Lijo Jose Pellissery is one of the most celebrated filmmakers in contemporary Malayalam cinema. With his unique cinematic vision and unconventional storytelling style, he has redefined the landscape of Malayalam films, garnering both critical acclaim and commercial success. In this blog, I take a deeper look at Lijo’s journey – from his humble beginnings in Chalakudy to becoming a force to reckon with in Indian cinema.
I have personally researched and written this blog to provide an insightful glimpse into the world of this maverick director. Join me as we explore the life and work of the master of unpredictability, Lijo Jose Pellissery.
Table:
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lijo Jose Pellissery |
| Real Name | Same |
| Nickname | Lijo |
| Profession | Filmmaker, Actor |
| Popular Movies/Serials | Amen, Angamaly Diaries, Ee. Ma. Yau., Jallikattu, Churuli, Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam |
| Date of Birth | September 18, 1978 |
| Age | 45 (as of February 24, 2024) |
| Father | Jose Pellissery |
| Mother | Lilly |
| Brother/Sister | Lijomol Jose Pallissery (Sister) |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Wife/Husband | Jasmine James |
1. Early Life and Family
Born on 28th March 1978 in Chalakudy, Kerala, Lijo hails from an artistic family. His father Jose Pellissery was a renowned actor who appeared in over 75 Malayalam films. From his father, Lijo inherited a deep passion for cinema and storytelling.
However, unlike his father, Lijo did not take up acting. He completed his schooling in Chalakudy and went on to pursue a degree in Business Administration from Rajagiri College, Kochi.
During his college days, Lijo developed an interest in films and filmmaking. The creative instincts in him were waiting to find expression.
2. Education
After finishing his MBA, Lijo realized that his true calling lay in cinema. He joined the Chitra Lekha Film Institute in Thrissur to pursue a course in screenwriting. This proved to be a turning point in Lijo’s life.
At the institute, he honed his writing skills and developed a unique cinematic voice. He learned the technical nuances of filmmaking and the theoretical aspects of visual storytelling. The education at Chitra Lekha equipped him with the knowledge to translate his bold creative vision onto the screen.
3. Career
Early Directorial Ventures
Here’s a quick glimpse into Lijo’s filmography and the magic he has woven on screen
| Movie | Year | Awards and Recognition |
|---|---|---|
| Nayakan (2009) | National Film Award for Best Debut Film of a Director | |
| Amen (2013) | Kerala State Film Award for Best Director | |
| Double Barrel (2011) | National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Malayalam | |
| Angamaly Diaries (2017) | Kerala State Film Award for Best Film, Best Director | |
| Ee. Ma. Yau. (2018) | National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Malayalam | |
| Jallikattu (2019) | Won the Silver Bear Jury Prize at the 69th Berlin International Film Festival | |
| Churuli (2021) | FIPRESCI Prize for the Best International Feature Film at the Stockholm International Film Festival | |
| Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam (2023) | Selected for the “World Cinema” section at the 79th Venice International Film Festival |
Breakthrough with Amen and Double Barrel
In 2013, Lijo directed ‘Amen’ starring Fahadh Faasil. An unconventional take on religious faith and human psyche, the movie cemented Lijo’s status as a trailblazer in Malayalam cinema. It won numerous awards including the Kerala State Film Award for Best Director.
This was followed by ‘Double Barrel’ (2015), an experimental action comedy film co-directed by Lijo and Anto Joseph. The inventive style and technical brilliance of this project proved Lijo’s versatility as a filmmaker.
Rise to Fame with Angamaly Diaries and Ee. Ma. Yau
2017 marked Lijo’s transition from promising filmmaker to a force to reckon with in Indian cinema. His black comedy crime film ‘Angamaly Diaries’, shot in 86 days on a limited budget, took the world by storm. The movie followed the journey of a gang of friends from Angamaly.
With its raw cinematography, brilliant editing, and unconventional narrative, Angamaly Diaries rewrote the grammar of Indian cinema. It won several accolades including the Kerala State Film Award for Best Film and Best Director.
Lijo continued his winning streak with ‘Ee. Ma. Yau.’ (2018), a satirical drama about death and funeral rituals in a Kerala village. Lauded for its powerful storytelling and technical brilliance, the movie won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Malayalam.
Mainstream Success with Jallikattu and Churuli
In 2019, Lijo directed the high-octane thriller ‘Jallikattu’ which depicted a buffalo’s revolt against slaughter. Selected as India’s official entry for the Oscars, the movie cemented Lijo’s reputation internationally by winning the Jury Prize at the Berlin Film Festival.
With ‘Churuli’ (2021), a mystical adventure drama, Lijo continued to wow audiences worldwide. The movie earned critical acclaim globally and won the FIPRESCI Award at the Stockholm Film Festival.
Lijo’s ability to blend art and entertainment, create a unique cinematic experience, and appeal to discerning critics and the common audience sets him apart from his contemporaries.
The Future
Lijo’s forthcoming movie ‘Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam’ (2023) has been selected for the Venice Film Festival, putting Malayalam cinema back on the global stage.
At 45, Lijo is in the prime of his creativity and continues to explore new horizons in Indian cinema. His zeal for innovation seems unbounded, and I eagerly await to see what this exceptional filmmaker creates next.
Impact on Malayalam Cinema
Through his bold vision and narrative ingenuity, Lijo has redefined the cinematic landscape in Kerala. He has inspired a new wave of filmmakers to challenge conventions and experiment with the form. Lijo has put Malayalam films on the global stage, with his works garnering international acclaim routinely.
By seamlessly blending complex themes, raw emotions, technical brilliance, and mass appeal, Lijo has shown that artistic films can be commercially successful. His collaborative spirit, working closely with technicians and actors, has created a new production ethos in the Malayalam film industry.
Above all, Lijo represents the vibrant film culture of Kerala and the readiness of Malayalam movies to evolve and break new ground. The maverick director has changed the game and will continue to create ripples worldwide.
Beyond Cinema
Beyond films, Lijo is an outspoken critic of injustice and inequality in society. He uses his public persona to highlight issues close to his heart, like gender rights, environment conservation, and politics.
Lijo also actively grooms young talent by conducting workshops and masterclasses at various film schools. His production house Opus Penta collaborates with emerging filmmakers.
Conclusion
In a short span of time, Lijo Jose Pellissery has become a globally feted director who has brought a new grammar, visual aesthetic, and narrative dynamism to Malayalam movies. This blog post provides a snapshot of his sensational journey.
I hope reading this gives you an insight into the world of one of Indian cinema’s most celebrated contemporary voices. Lijo’s films are an experience in themselves, so do explore his filmography and see the magic he weaves on screen.
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