engineering, Trivandrum. He also scripted and directed the short films, Oru Thundu Padam and Priyamvadha Katharayano during his stint at Infosys as a Systems Engineer in Thiruvananthapuram.[7]
Basil assisted Vineeth Sreenivasan in his third directional venture, Thira in 2013. He made his directorial debut in 2015 with Kunjiramayanam which featured brothers Vineeth Sreenivasan and Dhyan Sreenivasan. His second directorial venture was the sports comedy Godha starring Tovino Thomas. The film was a commercial success and went on to become the highest-grossing film of Tovino Thomas during that period.[citation needed] His third film Minnal Murali starring Tovino Thomas was released on Netflix in 2021 and had a simultaneous release in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Hindi.[8]
Basil made his acting debut in 2013 Malayalam film Up & Down: Mukalil Oralundu and has since played both leading and supporting roles. [citation needed]
Personal life
[edit]On 17 August 2017, he married Elizabeth,[9] with whom he was in a relationship for over seven years.[10][11] They have one daughter,[12] named Hope Elizabeth Basil.
Filmography
[edit]| † | Denotes film or TV productions that have not yet been released |
As director
[edit]| Year | Title | Writer | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Kunjiramayanam | Deepu Pradeep | Debut film | [13] |
| 2017 | Godha | Rakesh Mantodi | [14] | |
| 2021 | Minnal Murali | Arun Anirudhan, Justin Mathew | Netflix film | [15] |
As assistant director
[edit]- Thira (2013)
As actor
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Up & Down: Mukalil Oralundu | Lift Technician | ||
| Silence | John | |||
| 2014 | Homely Meals | Editor Basil | ||
| 2015 | Kunjiramayanam | Vellakkundil Dinesan | ||
| 2017 | Mayanadhi | Director Jinu | Cameo appearance | |
| Godha | Villager | |||
| 2018 | Rosapoo | Bhanu | ||
| Padayottam | Pinku | |||
| Nithyaharitha Nayakan | Joby | |||
| 2019 | Virus | Dr. Mithun | ||
| Kakshi: Amminippilla | Adv. Pilakul Shamsu | [16] | ||
| Love Action Drama | DJ Brijesh | |||
| Ormayil Oru Shishiram | Sanju | |||
| Manoharam | Prabhu | [17] | ||
| Kettyolannu Ente Malakha | Kunjaambi | |||
| Mariyam Vannu Vilakkoothi | Pizza Delivery Boy | |||
| 2020 | Gauthamante Radham | Venkidi Iyer | ||
| Kilometers and Kilometers | Kuttan | |||
| 2021 | Joji | Fr. Kevin | ||
| Aanum Pennum | Thug Sabu | |||
| Jan.E.Man | Joymon | [18] | ||
| Minnal Murali | Young Politician | Special appearance | ||
| 2022 | Dear Friend | Sajith | ||
| Nna Thaan Case Kodu | Judge | Special appearance | ||
| Palthu Janwar | Prasoon Krishnakumar | [19] | ||
| Jack and Jill | Ravi | |||
| Ullasam | Asi | |||
| Jaya Jaya Jaya Jaya Hey | Rajesh | [20] | ||
| No Way Out | [21] | |||
| Mukundan Unni Associates | Himself | Voiceover | ||
| 2023 | Enkilum Chandrike | Kiran | [22] | |
| Pookkaalam | Advocate Jikkumon | [23] | ||
| Kadina Kadoramee Andakadaham | Bashiruddeen (Bachu) | [24] | ||
| Falimy | Anoop Chandran | [25] | ||
| 2024 | Varshangalkku Shesham | Pradeep | [26] | |
| Guruvayoor Ambalanadayil | Kaitholapparambil Vinu Ramachandran | [27] | ||
| Nunakkuzhi | Eby Zachariah Poozhikunnel | [28] | ||
| Vaazha – Biopic of a Billion Boys | Police officer | Cameo appearance | [29] | |
| Ajayante Randam Moshanam | K.P. Suresh | [30] | ||
| Cup | Raneesh | [31] | ||
| Sookshmadarshini | Manuel | [32] | ||
| 2025 | Pravinkoodu Shappu | SI Santhosh C J | [33] | |
| Ponman | PP Ajesh | [34] | ||
| Maranamass | Luke P P | [35] | ||
