Manikuttan

Manikuttan (born Thomas James; 2 March 1986) is an Indian actor primarily active in the Malayalam film industry, known for his supporting roles in commercial cinema and his victory in a prominent reality television show. Hailing from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, he has built a career spanning films, television serials, and reality programming since his debut in 2005.^[1][2] Manikuttan entered the industry with the lead role in the coming-of-age film Boyy Friennd, directed by Vinayan, marking his first major screen appearance. Over the years, he has featured in diverse genres, including comedies, dramas, and historical epics, often portraying relatable characters that resonate with audiences. Notable works include his early collaboration with superstar Mohanlal in the ensemble comedy Chotta Mumbai (2007), the satirical drama Kammara Sambhavam (2018) alongside Dileep, and the action thriller Thrissur Pooram (2019). More recently, he appeared in Secret (2024) and Sree Muthappan (2024), while projects like L2: Empuraan (2025) and The Protector (2025) continue to showcase his versatility in Malayalam cinema.^[1][3][4] In television, Manikuttan gained initial recognition through the serial Kayamkulam Kochunni, where he played a central role, before achieving widespread fame as the winner of Bigg Boss Malayalam season 3 in 2021. The victory, announced by host Mohanlal, earned him an apartment worth ₹75 lakh. His journey from modest beginnings to a household name underscores his resilience and appeal in Kerala's entertainment landscape.^[1][5][6]

Early life and education

Early years

Thomas James, professionally known as Manikuttan, was born on 2 March 1986 in Nalumukku, near Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India.^[2][7] He was raised in a middle-class Christian family by his parents, James and Eliyamma, amidst significant financial challenges that marked his early years.^[8][9][10] The family's economic struggles, including periods of residing in his father's employer's home, fostered resilience and a strong work ethic in young Thomas.^[9] This passion became evident in his childhood pursuits, culminating in his first on-screen appearance as a child artist in the 1999 Malayalam film Varnachirakukal.^[8] These formative experiences in a modest household provided the groundwork for his disciplined approach to formal education at St. Mary's Higher Secondary School in Pattom.^[2]

Education

Manikuttan, whose real name is Thomas James, completed his schooling at St. Mary's Higher Secondary School in Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram.^[2][8] He pursued higher education at Mahatma Gandhi College, Thiruvananthapuram, where he earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree.^[8][2] During his college years, Manikuttan actively participated in cultural events, which helped nurture his interest in the performing arts.^[11] Although rumors have circulated about him dropping out of college, these stem from misconceptions regarding his transition into acting, as he successfully completed his degree before fully entering the industry.

Career

Debut and early roles

Manikuttan began his career in the Malayalam entertainment industry as a child artist, making his film debut in the 1999 drama Varnachirakukal, where he portrayed the character Balu, an orphan under the care of a priest.^[12] This early role marked his initial foray into cinema at the age of 13, showcasing his potential in supporting parts amid a narrative focused on artistic aspirations and personal growth.^[13] Transitioning to television, Manikuttan secured his first lead role in the 2004 serial Kayamkulam Kochunni on Surya TV, playing the titular character of the legendary Kerala thief in a biopic-style production that aired from 2004 to 2007.^[14] The series, produced by Seagull Communications, highlighted his ability to embody historical figures and gained popularity for its depiction of Kochunni's exploits, establishing Manikuttan as a recognizable face on Malayalam television.^[15] In the same year, he took on the central role in the campus film Oru Peelekanenta Oormakke, a low-budget production made by students at Mahatma Gandhi College, Thiruvananthapuram, where he was studying.^[2] This project, shot on college premises, served as an experimental lead opportunity and reflected his growing involvement in student-led filmmaking during his college years.^[16] Manikuttan's transition to mainstream cinema came with his lead debut in the 2005 romantic drama Boyy Friennd, directed by Vinayan and produced by Vidyasagar.^[17] In the film, he played the protagonist, a young man navigating love and societal pressures, alongside established actors like Sreenivasan and Mukesh; the movie, released on October 28, 2005, was a commercial venture that aimed to launch him as a youthful hero but received mixed reviews for its screenplay. Following this, he appeared in minor supporting roles in mid-2000s films such as Kalabham (2006) and Bada Dosth (2006), often portraying comedic or sidekick characters that underscored his versatility but limited visibility.^[18] Throughout the early 2000s, Manikuttan faced significant challenges in securing prominent opportunities, enduring over two decades of persistence in the industry before achieving widespread recognition, with many roles confined to brief appearances that tested his resilience amid financial and professional uncertainties.^[19] His disciplined approach, honed through formal education, helped sustain his efforts during this formative period of trial and incremental progress.^[9]

