Community hub
0 subscribers8 pages, 0 posts
Recent from talks
All channels
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Contribute something
Welcome to the community hub built to collect knowledge and have discussions related to Jolly Chirayath.
Nothing was collected or created yet.
Jolly Chirayath
View on Wikipediafrom Wikipedia
Jolly Chirayath is an Indian actress who acts in Malayalam films. She made her acting debut in the film Angamaly Diaries directed by Lijo Jose Pellissery.
Key Information
Early and personal life
[edit]Chirayath was born in Nashik, Maharashtra to Lona Chirayath, a business man and Lilly Lona, both originally from Thrissur, Kerala. She lived in Sharjah, UAE from 1996 to 2010 and worked with Almarai as a sales professional and Al Faisal Photography Studio in Sharjah. Her autobiographical book, titled Burning Seas, was released at the 2023 Sharjah International Book Fair.
Filmography
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Angamaly Diaries | Vincent Pepe's mother | |
| Kaattu | Ayesha | ||
| Aadu 2 | Stella's mother | ||
| 2018 | Eeda | Upendran's mother | |
| Koode | Doctor | ||
| 2019 | June | Alex's mother | |
| Vikruthi | Mercy Chacko | ||
| Virus | Pradeep's mother | ||
| 2020 | Kappela | Saramma | |
| Paapam Cheyyathavar Kalleriyatte | Linda's mother | ||
| Kozhipporu | Beena | [1] | |
| 2021 | Malik | Inspector General of Prisons | |
| 2022 | Nizhal | Vathsala | |
| Kaduva | Victor's mother | ||
| Vichithram | Jasmine | [2] | |
| 2023 | Sulaikha Manzil | Haleema | [3] |
| Pappachan Olivilanu | Eliamma | ||
| Pulimada | Sherly | [4] | |
| Dance Party | [5] | ||
| Family | [6] | ||
| 2024 | Abraham Ozler | CEO Sasikala | |
| Panchavalsara Padhathi | |||
| Kanakarajyam | [7] | ||
| 2025 | Written & Directed by God | [8] |
Awards
[edit]- 2021- Kerala State Chalachitra Academy, Kerala State Television Awards, Second Best Actress - for Kombal[9]
References
[edit]- ^ "Kozhipporu review: This hen story gives audience a goose egg". Kozhipporu review: This hen story gives audience a goose egg. Retrieved 1 January 2025.
- ^ Praveen, S. R. (15 October 2022). "'Vichitram' movie review: Thriller gives a clever twist to an overused horror trope". The Hindu.
- ^ "Sulaikha Manzil makers release new song". Cinema Express. 11 March 2023. Retrieved 20 April 2023.
- ^ "Joju's Pulimada gets a release date". Cinema Express. 6 October 2023. Retrieved 15 October 2023.
- ^ "Dhama Dhama song from Dance Party ft Shine Tom Chacko, Prayaga Martin is out". Cinema Express. 8 November 2023. Retrieved 25 November 2023.
- ^ "Don Palathara's Family wins Best Film award at Halicarnassus Film Festival, Turkey". Cinema Express. 26 July 2023. Retrieved 28 December 2023.
- ^ "Murali Gopy, Indrans' Kanakarajyam is based on a true incident about a jewellery theft in Alappuzha". OTTPlay. Retrieved 1 January 2025.
- ^ Features, C. E. (17 April 2025). "Saiju Kurup and Sunny Wayne's Written & Directed by God gets a release date". Cinema Express. Retrieved 17 April 2025.
- ^ "Kerala television awards 2021: No deserving entries for best serial this year too". 24 November 2022.