| Hridayapoorvam | Dr. Manu Rameshan | Cameo appearance | [36] | |
| Madhuram Jeevamrutha Bindu | Ilyas | [37] | ||
| 2026 | Parasakthi | Major Oomen Chacko | Tamil film; Cameo appearance | [38] |
Short films
[edit]This section of a biography of a living person does not include any references or sources. (March 2023) |
| Year | Title | Role | Language | Director | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | CET Life | Actor | Malayalam | Arun & Sarath | ||
| Shhh... | Script writer | Malayalam | Basil Joseph | |||
| Priyamvadha Katharayano | Actor | Malayalam | Basil Joseph | |||
| 2013 | Pakalukalude Rani | Actor | Malayalam | Ritwik Baiju | ||
| Oru Thundu Padam | Writer | Malayalam | Basil Joseph | |||
| 2014 | Happy Onam | Writer | Malayalam | Basil Joseph |
Awards and nominations
[edit]| Year | Award | Category | Film | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | SIIMA Award | Best Actor in a Comedy Role (Malayalam) | Kettyolaanu Ente Malakha | Won | [39] |
| 2022 | Mazhavil Manorama Entertainment Award | Special Mention | Minnal Murali | Won | [40] |
| SIIMA Award | Best Director (Malayalam) | Nominated | [41] | ||
| Asian Academy Creative Awards | Best Director (Fiction) | Won | [42] | ||
| 2023 | SIIMA Award | Special Jury Appreciation | Jaya Jaya Jaya Jaya Hey | Won | [43] |
| 2024 | Mazhavil Entertainment Awards | The Entertainer of the Year (Special Mention) | Falimy, Guruvayoor Ambalanadayil, Varshangalkku Shesham | Won | [44] |
References
[edit]- ^ "Marriage Certificate - 119/2023 - (keywords: District - Wayanad, Municipality - Sulthan Bathery, Date of Marriage - 17 Aug 2017, Husband - Basil and Wife - Elizabeth)".
- ^ "Basil Joseph gets hitched". The Times of India. 17 August 2017.
- ^ "Basil Joseph, the new Sreenivasan of Malayalam film industry: Sathyan Anthikad". @mathrubhumi. 10 February 2024.
- ^ "Basil Joseph Wayanad Literature Festival".
- ^ "How Basil Joseph has become a formidable presence in Malayalam films". The Week. Retrieved 24 March 2024.
- ^ Mathew, Mathew Joy (2 October 2016). "From a nerdy techie to a 'hit' debutant". The New Indian Express.
- ^ Sathyendran, Nita (27 September 2012). "It's a techie life: Password to reel adventures". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 14 May 2021.
- ^ ബേസിലും ഗുരു സോമസുന്ദരവും ഒരുമിച്ചെത്തുന്നു കപ്പിലൂടെ…!! [Basil and Guru Somasundaram come together through the cup..!!]. Blaze News (in Malayalam). 3 February 2022.[permanent dead link]
- ^ Mathews, Anna. "Basil Joseph hits the 30 milestone". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 9 May 2020. Retrieved 8 September 2020.
- ^ "Godha director Basil Joseph to enter wedlock". Onmanorama. 16 June 2017. Archived from the original on 20 July 2018. Retrieved 7 March 2023.
- ^ "Godha director Basil Joseph to tie the knot with his longtime girlfriend on August 17". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 2 August 2021. Retrieved 8 September 2020.
- ^ "Basil Joseph welcomes baby girl: 'She has already stolen our hearts'". The Indian Express. 15 February 2023. Archived from the original on 16 February 2023. Retrieved 15 February 2023.
- ^ "Basil Joseph calls 'Kunjiramayanam' his "favourite" as the movie completes five years". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 10 February 2023. Retrieved 8 September 2020.
- ^ "Mammootty, Tovino Thomas to star in Godha director Basil Joseph's next". The Indian Express. 17 August 2017. Archived from the original on 27 January 2022. Retrieved 27 January 2022.
- ^ Nagarajan, Saraswathy (5 September 2020). "Basil Joseph's Tovino-Thomas-starrer 'Minnal Murali' introduces a homegrown hero with super powers". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 7 September 2020. Retrieved 5 September 2020.
- ^ "Film-maker Basil Joseph plays Adv. Pilakul Shamsu in 'OP 160/18 Kakshi Amminippilla'". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 14 May 2019. Retrieved 8 September 2020.
- ^ "Manoharam movie review: Vineeth Sreenivasan plays a struggling artist in a nice though tame film". Firstpost. 13 October 2019. Archived from the original on 18 November 2020. Retrieved 8 September 2020.
- ^ "I couldn't imagine my movie without Basil Joseph: 'Jan-e-Man' writer-director Chidambaram". The New Indian Express. 24 November 2021. Archived from the original on 15 December 2021. Retrieved 15 December 2021.
- ^ Thomas, Vinoy; Anjali, Aneesh. Palthu Janwar Movie : ജോജിക്കു ശേഷം ഭാവനാ സ്റ്റുഡിയോസ്; 'പാല്തു ജാന്വര്' ഓണത്തിന് [Palthu Janwar Movie: Bhavana Studios after Joji; 'Pal Tu Jaanwar' on Onam]. Asianet News (in Malayalam). Archived from the original on 10 February 2023. Retrieved 13 July 2022.
- ^ "Jaya Jaya Jaya Jaya Hey trailer: Funnier version of The Great Indian Kitchen?". The Indian Express. 27 October 2022. Archived from the original on 7 March 2023. Retrieved 7 March 2023.
- ^ "Ramesh Pisharody's 'No Way Out' gets a release date!". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Archived from the original on 7 March 2023. Retrieved 7 March 2023.
- ^ "'Enkilum Chandrike' box office collection: Basil Joseph - Niranjana Anoop starrer mints Rs 1.67 crores". The Times of India. 2 March 2023. ISSN 0971-8257. Archived from the original on 7 March 2023. Retrieved 7 March 2023.
- ^ "First single from Pookkaalam out". Cinema Express. 18 March 2023. Archived from the original on 19 March 2023. Retrieved 19 March 2023.
- ^ "Basil Joseph Starts Shooting For Kadina Kadoramee Andakadaham; Details Inside". News18. 15 September 2023. Archived from the original on 7 March 2023. Retrieved 7 March 2023.
- ^ "Basil Joseph to play the lead in 'Falimy'". The Hindu. 30 March 2023. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 18 April 2023. Retrieved 21 October 2023.
- ^ "Pranav Mohanlal and Kalyani Priyadarshan's 'Varshangalkku Shehsam' to release in April 2024". The Indian Express. 20 December 2023. Retrieved 23 December 2023.
- ^ "'Guruvayoor Ambalanadayil', starring Prithviraj Sukumaran and Basil Joseph, goes on floors". The Hindu. 13 May 2023. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 16 July 2023. Retrieved 16 July 2023.
- ^ "Shoot completed for Jeethu Joseph-Basil Joseph film Nunakuzhi". The Indian Express. 18 December 2023. Archived from the original on 23 December 2023. Retrieved 23 December 2023.
- ^ Features, C. E. (15 July 2024). "Vaazha gets a new release date". Cinema Express. Retrieved 17 July 2024.
- ^ "Ajayante Randam Moshanam: Tovino Thomas-Krithi Shetty's fantasy drama goes on floors". The Indian Express. 11 October 2022. Archived from the original on 11 October 2022. Retrieved 7 March 2023.
- ^ Features, C. E. (4 September 2024). "Mathew Thomas-Basil Joseph starrer Cup confirms release". Cinema Express. Retrieved 4 September 2024.
- ^ "Sookshmadarshini: Nazriya Nazim's comeback Malayalam film, also starring Basil Joseph, goes on floors". The Hindu. 29 May 2024. Retrieved 31 May 2024.
- ^ "Basil Joseph-Soubin Shahir's Pravinkoodu Shappu Gets A Release Date!". Rohit Panikker. Times Now. 29 December 2024. Retrieved 29 December 2024.