Breakthrough in films

Manikuttan's role as Najaf in the 2012 romantic comedy Thattathin Marayathu, directed by Vineeth Sreenivasan, marked a significant step in his career, where he portrayed a supporting character that contributed to the film's ensemble dynamic and earned him early critical recognition for his natural comedic timing.^[20] This performance, set against the backdrop of an interfaith romance, highlighted his ability to blend humor with emotional depth in a narrative that resonated with audiences, helping to solidify his presence in Malayalam cinema during the early 2010s.^[10] In the late 2010s and early 2020s, Manikuttan expanded his portfolio through participation in ambitious historical epics, including Mamangam (2019), where he played the character Moyin in a tale of 18th-century warriors along the Bharathapuzha River. He further contributed to Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea (2021), directed by Priyadarshan, in the role of Mayinkutty, a project that received the National Film Award for Best Feature Film at the 67th National Film Awards, underscoring his involvement in high-profile, award-winning productions.^[21][22] These roles demonstrated his versatility in action-oriented and period settings, moving beyond lighter fare to more physically demanding portrayals. Following his Bigg Boss victory, Manikuttan continued to take on diverse supporting roles, including in Divorce (2023) as Ramdas, Nadikar (2024) as David's co-actor, Kuruvipappa (2024) as the dance master, Secret (2024) as Harishankar, and Sree Muthappan (2024) as Muthappan. He is set to appear in the upcoming action thriller L2: Empuraan (2025) as Mani.^[23] Throughout his career, Manikuttan has appeared in over 40 Malayalam films, often typecast in supporting or action-centric roles that leverage his energetic screen presence and ability to portray relatable everyman characters.^[23] However, his evolution as an actor has been evident in a gradual shift toward more nuanced performances, allowing him to break from repetitive archetypes while maintaining a strong foothold in ensemble casts. His victory in Bigg Boss Malayalam Season 3 in 2021 significantly boosted his visibility, leading to increased film opportunities and a broader recognition that propelled him into prominent projects within the industry.^[5][24]

Television and reality television

Manikuttan gained prominence in Malayalam television through his lead role as the titular character in the Surya TV serial Kayamkulam Kochunni, which aired from 2004 to 2007. The series, based on the legendary 19th-century outlaw, showcased his ability to portray a charismatic and rebellious figure, earning him widespread popularity among audiences and establishing him as a recognizable face in the regional TV landscape.^[15][25] He later demonstrated versatility by transitioning into hosting, debuting as the anchor for the celebrity couple reality show Super Jodi on Surya TV in 2018. In this role, Manikuttan brought energy and humor to the format, engaging participants in fun challenges that highlighted couple dynamics. That same year, he hosted Rani Maharani, another Surya TV reality program focused on women's competitions, where his lively presentation style further solidified his presence in non-scripted television.^[26][27][28] Manikuttan's television career reached a peak with his participation in Bigg Boss Malayalam Season 3 on Asianet in 2021, where he emerged as the winner after 96 days in the house. Despite a mid-season voluntary exit due to a dispute and subsequent re-entry, his strategic approach—treating house tasks as acting auditions to display skills from roles like Meesha Madhavan—resonated with viewers, culminating in a record 9.2 crore votes. He secured the prize of a flat worth Rs 75 lakh, along with a trophy and citation, presented by host Mohanlal during the grand finale.^[5][29][6] The Bigg Boss victory significantly elevated Manikuttan's public profile, leading to increased TV opportunities such as guest appearances. This exposure not only amplified his visibility but also bridged his television work with broader entertainment recognition, enhancing his overall career trajectory.^[5]