External links
[edit]Jolly Chirayath
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Early life
Birth and family background
Chirayath Lona Jolly, professionally known as Jolly Chirayath, was born in Nashik, Maharashtra, India.[8][9] Her father, Lona Chirayath, was a businessman in the hotel sector, and her mother was Lilly Lona; both parents hailed originally from Thrissur, Kerala, reflecting the family's Syrian Christian heritage common in the region.[8][9] She was the youngest of four children, with one sibling dying in childhood, and grew up amidst family challenges including parental conflicts and her mother's health issues related to a heart valve problem discovered during pregnancy.[9] The family spent her early years in Nashik before moving back to Kerala, where she was raised primarily in Thrissur, attending a local parish school after initial education at an Anglo-Indian school in Nashik. She also faced a hearing impairment, with about 45% hearing ability.[9] This Kerala origin maintained strong cultural ties for Jolly, influencing her eventual entry into Malayalam cinema despite her birth in northern India.[8]Residence and early work in the UAE
In 1996, Jolly Chirayath relocated to Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, along with her husband, initially arriving on a visiting visa before settling into a long-term residence that lasted until 2010. This move marked a significant shift from her life in India, as the family sought new opportunities abroad amid personal and professional transitions. During this period, she balanced expatriate life with familial responsibilities, navigating the challenges of establishing roots in a foreign land.[10] Upon arrival, Chirayath took up early employment to support the household, working in sales by promoting and selling products in malls. These roles provided financial stability and introduced her to the diverse workforce of the UAE, where she interacted with expatriates from various backgrounds. She continued in sales for over 16 years while raising her children.[10] The UAE years profoundly shaped Chirayath's worldview, fostering a deeper understanding of gender dynamics and societal norms through exposure to multicultural environments. Adapting from the close-knit, tradition-bound communities of Kerala to the cosmopolitan yet regulated expatriate life in Sharjah required reconciling cultural differences, such as the emphasis on professional independence amid strict social hierarchies. She engaged in local cultural activities, including theater, which allowed her to explore identity and expression in a setting far removed from Indian conventions, such as organizing a theater camp for children with support from the Sharjah Indian Association. This period highlighted the resilience needed for cultural adaptation, as she maintained continuity with her Kerala roots through annual visits and family practices that preserved linguistic and traditional ties.[10]Acting career
Debut and breakthrough
Jolly Chirayath entered the Malayalam film industry with her debut in the 2017 action-comedy Angamaly Diaries, directed by Lijo Jose Pellissery.[11] The film, set in the eponymous town near Kochi, follows the life of a young man aspiring to lead a local gang, and Chirayath portrayed Thresiyamma, the mother of the protagonist Vincent Pepe, played by newcomer Antony Varghese.[1] Her role, though supporting, contributed to the film's raw depiction of family dynamics amid the town's pork trade rivalries and youthful bravado.[12] Prior to her cinematic entry, Chirayath had limited professional acting experience, having worked as a sales professional for Almarai and Al Faisal Photography Studio in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, from 1996 to 2010.[8] As an activist with a longstanding passion for performance, she transitioned into acting through this opportunity, leveraging her diverse life experiences—which included residence in the UAE—to bring authenticity to her portrayal of a resilient matriarch.[1] This shift from a non-entertainment career to the screen highlighted her natural aptitude, fitting seamlessly into the film's ensemble of 86 debutants who embodied local dialects and mannerisms.[13] Angamaly Diaries garnered widespread acclaim for its energetic storytelling, cinematography, and the genuine performances of its novice cast, marking a breakthrough for Chirayath in Malayalam cinema.[14] Critics praised the film's authentic ensemble, noting how non-professional actors like Chirayath added a layer of realism to the raucous narrative.[14] Her debut established her presence in the industry, where she has remained active since 2017, building on this initial success.[13]Notable roles and film contributions