- ^ Madhu, Vignesh (18 January 2025). "Release preponed for Basil Joseph's Ponman". Cinema Express. Retrieved 18 January 2025.
- ^ Features, C. E. (1 April 2025). "Basil Joseph's Maranamass confirms release date, trailer unveiled". Cinema Express. Retrieved 2 April 2025.
- ^ "Basil Joseph, Meera Jasmine in Mohanlal's Hridayapoorvam? Censor details spark excitement". Mathrubhumi News. 25 August 2025. Retrieved 28 August 2025.
- ^ "Madhuram Jeevamrutha Bindu OTT: മധുരം ജീവാമൃത ബിന്ദു ഒടിടിയിലെത്തി, എവിടെ കാണാം?". Indian Express (in Malayalam). 1 November 2025. Retrieved 15 January 2025.
- ^ Features, C. E. (8 January 2026). "Sivakarthikeyan confirms Basil Joseph's cameo in Parasakthi". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 16 January 2026.
- ^ "SIIMA Awards 2021: Take A Look At The Full Winner's List". The Hans India. 19 September 2021. Archived from the original on 21 September 2021. Retrieved 19 September 2021.
- ^ "Mazhavil Entertainment Awards is back. Here's when the show will premier on TV". Manorama Online. 27 August 2022. Archived from the original on 11 October 2022. Retrieved 11 September 2022.
- ^ "SIIMA 2021 nomination". Indian Express. 27 September 2022. Retrieved 10 February 2024.
- ^ "Basil Joseph Wins Top Honour at Asian Academy Creative Awards". The New Indian Express. 9 December 2022. Archived from the original on 10 December 2022. Retrieved 10 December 2022.
- ^ "SIIMA Award 2023". Times of India. 17 September 2023. Retrieved 10 February 2023.
- ^ "Mazhavil Entertainment Awards 2024: Jagathy is ultimate entertainer; Urvashi, Sathyan Anthikad honoured". Mazhavil Entertainment Awards 2024: Jagathy is ultimate entertainer; Urvashi, Sathyan Anthikad honoured. Retrieved 10 September 2025.
External links
[edit]Basil Joseph
View on GrokipediaEarly years
Early life
Basil Joseph was born on 28 April 1989 in Sulthan Bathery, a town in the Wayanad district of Kerala, India.[1] He hails from a Syrian Jacobite Christian family and is the son of Joseph Pallippatt, a priest in the Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church.[6] His mother instilled in him a strong sense of humour, while the family's religious and cultural environment shaped his early worldview.[6] Joseph has a younger sister, Shincy Joby, who worked as a technical specialist at Mindtree Ltd.[7] Growing up in the lush, rural setting of Wayanad, Joseph experienced a childhood immersed in community activities and nature. He was an active participant in school drama, choir, and sports, often excelling despite being the shortest boy in his class, and harboured early dreams of becoming a cricketer like his idol, Sachin Tendulkar.[6] His academic performance was strong, reflecting the supportive family backdrop that emphasized education and creativity. Joseph completed his secondary education up to the 10th standard at St. Joseph's English Higher Secondary School in Sulthan Bathery, followed by higher secondary studies at SKMJ Higher Secondary School in the same region.[8] During this period, he developed an early fascination with cinema, influenced by the vibrant Malayalam film culture of Kerala and familial storytelling traditions, particularly the witty anecdotes from his maternal grandfather, Kunjithomman, which later inspired elements in his work.[6] These experiences in Wayanad laid the groundwork for his creative inclinations before he pursued engineering studies in Thiruvananthapuram.Education
Basil Joseph completed his secondary education at St. Joseph's English Higher Secondary School in Sulthan Bathery.[8] He pursued a B.Tech degree in Electrical Engineering at the College of Engineering Trivandrum (CET), one of Kerala's premier engineering institutions, where he was admitted based on his performance in the state engineering entrance exams.[9][6] Joseph graduated in 2011 as part of the 2011 batch.[10][11] During his college years, Joseph was actively involved in extracurricular activities, serving as the arts club secretary and participating in cultural events that honed his creative interests.[6] He met his future wife, Elizabeth Samuel, who was his classmate at CET, during this period.[12][6] These experiences, including collaborations with peers, sparked his passion for filmmaking; he acted in the short film CET Life in 2012 and directed early works like Shh and the satirical Oru Thundu Padam in 2013, which critiqued societal hypocrisy.[13][14][15] This academic foundation in engineering, combined with his student-led film projects, facilitated Joseph's shift toward a career in cinema, where he initially worked briefly in IT before fully committing to the industry.[16][9]Career
