Jijo Punnoose – The Visionary Behind India’s First 3D Film
Jijo Punnoose is a trailblazing filmmaker in Indian cinema, best known for directing India’s first 3D film, My Dear Kuttichathan (1984). He is known for his technical brilliance, experimental storytelling, and pioneering visual effects. Being part of the legendary Navodaya Studio family, he played a crucial role in shaping the future of Malayalam cinema with innovative filmmaking techniques.
Early Life and Background
- Full Name: Jijo Punnoose
- Born: 1954, Kerala, India
- Occupation: Film Director, Screenwriter, Producer
- Style: Fantasy, adventure, visual effects-driven films
- Key Collaborations: Navodaya Studios, Navodaya Appachan (father), Magic Box Animation
Jijo is the son of Navodaya Appachan, the founder of Navodaya Studios, which introduced many groundbreaking films and technologies in Indian cinema.
Filmography of Jijo Punnoose
Director & Writer
- My Dear Kuttichathan (1984) – 🎬 India’s first 3D film, a fantasy adventure that became a landmark in Indian cinema. The film was later dubbed into Hindi as Chhota Chetan and re-released multiple times in improved 3D formats.
- Padayottam (1982) – India’s first cinemascope film, an adventure epic inspired by The Count of Monte Cristo starring Prem Nazir, Madhu, and Mammootty.
- Vasco Da Gama (Unreleased) – An ambitious historical film based on the Portuguese explorer, which unfortunately never got completed.
As a Producer & Technical Innovator
- Navodaya Studio’s Technological Innovations:
- Helped bring 3D filmmaking to India.
- Involved in bringing Dolby Stereo Sound to Malayalam cinema.
- Assisted in the creation of animation and VFX in Malayalam films.
Awards & Recognition
🏆 Kerala State Film Special Jury Award (For My Dear Kuttichathan)
🏆 National Film Award – Special Mention for Technical Excellence
🏆 Filmfare Awards South – Special Honor for Pioneering 3D Cinema
SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS :
