JaimieCarrigan at 12:37, 8 January 2026

2026-01-08T12:37:02Z

New page

{{Short description|Indian filmmaker}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2025}}
{{Use Indian English|date=May 2025}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Christo Tomy
| image = Christo_Tomy_2.jpg
| imagesize =
| caption =
| othername =
| birth_name =
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1987|09|27}}
| birth_place = [[Kochi]], [[Kerala]], [[India]]
| death_date =
| death_place =
| restingplace =
| restingplacecoordinates =
| occupation = {{Flat list|
* Film director
* screenwriter
}}
| years_active = 2013-present
| alma_mater = [[Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute]]<br>[[Sainik School Kazhakootam]]
| spouse =
| partner =
| children =
| parents =
| website = https://www.christotomy.com/
}}
'''Christo Tomy''' is an Indian filmmaker who works in [[Malayalam cinema]], with a portfolio that includes both short films and feature films. He is a three-time recipient of the [[National Film Awards|National Film Award]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Christo Tomy {{!}} Director, Writer |url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7051158/ |access-date=2024-07-04 |website=IMDb |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Nagarajan |first=Saraswathy |date=2024-07-03 |title='Ullozhukku' director Christo Tomy interview: 'I did not want black and white characters in the movie' |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/interview-director-christo-tomy-on-ullozhukku-i-did-not-want-black-and-white-characters-in-the-movie/article68358456.ece |access-date=2024-07-04 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> In 2016, he received the Swarna Kamal for Best Direction (Non-Feature Film) for his short film ''Kamuki (Sweetheart)''.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kamuki - National Award Winning Short Film |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3EoBsYysuBA|publisher=[[YouTube]]}} 10 August 2018</ref> He also won the [[National Film Award for Best First Non-Feature Film of a Director|National Award for Debut Director]] in the non-feature category for his film ''Kanyaka (Virgin)''.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kanyaka (Virgin) – National Award Winning Short Film|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-IH90boCA8|publisher=[[YouTube]]}} 23 February 2016</ref> In 2025, his debut feature film ''[[Ullozhukku]]'' was awarded the [[National Film Award for Best Malayalam Feature Film]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://english.mathrubhumi.com/movies-music/news/national-film-awards-2025-ullozhukku-is-best-malayalam-film-om3754h9 | title='Ullozhukku' wins Best Malayalam Film at 71st National Film Awards | publisher=[[Mathrubhumi News]] | date=1 August 2025 | accessdate=3 August 2025}}</ref>

== Early life and education ==
Christo Tomy is an alumnus of [[Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute]], [[Kolkata]] and [[Sainik School Kazhakootam]], [[Kerala]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Staff |first=Maktoob |date=2016-09-16 |title=On the non-linear track: an interview with Christo Tomy - Anamika Aami |url=http://maktoobmedia.com/more/film-and-tv/4rt/ |access-date=2024-07-04 |website=Maktoob media |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Sainik School Old Boys Association |url=https://sskzmoba.org/Home/president_awards_civilian |access-date=2024-07-04 |website=sskzmoba.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Madhu |first=Vignesh |date=2024-06-21 |title=Christo Tomy's eight-year journey culminates in Malayalam feature film 'Ullozhukku' |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/2024/Jun/21/christo-tomys-eight-year-journey-culminates-in-malayalam-feature-film-ullozhukku |access-date=2024-07-04 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}}</ref>

== Career and achievements ==

=== National Film Awards ===
Christo Tomy gained national recognition with his short films, which have won him two National Film Awards. In 2016, he won the Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) for Best Director for his short film ''Kamuki'' (Sweetheart). His debut short film ''Kanyaka'' (Virgin) earned him the National Award for Best Debut Director in the non-feature category, receiving the Rajat Kamal (Silver Lotus). ''Kanyaka'' was also screened at the 44th [[International Film Festival of India|International Film Festival of India (IFFI)]] in [[Goa]].<ref name=":0" />

=== Jury member ===
In recognition of his expertise and contributions to [[Cinema of India|Indian cinema]], he served as a member of the jury for the non-feature films at the [[65th National Film Awards]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Venugopal |first=Vasudha |date=2018-05-22 |title=Jury distressed over flick on Arvind Kejriwal |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/jury-distressed-over-flick-on-arvind-kejriwal/articleshow/64266267.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2024-07-04 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}</ref>

== Notable works ==

=== Short films and documentaries ===
Christo Tomy's first notable short film was ''Kanyaka'' (2013), which earned him a National Film Award for Best First Non-Feature Film of a Director.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ramachandran |first=Arjun |date=2024-06-21 |title=EXCLUSIVE: I have a dream cast for my first feature film, says 'Ullozhukku' director Christo Tomy |url=https://thesouthfirst.com/entertainment/exclusive-i-have-a-dream-cast-for-my-first-feature-film-says-ullozhukku-director-christo-tomy/ |access-date=2024-07-08 |website=The South First |language=en}}</ref> He directed ''Odvojen'' in 2014.<ref>{{Citation |last=Tomy |first=Christo |title=Odvojen |date=2014-08-29 |type=Documentary, Short |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4794714/?ref_=nm_knf_t_4 |access-date=2024-07-04 |publisher=International Student Film Camp}}</ref> His next short film, ''Kamuki'' (2015), was showcased at various international film festivals and went on to win the National Film Award for Best Non-Feature Film Direction.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Service |first=Express News |date=2016-06-14 |title=A teen's struggle to uphold dignity |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/thiruvananthapuram/2016/Jun/14/a-teens-struggle-to-uphold-dignity-939973.html |access-date=2024-07-08 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> His work is known for its depth, creativity, and emotional resonance.<ref name=":0" />