Assistant director
Basil Joseph's entry into the Malayalam film industry began with his role as an assistant director on the 2013 thriller Thira, directed by Vineeth Sreenivasan.[17] This opportunity arose after Joseph impressed Sreenivasan with his short film Priyamvadha Kaatharayanu, leading to an introduction via actor Aju Varghese and his subsequent approach to join the project.[18] In this position, Joseph handled on-set coordination, script supervision, and logistical support, gaining hands-on exposure to the filmmaking process under Sreenivasan's guidance.[18] He collaborated closely with a seasoned crew, including cinematographer Jomon T. John and actress Shobana, which provided invaluable insights into professional hierarchies and production dynamics.[18] These experiences on Thira were particularly formative, as Joseph later described them as equivalent to the learning from two or three full films, emphasizing Sreenivasan's mentorship in nurturing newcomers.[18] Prior to Thira, Joseph's contributions were primarily to short films in supportive capacities, such as scripting and production assistance, though no additional feature film assistant director credits appear before 2015.[19] This phase honed his technical skills in scripting, shooting schedules, and on-location production, bridging his prior short film work with professional cinema.[3] As a newcomer transitioning from an engineering background, Joseph faced challenges including self-doubt about his suitability for the industry and the lack of familial connections in Malayalam cinema, requiring him to quit his corporate job on a four-month leave to commit fully to Thira.[3] His engineering education aided in grasping technical aspects like production logistics and equipment handling, easing his adaptation despite these hurdles.[3]Directorial works
Basil Joseph's directorial debut came with Kunjiramayanam (2015), a comedy-drama that captures the quirks and simplicity of village life in Kerala, co-written by him and Vineeth Sreenivasan. The film, produced by Suvin K. Varkey under the banner of Little Big Films, marked his transition from assistant director to leading a project that blended humor with relatable rural narratives, earning praise for its fresh take on slice-of-life storytelling. In 2017, Joseph helmed Godha, a sports drama centered on the world of wrestling, starring Tovino Thomas and Wamiqa Gabbi in lead roles. The narrative follows a Punjabi woman's journey to empower herself through the sport in a Kerala village, highlighting themes of gender equality and resilience, and was noted for its authentic portrayal of athletic determination and cultural fusion. This work showcased Joseph's ability to infuse motivational elements with light-hearted moments, further establishing his reputation for character-driven stories. Joseph ventured into the superhero genre with Minnal Murali (2021), featuring Tovino Thomas as a tailor who gains lightning powers after a freak accident.[20] Produced by Weekend Blockbusters and released directly on Netflix amid the pandemic, the film represented a significant shift toward action-oriented genre filmmaking in Malayalam cinema, blending high-energy sequences with emotional depth rooted in small-town dynamics.[21] Its success underscored Joseph's adaptability in scaling up production while retaining his signature humor and focus on underdog protagonists. In September 2025, Joseph launched his production company, Basil Joseph Entertainment. He expanded into production as co-producer of the comedy Athiradi (expected late 2025), directed by Arun Anirudhan and starring Tovino Thomas, Vineeth Sreenivasan, and himself.[22] Under his banner Basil Joseph Entertainment, the project reunites key collaborators from Minnal Murali and aims to deliver explosive fun through mismatched friendships.[23] By 2025, two of Joseph's post-Minnal Murali directorial projects had been shelved due to production challenges beyond his control, including a rumored Bollywood debut.[24] In response, he announced plans for a directorial comeback in 2025 interviews.[25] To prepare, Joseph took a brief pause from acting commitments starting late 2024, prioritizing script development and pre-production for his next directorial endeavor.[26] His acting roles, meanwhile, had provided the financial stability needed to pursue these ambitious directing goals. Joseph's directorial style has evolved from the intimate, humor-infused slice-of-life portrayals in Kunjiramayanam to more dynamic action and comedy elements in later works like Minnal Murali.[6] Across his films, he consistently emphasizes strong female characters—such as the resilient wrestler in Godha—and layers narratives with witty, relatable humor to explore themes of empowerment and community.[24]Acting career