Jolly Chirayath has established herself in Malayalam cinema through her compelling portrayals of mothers and authoritative figures, appearing in 23 films from 2017 to 2025. These roles often emphasize emotional depth and commanding presence, contributing to the narrative layers of ensemble-driven stories in the industry. Her work highlights a career arc that favors character-driven performances, evolving from supportive maternal archetypes to more empowered, authoritative personas that add gravitas to ensemble casts.[15] In Virus (2019), Chirayath played Pradeep's mother, a role that captured the quiet resilience and familial concern amid the film's intense medical thriller backdrop, underscoring themes of community solidarity during crisis.[16] Her performance as the Inspector General of Prisons in Malik (2021) marked a departure into authoritative territory, portraying a high-ranking official whose stern demeanor and decisive actions propelled key plot developments in the political crime drama.[17] In the horror-comedy Romancham (2023), she portrayed Sinu's mother, adding to the film's supernatural family tensions.[18] Chirayath's role as CEO Sasikala in Abraham Ozler (2024) further exemplified her shift toward nuanced leadership figures, where she embodied professional authority and subtle emotional undercurrents in the investigative thriller's corporate elements.[19] In Sulaikha Manzil (2023), she returned to maternal dynamics as Haleema, Ameen's mother, infusing the family-centric drama with authentic portrayals of protective yet complex parental bonds.[20] These contributions have solidified her reputation for elevating supporting roles into memorable cornerstones of Malayalam film's character ensemble tradition.Personal life
Family and relationships
Jolly Chirayath was married to Balu in a registered interfaith marriage at the age of 21, which faced strong opposition from her church community and some relatives due to differing religious backgrounds.[21] The couple lived together after six months and shared a 20-year marriage marked by deep initial affection but later strained by mutual infidelities and challenges adapting to Balu's family's patriarchal norms, where women had limited autonomy in daily decisions such as meal times.[22][23] They divorced amicably, with Jolly publicly reflecting on the experience without blame, noting, "I won't say Balu betrayed me, because during our 20 years of marriage, I too had a deviation."[22] The marriage produced one child, a son whose wedding Jolly has anticipated as a key family milestone.[22] Post-divorce, her family structure centers on co-parenting and providing emotional support to her child amid social scrutiny, while she accepts Balu's new relationship without resentment, emphasizing personal freedom in choices.[22] Jolly balances family responsibilities with her professional life by prioritizing her child's well-being, often drawing on her Kerala-rooted family values of resilience to navigate commitments; this influence from her early background underscores her approach to fostering independence in her own household.[23] In interviews, she has highlighted the emotional toll of separation but her determination to create a stable environment for her family alongside her acting and activist roles.[22]Literary pursuits
Jolly Chirayath ventured into literature with her autobiographical book Ninnu Kathunna Kadalukal (translated as Burning Seas), published by Goosebery Books and Publications in 2023.[24] The work was released at the 2023 Sharjah International Book Fair, marking a significant public unveiling of her written reflections.[25] The book draws deeply from Chirayath's personal experiences, including her life in the UAE and her multifaceted career in acting and activism, spanning five decades of triumphs and challenges.[24] It explores themes of resilience against adversity, the quest for love and security, and the forging of personal identity amid societal expectations and emotional trials, such as childhood uncertainties regarding her mother and the complexities of relationships and independence.[26] Ninnu Kathunna Kadalukal has garnered positive reception for its raw honesty and emotional profundity, resonating with readers through its candid narrative style.[27] This literary endeavor extends Chirayath's public image beyond her on-screen roles, positioning her as a compelling voice in personal storytelling and social commentary that inspires reflection on individual and collective struggles.[26]Filmography
