Murali Gopy

Murali Gopy joined The New Indian Express in 1995, immediately after completing PG in Journalism at Institute of Journalism, Thiruvananthapuram, and worked as sub-editor and reporter there. Later, he joined The Hindu, as sub-editor and Features Editor. He then shifted base to UAE, and became chief sub-editor with Arab-Allied Media, Dubai, for the sports magazines Cleanbowled and Sports Today.^[3] In 2008, he was appointed chief editor of MSN India Entertainment. In 2012, he resigned the job to be more active in films. His writings on various topics can be found in his blog mgvanguard.blogspot.in.^[4]

Murali is a screenwriter and short story writer. He published his first short story "Ayur Rekha" in Kalakaumudi in 1991 at the age of 19. He has often stated that he started writing stories to bring a smile to his father, thespian Bharat Gopy, who was debilitated by a massive stroke in 1986.^[5] Murali Gopiyude Kadhakal, a compilation of his stories, has been published by Mathrubhumi Books, the third edition of which is now running.^[6][7] His Novella Psychotic Daivam, Psychedelic Swargam, Psychiatric Manushyan was published by DC Books. He has also sketched illustrations for The Hindu, Kalakaumudi and DC Books.

Murali Gopy made his debut as a screenwriter, actor and singer in the Lal Jose movie Rasikan (2004). The 2012 film Ee Adutha Kaalathu, scripted by Murali, is considered a pathbreaker in Malayalam cinema, for its innovative method of weaving story threads together.^[8] It was opined to be "the cinema of 21st century" by stalwart writer N. S. Madhavan.^{[9][10][11][12]} His next screenplay was for Left Right Left, also directed by Arun Kumar Aravind. It is a social thriller set in three periods – the 60s/70s, the 80s/90s and the present. The movie, which opened to excellent reviews on its release, has since then been looked upon as a cult classic.^[13][14][15] The 2017 movie Tiyaan, written by him was noted for its bold theme that focused on the current socio-political scenario in India. Kammara Sambhavam, scripted by him, combines black humour with satire and spoof. He scripted Lucifer, starring Mohanlal, and directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran. His script Theerppu is note-worthy as an allegorical depiction of majoritarianism.^[16] The year 2025 marks the release of Ananthan Kaadu, a Tamil-Malayalam bilingual film penned by him, following the huge success of L2: Empuraan, the second installment of Lucifer.

Murali's debut acting role in Rasikan was as the villain Kala Bhaskaran. He returned on-screen as Dr. Alex Verghese in Bhramaram. His notable performances include the role of Ajay Kurien, an impotent and abusive husband in Ee Adutha Kaalathu, Che Guevara Roy, a partially paralyzed left activist in Left Right Left, Father Michael Plathottathil a young priest in Kanyaka Talkies, the double role as Dr.Hari Narayan and Ravi Narayan in the psychological thriller 1 by Two, the die-hard romantic Siddharth in Lukka Chuppi, Devassy Pappan, an 80-year-old patriarch in Pa Va, Mahashay Bhagvan, a self-proclaimed Godman in Tiyaan, Madhava Das, the husband of Kamala Das (Madhavikkutty), in Aami, and Chellappan, the raw, rustic and retro character from P.Padmarajan's literary world in Kaattu. As an actor, Murali has been praised for his attention to minute details and realistic acting style.^[17] His nuanced portrayal of Thomas Bastin IPS in the popular movie Drishyam 2 was widely acclaimed. His onscreen portrayals have won him many accolades including the 61st Filmfare Awards South for The Best Actor in a Supporting Role. Known to be greatly selective, Murali Gopy has worked only in a limited number of movies since his foray into the film industry in 2004, with each role striking a distinctive note.^[18]

Murali has rendered songs for many films. His "The LRL Anthem" in Left Right Left, "Pakalinu Veyil" in 1 by Two, "Kalippu" in Premam and "Bham Bham Shiv Bole" in Tiyaan, were super hits. He has won Asiavision Movie Award for The New Sensation in Singing for "LRL Anthem".^[19]

Murali Gopy ventured into lyrics writing with the song "Neti" in Tiyaan, which describes the path to spiritual enlightenment. He has also written the Lucifer anthem song "Empuraane", which was sung by Usha Uthup.^[20] He penned the theme song of the movie Theerppu called "Raavil"and the track "Ghode Pe Aaya". In L2: Empuraan, he wrote the songs "Kaavalaai Chekavar" and "Azrael".

Murali Gopy made his debut as a music composer with the song ‘Raavil..’ and ‘Ghode pe aaya..’for the movie ‘Theerppu’, which he also scripted and produced.^[2]

Murali was born as the son of the famous actor Bharath Gopi and Jayalakshmy in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. He was married to Anjana Pillai, and has two children, Gowri and Gowrav. Anjana died at the age of 38, on 26 April 2015 after suffering a heart attack.^[21]

Murali has launched a website in memory of his father Bharath Gopi.^[22]

• 2024 – Bharata Kesari Puraskaram, awarded by NFU, Muscat
• 2022 – Chalachitra Ratna Puraskar, awarded by M.S.Subbulakshmi Foundation
• 2019 – Ramu Kariat Award for the most popular screenwriter^[23]
• 2019 – Kalajyothi Award^[24]
• 2014 – Amrita Film Award for The Best Actor in Supporting Role^[25][26]
• 2014 – South Indian International Movie Awards for The Best Actor in Supporting Role^[27]
• 2014 – 61st Filmfare Awards South for The Best Actor in a Supporting Role^[28]
• 2014 – Jaihind Film Award for The Best Script^[29]
• 2014 – Yuva Award (2012–2013)^[30]
• 2013 – Thikkurissi Sukumaran Foundation Award for The Best Supporting Actor
• 2013 – Nana Film Award – Man of the Year^[31]
• 2013 – Asiavision Movie Award for The New Sensation in Singing
• 2013 – Asiavision Movie Award for The Best Screenplay
• 2013 – Santosham South India Film Awards for The Best Supporting Actor
• 2013 – Jaycey Foundation Award – Special Award
• 2013 – Jaihind Film Award – Special Jury Award
• 2013 – Vanitha Film Award for The Best Anti-Hero
• 2013 – Asianet Film Award for The Best Villain
• 2013 – Reporter Film Award for The Best Supporting Actor
• 2012 – P. Bhaskaran Foundation Award for The Best Story
• 2012 – Nana Film Award for the Best Script Writer
• 2012 – Asiavision Movie Award for The Best Anti-Hero
• 2012 – Asiavision Movie Awards for The New Sensation in Script
• 2012 – Mohan Raghavan Award for The Best Script Writer
• 2009 – The Sathyan Memorial Film Award for The Best Supporting Actor^[32]