Basil Joseph made his acting debut in the 2013 Malayalam psychological thriller Up & Down: Mukalil Oralundu, portraying the role of a lift technician in a story centered on eight people trapped in an elevator unraveling a mystery.[27] This marked his entry into on-screen performances shortly after beginning his film career as an assistant director. His early appearances were primarily in supporting capacities, including small roles in films like Silence (2013) and Homely Meals (2014), where he played an editor.[28] Joseph's visibility in Malayalam cinema increased with his supporting role as a college student in the 2015 coming-of-age romantic comedy Premam, directed by Alphonse Puthren, which became a major commercial success and helped establish him among younger audiences.[29] He transitioned toward more prominent supporting and lead roles in the following years, including a key part in the 2017 family drama Jomonte Suvisheshangal, where his performance contributed to the film's exploration of father-son dynamics.[30] A significant turning point came with his nuanced portrayal of Father Kevin, a priest offering moral guidance, in the 2021 black comedy thriller Joji, inspired by Shakespeare's Macbeth and starring Fahadh Faasil in the titular role; this performance earned widespread appreciation for its subtlety amid the film's tense narrative.[31] In parallel, Joseph excelled in comedy and ensemble casts, showcasing his versatility. He played a memorable comic role in the 2019 romantic drama Kettyolaanu Ente Malakha, supporting Asif Ali's lead as a newlywed farmer navigating marital quirks.[32] This was followed by a lead role in the 2021 comedy Jan. E. Man, where he depicted Joy Mon, a lonely man in Canada planning a birthday party to combat isolation, blending humor with emotional depth.[33] His ensemble work continued in the 2023 family road-trip comedy Falimy, as Anoop, a self-centered family member on a pilgrimage, highlighting his timing in chaotic group dynamics.[34] Joseph's recent projects in 2024 and 2025 further solidified his range across genres. He took on lead roles in the investigative comedy Nunakkuzhi (2024), a black comedy Sookshmadarshini (2024), the period drama Ponman (2025), the latter earning praise for his grounded portrayal in a story of rural life and revenge, and the black comedy thriller Pravinkoodu Shappu (2025), where he played police inspector Santhosh. In the 2025 romantic comedy-drama Hridayapoorvam, he appeared in a cameo as Dr. Manu Rameshan. Upcoming releases include Athiradi (late 2025), and Parasakthi (2026). Known for his natural, understated style that blends realism with emotional nuance in comedies, dramas, and thrillers, Joseph has credited acting with providing financial stability to fund his directorial ambitions.[3] However, in 2025 interviews, he announced plans to pause acting temporarily to prioritize his next directorial venture, citing the challenges of balancing both roles amid demanding schedules.[25]Personal life
Marriage
Basil Joseph has been in a long-term relationship with Elizabeth Samuel, whom he met during their time as classmates at the College of Engineering, Trivandrum (CET).[12][35] The couple, who shared formative years in engineering studies, got engaged in July 2017 in Kottayam.[12][35] They married on 17 August 2017 in a traditional Christian ceremony held in Sulthan Bathery, Wayanad, Basil's native place.[36][35] The intimate event marked the culmination of their over seven-year romance, which began during their college days.[37][38] Elizabeth Samuel is an educationalist from Kottayam, serving as the director of Firki, Teach For India's online teacher education platform.[39][40] Their enduring partnership, rooted in shared academic experiences at CET, provided personal stability during Basil's shift from engineering to a career in filmmaking.[12][41]Family