Films from 2017 to 2019
Jolly Chirayath's initial phase in Malayalam cinema from 2017 to 2019 saw her taking on supporting roles that showcased her versatility in portraying family figures, often mothers, across genres ranging from action-comedy to drama and thriller. Her debut in the critically acclaimed Angamaly Diaries opened doors to subsequent projects, highlighting her ability to bring depth to understated characters. Over these three years, she contributed to ten films, which collectively bolstered her reputation as a dependable supporting actress in the industry. The following table summarizes her film appearances during this period:| Year | Film | Director | Role | Brief Context |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Angamaly Diaries | Lijo Jose Pellissery | Thresiyamma (Vincent Pepe's mother) | Portrayed the protagonist's mother in this gritty coming-of-age action film set in a rural Kerala town, marking her acting debut.[28] |
| 2017 | Kaattu | Arun Kumar Aravind | Ayesha | Played a key family member in this slice-of-life drama exploring 1970s rural life and personal struggles.[29] |
| 2017 | Aadu 2 | Midhun Manuel Thomas | Stella's mother | Appeared as the mother of a central character in this comedic sequel involving a chaotic tug-of-war competition and gang antics.[30][31] |
| 2018 | Eeda | B. Ajithkumar | Upendran's mother | Depicted a maternal figure in this intense romance-drama inspired by Romeo and Juliet, amid political violence in Kerala.[32] |
| 2018 | Koode | Anjali Menon | Doctor | Featured briefly as a doctor in this emotional family drama about grief, bonds, and personal growth.[33] |
| 2018 | Thanaha | Prakash Kunjhan Moorayil | Roy's mother | Portrayed the mother of one of the leads in this investigative drama following two friends turned police officers unraveling a mystery.[34] |
| 2019 | Vikruthi | Emcy Joseph | Mercy Chacko | Played a supporting role in this comedy-drama about the unintended consequences of a viral social media post.[35] |
| 2019 | Virus | Aashiq Abu | Pradeep's mother | Appeared as a worried mother in this docudrama recreating the 2018 Nipah virus outbreak in Kerala, emphasizing healthcare heroes.[16] |
| 2019 | June | Ahammed Khabeer | Alex's mother | Depicted a nurturing mother in this coming-of-age tale tracing a young woman's life over a decade.[36] |
| 2019 | Chola (Shadow of Water) | Sanal Kumar Sasidharan | (Supporting role) | Contributed to this psychological drama exploring themes of abuse and rural vulnerability through interconnected stories.[37] |
Films from 2020 to 2025
Jolly Chirayath maintained a steady presence in Malayalam cinema from 2020 onward, appearing in 25 films by 2025, which brought her total filmography to 35 appearances across her career. Her output during this period averaged about four films per year, reflecting sustained demand for her in ensemble casts and character-driven narratives. Recent projects, such as the thriller Abraham Ozler (2024), highlighted her ability to portray authoritative figures like corporate executives, continuing patterns from her earlier roles in professional or familial contexts.[5] The following table lists her films from 2020 to 2025, including directors and roles where documented:| Year | Title | Director | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Kappela | Muhammad Musthafa | Saramma |
| 2020 | Paapam Cheyyathavar Kalleriyatte | Nadirshah | Linda's mother |
| 2020 | Kozhipporu | Jothish Shankar | Beena |
| 2021 | Malik | Mahesh Narayanan | Inspector General of Prisons |
| 2021 | Nizhal | Appu N. Bhattathiri | Vathsala |
| 2022 | Kaduva | Shaji Kailas | Victor's mother |
| 2022 | Bharatha Circus | Ahammed Khabeer | Anoop's mother |
| 2022 | Vichithram | Achu Vijayan | Jasmine |
| 2023 | Romancham | Jithu Madhavan | Madhavi |
| 2023 | Divorce | Mini I.G. | Grace |
| 2023 | Purusha Pretham | Krishand | Old lady |
| 2023 | Pulimada | Akhil Paul, Jithin Jithu | Sherly |
| 2023 | Sulaikha Manzil | Juhi Sundar | Haleema |
| 2023 | Pappachan Olivilaanu | Althaf Salim | Eliamma |
| 2023 | Dance Party | Biju | Anikuttan's mother |
| 2023 | Family | Don Palathara | Sony's aunt |
| 2024 | Abraham Ozler | Midhun Manuel Thomas | CEO Sasikala |
| 2024 | Panchavalsara Padhathi | P.G. Premlal | Gomathi |
| 2024 | Oru Kadannal Kadha | Pradeep Velayudhan | TBA |
| 2024 | Kanakarajyam | Lijomol Shiny | Shobha |
| 2024 | Victoria | Sivaranjini J. | TBA |
| 2024 | Turkish Tharkkam | Jithin Jithu | TBA |
| 2025 | Written & Directed by God | Hardeep Singh | TBA |
| 2025 | Nancy Rani | Anuraj | Motti's mother |
| 2025 | ID: The Fake | Prasanth Murali | Gouthami Amma |