Anthony, P. J. (1923-79)

Aka P.J. Antony, born in Ernakulam, Kerala. Malayalam actor whose career illustrates that the roots of Kerala’s cinema are in the theatre. Major actor-playwright in the post-WW2 era with more than 90 plays, practising an Ibsen- derived naturalism; he acted in N. Krishna Pillai’s seminal adaptation of A Doll’s House: Bhagnabhavanam (1942). Drew on the IPTA’s radical nationalism. Ran the Pratibha Arts Club, an influential theatre group based in Ernakulam staging e.g. Cherukadu’s reformist plays. In cinema, famed for playing villains, except for his best-known performance in Nirmalayam as the priest torn between religious responsibilities and the amoral duplicity of those around him. Directed, scripted, acted in and provided lyrics for Periyar. Also wrote lyrics for Suhruthu (1952), the dialogues of Kootukar (1966) and Virunnukari, and the stories of Chekuthante Kotta, A. Vincent’s celebrated Nadhi and Detective 909 Keralathil (1970).

FILMOGRAPHY (* also d): 1958: Randidangazhi; 1961: Mudiyanaya Puthran; 1962: Kalpadukal; 1963: Ninamaninja Kalpadukal; Ammeye Kannan; 1964: Thacholi Othenan; Adya Kiranangal; Bhargavi Nilayam; Kalanjukuttiya Thangam; 1965: Rosy; Rajamalli; Murappennu; 1966: Tharavatamma; Kunjali Marakkar; 1967: Irutinte Atmavu; Sheelavati; Balyakalasakhi; Anveshichu Kandatiyilla; Ashwamedham; Nagarame Nandi; Pareeksha; Kavalam Chundan; Chekuthante Kotta; Mulkireedam; 1968: Karutha Pournami; Manaswini; Asuravithu; Punnapra Vyalar; Lakshaprabhu; Kayalkarayil; 1969: Anashchadanam; Veetu Mrugham; Almaram; Kattukurangu; Susie; Nadhi; Virunnukari; 1970: Pearl View; Kurukshetram; Cross Belt; Kakathampurati; Ambalapravu; 1971: CID Nazir; 1972: Manushya Bandhangal; 1973: Periyar*; Masappadi Mathupilla; Nirmalayam; Dharma Yuddham; 1974: Atithi; 1975: Odakkuzhal; Priyamulla Sophia; 1976: Muthu; Nurayum Pathayum; 1978: Padasaram; Anayum Ambariyum; 1979: Manninte Maril; Chula.