Basil Joseph and his wife, Elizabeth Samuel, welcomed their first child, a daughter named Hope Elizabeth Basil, on 15 February 2023.[42][43] The couple announced the birth on social media, expressing their joy at becoming parents.[44] Elizabeth, an educationalist, serves as a director at Firki under Teach For India, contributing to educational initiatives aimed at underprivileged children.[45][38] Their marriage has formed a supportive foundation for this family dynamic, allowing them to prioritize both professional and personal growth. In October 2025, Joseph shared heartwarming social media glimpses of his family spending an evening with veteran actor Mammootty, shortly after the superstar's health recovery. The posts captured tender moments, including two-year-old Hope innocently asking Mammootty, "What's your name?", to which he patiently responded, creating cherished memories for the family.[46][47][48] Elizabeth's involvement with Teach For India also reflects a commitment to educational equity without direct participation in Joseph's cinematic projects.[24][3]Filmography
As director
Basil Joseph's directorial debut was the comedy-drama Kunjiramayanam (2015), which runs for 122 minutes and stars Vineeth Sreenivasan in the lead role as Kunjiraman, a middle-aged man returning from the Gulf to his village, alongside Dhyan Sreenivasan, Aju Varghese, and supporting cast including Biju Menon and Srinda Arhaan.[49][50] The film explores themes of village life, superstition, and romance through humorous vignettes set in a fictional Kerala hamlet. It achieved commercial success by grossing approximately ₹10.08 crore in Kerala over 35 days, ranking as the second-highest grosser among Onam releases that year.[51] Critically, it was praised for its lighthearted narrative, quirky characters, and effective humor, earning a 3/5 rating from reviewers who highlighted the measured performances and engaging storytelling despite some pacing issues.[52][49] His second film, Godha (2017), is a sports comedy running 142 minutes, featuring Tovino Thomas as Das, a young man who revives wrestling traditions in his Kerala village after encountering a talented Punjabi wrestler played by Wamiqa Gabbi, with Renji Panicker and Aju Varghese in key roles.[53] Production spanned five months across locations in Kerala (Palakkad) and Punjab (Chandigarh, Mohali, Patiala, Ludhiana), involving challenges such as coordinating authentic wrestling sequences and a complex opening shot using a 110-foot crane.[54][55] The film grossed around ₹16.36 crore in Kerala over its lifetime run and received positive reception for its warm storytelling, humor, and performances, often compared to Dangal while standing out for its cultural blend; it also garnered award recognition for its technical and narrative achievements.[56][57][58] Minnal Murali (2021), Joseph's third directorial venture, is a 158-minute superhero origin story starring Tovino Thomas as Jaison, a tailor who acquires lightning-based powers after a freak accident, facing off against a rival empowered by the same event, with supporting performances by Shyam Mohan and Baiju Santhosh.[59] Co-produced by Weekend Blockbusters and Netflix, the film incorporated extensive VFX work for its action sequences and supernatural elements, marking a milestone in Malayalam cinema's foray into the genre with a budget emphasizing practical effects alongside digital enhancements.[60] It had a limited theatrical release in Kerala amid the COVID-19 pandemic, earning about ₹8 crore at the box office before its global Netflix premiere, where it achieved significant international acclaim as one of the most-watched non-English films, topping charts in India and ranking fourth worldwide while boosting Malayalam content's visibility.[61] Critics lauded its fresh take on superhero tropes, character depth, and VFX quality, awarding it a 3.5/5 for its engaging plot and emotional core.[21][62] A sequel, Minnal Murali 2, was announced in 2022 following the original's success, with Basil Joseph returning as director and Tovino Thomas reprising his role; as of November 2025, it has faced delays amid rumors of potential shelving due to copyright issues, with no confirmed production timeline.[63][64]As actor