Personal life

Family background

Manikuttan was born Thomas James into a middle-class family in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India, where his parents provided a stable yet financially challenging upbringing. His father, James, worked initially as a tourist bus driver before joining the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), supporting the family through modest earnings that emphasized resilience and diligence. His mother, Eliyamma, contributed to the household amid these economic constraints, fostering values of perseverance and family loyalty that profoundly influenced Manikuttan's personal and professional outlook.^[2][30] The family's roots remained in Thiruvananthapuram, with no major relocations noted, allowing Manikuttan to maintain close ties to his immediate family throughout his life. During his time on Bigg Boss Malayalam 3 in 2021, he frequently highlighted his parents' sacrifices, crediting them for his grounded nature and determination to succeed in the entertainment industry. Their support was evident in his emotional dedications on the show, where he expressed gratitude for their role in navigating hardships.^[30] In the aftermath of his Bigg Boss victory, Manikuttan used the prize money to secure a permanent home for his parents, underscoring the ongoing family dynamics of mutual reliance and emotional closeness. This gesture symbolized the enduring impact of his upbringing, as he aimed to repay their lifelong encouragement and stability during his career fluctuations.^[30]

Relationships and public persona

As of November 2025, Manikuttan remains unmarried and has no confirmed spouse or long-term romantic partner.^[8][31] During his participation in Bigg Boss Malayalam season 3 in 2021, rumors emerged of a potential romantic involvement with fellow contestant Soorya Menon after she publicly expressed her feelings for him, including presenting a romantic poem.^[32] Manikuttan clarified that he respected her emotions but could not reciprocate or feign affection for the sake of the game, emphasizing that their bond was platonic and any perceived closeness stemmed from strategic gameplay dynamics rather than genuine romance.^[33][34] Soorya later addressed the backlash from these speculations, noting they were exaggerated and not reflective of a real relationship.^[34] Manikuttan has consistently demonstrated a preference for maintaining privacy in his personal affairs, particularly regarding marriage and romantic matters.^[31] He tends to deflect in-depth discussions on these topics, focusing instead on light-hearted observations, such as noting coincidences with co-stars like Honey Rose who are also unmarried, without delving into his own intentions or timeline.^[31] This approach aligns with his expressed concerns during Bigg Boss about how public scrutiny of personal rumors could impact his professional life, underscoring his desire to shield intimate details from media attention.^[35] Manikuttan's public persona is characterized by perceptions of him as a kind and accommodating individual within the industry, with peers noting his positive and supportive nature in collaborative settings.^[36] His fan base has notably expanded through social media engagement following his Bigg Boss victory, fostering a dedicated following that appreciates his approachable demeanor.^[5]

Filmography

Films

Manikuttan began his film career as a child artist and has since appeared in over 50 Malayalam films, predominantly in supporting roles, with occasional leads and special appearances. The following table provides a comprehensive chronological list of his film credits, including role types where notable and directors for select significant entries.

Television

Manikuttan began his acting career in television with a lead role in the Malayalam serial Kayamkulam Kochunni, which aired on Surya TV from 2004 to 2007 and established him as a popular figure in Malayalam television.^[15] He later transitioned into hosting and reality formats, appearing as a guest on music shows and taking on anchoring duties for dance and game programs on major channels. His participation in reality television peaked with his victory in Bigg Boss Malayalam Season 3 in 2021, broadcast on Asianet.^[51] Additional notable appearances include serials, hosting, judging, and web series.