Basil Joseph made his acting debut in the 2013 Malayalam film Up & Down: Mukalil Oralundu, directed by T. K. Rajeev Kumar, where he essayed a supporting role that marked his entry into the industry as an actor.[65] His early career featured supporting parts in youth-centric comedies and dramas, with a notable role as Shambu, a college friend of the protagonist, in the 2015 coming-of-age film Premam, directed by Alphonse Puthren, which highlighted his natural comic timing within the ensemble cast.[66] By 2021, Joseph transitioned to more prominent characters, including Fr. Kevin in the black comedy thriller Joji, directed by Dileesh Pothan, where his portrayal of the priest added layers of subtle intrigue to the narrative inspired by Shakespeare's Macbeth.[67] Joseph's versatility shone in lead roles across genres, such as Joymon in the horror comedy Jan.E.Man (2021), Rajesh in the satirical comedy Jaya Jaya Jaya Jaya Hey (2022), the lead in the romantic comedy Guruvayoor Ambalanadayil (2024), Manuel in the thriller Sookshmadarshini (2024), the lead in the mystery comedy Nunakkuzhi (2024), Luke P. P. in the action comedy Maranamass (2025), the dejected dubbing artist Anoop in the 2023 family comedy Falimy, directed by Nithish Sahadev, an ensemble road-trip film that earned praise for his relatable everyman performance amid humorous family chaos.[34] In 2025, he took the lead as P. P. Ajesh in Ponman, a black comedy thriller directed by Jothish Shankar, depicting a man's entanglement in a high-stakes family drama that showcased his ability to blend tension with dark humor.[68] Upcoming projects include Athiradi, a campus action-comedy in production since October 2025, where Joseph shares co-lead billing with Tovino Thomas and Vineeth Sreenivasan, directed by Arun Anirudhan, with an expected release in 2026.[69] By November 2025, Joseph had appeared in over 40 feature films, demonstrating genre diversity from light-hearted comedies like Falimy to intense thrillers such as Ponman, often leveraging his understated expressions for comedic effect.[70] He occasionally incorporated brief cameos in his own directorial works, such as a special appearance in Kunjiramayanam (2015).[71]Short films
Basil Joseph's entry into filmmaking began during his time as a student at the College of Engineering Trivandrum (CET), where he acted in the 2012 short film CET Life, portraying a character that reflected campus experiences and marked his initial foray into on-screen performance.[9] This student-led project highlighted his early interest in comedy and ensemble storytelling, serving as a foundational step in his creative development.[16] Transitioning to directing, Joseph helmed his first short film, Shhh... (2012), which he also scripted, exploring humorous scenarios with minimal resources and showcasing his knack for concise, witty narratives.[16] Later that year, while employed as a software engineer at Infosys, he directed Priyamvadha Katharayano (2012), a zero-budget quirky love story that gained viral attention online and attracted industry notice from figures like actor Aju Varghese, prompting Joseph to leave his job for full-time filmmaking.[24] In 2013, he followed with Oru Thundu Padam, where he handled the screenplay adaptation from John Jose's story, further experimenting with comedic timing and character-driven humor in a short format.[16] These early short films, produced between 2012 and 2013, acted as a crucial training ground for Joseph, allowing him to refine his skills in comedy and direction amid limited budgets and resources, which directly influenced the light-hearted tone of his later feature works.[9] No additional short films directed or acted in by Joseph have been noted post-2013, as he shifted focus to feature-length projects.[24]Awards and nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | South Indian International Movie Awards | Best Actor in a Comedy Role – Malayalam | Kettyolaanu Ente Malakha | Won | [72] |
| 2022 | Filmfare Awards South | Best Director – Malayalam | Minnal Murali | Nominated | [73] |
| 2022 | Asian Academy Creative Awards | Best Direction (Fiction) | Minnal Murali | Won | [4] |
| 2023 | South Indian International Movie Awards | Special Jury Award – Malayalam | Jaya Jaya Jaya Jaya Hey | Won | [74] |
| 2024 | South Indian International Movie Awards | Best Actor in a Leading Role – Malayalam | Kadina Kadoramee Andakadaham / Falimy | Nominated | [73] |
| 2024 | Kerala State Youth Commission | Youth Icon Award – Arts/Culture | Overall contribution | Won | [75] |
| 2025 | JFW Movie Awards | Man of the Year | Overall contribution (Nunakkuzhi, Guruvayoor Ambalanadayil) | Won | [76] |
| 2025 | Mazhavil Entertainment Awards | All-Rounder of the Year | Overall contribution | Won | [77] |