=== ''Curry & Cyanide: The Jolly Joseph Case'' ===
In 2023, Christo Tomy directed the [[Netflix]] documentary ''[[Curry & Cyanide: The Jolly Joseph Case]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-22 |title=Curry and Cyanide movie review: Netflix's dissatisfying true crime documentary inelegantly exhumes Jolly Joseph serial killings case |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/curry-and-cyanide-movie-review-netflix-dissatisfying-true-crime-documentary-inelegantly-exhumes-jolly-joseph-serial-killings-case-9075913/ |access-date=2024-07-04 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> This documentary, based on the [[Koodathayi cyanide killings]], achieved significant acclaim.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-12-13 |title='Curry & Cyanide - The Jolly Joseph Case' trailer: Netflix unveils documentary on Koodathayi murders |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/curry-cyanide-the-jolly-joseph-case-trailer-netflix-unveils-documentary-on-koodathayi-murders/article67634374.ece |access-date=2024-07-04 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> The show reached the Global Top #2 position and remained in the Global Top Ten for three consecutive weeks. It amassed over 10 million views worldwide within three weeks of its release and featured in the Top Ten lists of more than 30 countries.<ref name=":0" />

=== ''Ullozhukku'' ===
Christo Tomy's first feature film ''[[Ullozhukku]]'' (Undercurrent) was released in 2024 to positive reviews.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-07-01 |title=Ullozhukku: Of womance, parental paternalism, physical touch, the role of patriarchy in Indian families and cinematic brilliance |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/malayalam/ullozhukku-womance-parental-paternalism-role-of-patriarchy-in-indian-families-9424775/ |access-date=2024-07-04 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Praveen |first=S. R. |date=2024-06-21 |title='Ullozhukku' movie review: Urvashi's powerhouse performance carries this haunting drama |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/ullozhukku-movie-review-urvashis-powerhouse-performance-carries-this-haunting-drama/article68316205.ece |access-date=2024-07-04 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> Produced by [[Ronnie Screwvala]], Honey Trehan, and [[Abhishek Chaubey]], the film stars [[Parvathy Thiruvothu]], [[Urvashi (actress)|Urvashi]], and [[Arjun Radhakrishnan]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-06-21 |title=Ullozhukku movie review: A subtle and profound drama backed by incredible Urvashi and Parvathy |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/ullozhukku-movie-review-a-subtle-and-profound-drama-backed-by-incredible-urvashi-and-parvathy-9406251/ |access-date=2024-07-04 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> ''Ullozhukku'' has been part of several prestigious programs, including the Film Independent's Global Media Makers LA Residency, the NFDC Co-Production Market - Film Bazaar, and the NFDC Screenwriters Lab.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Undercurrent |url=https://indianfilmfestival.org/films/undercurrent/ |access-date=2024-07-04 |website=IFFLA |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Film Independent Launches Fourth Year of Global Media Makers |url=https://www.filmindependent.org/press-releases/film-independent-launches-fourth-year-of-global-media-makers/ |access-date=2024-07-04 |website=Film Independent |language=en-US}}</ref> The project won the Cinestaan India's Storytellers Script Contest, India's largest feature film script contest, judged by eminent filmmakers [[Aamir Khan]], [[Rajkumar Hirani]], [[Anjum Rajabali]], and [[Juhi Chaturvedi]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-06-27 |title='Ullozhukku' to be screened at Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/ullozhukku-to-be-screened-at-indian-film-festival-of-los-angeles/article68339694.ece |access-date=2024-07-04 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref name=":0" />

== Filmography ==

=== Feature films ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
!Year
!Title
!Written by
!Notes
|-
|2024
|[[Ullozhukku|''Ullozhukk''u]]
|Himself
|Debut film
|}

=== Documentaries and short films ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
!Year
!Title
!Written by
!Notes
|-
|2013
|''Kanyaka (Virgin)''
| rowspan="4" |Himself
|
|-
|2014
|''Odvojen (Apart)''
|{{efn|Won 2nd place in the 'TV Story' category at the Interfer – International Media Festival in Apatin; screened at the 7th First Frame International Students Film Festival in 2014.}}
|-
|2015
|''Kamuki (Sweetheart)''
|
|-
|2019
|''Dallas''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dallas |url=https://www.ashleymonti.com/dallas |access-date=2024-07-11 |website=ashleymonti |language=en}}</ref>
|{{efn|Shot as part of Global Media Makers 2019 LA Residency program}}
|-
|2020
|''A Window of Time - Lockdown Diaries''
|Himself (among others)
|{{efn|Directed one of 21 short video essays depicting the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown in 19 cities across 13 countries on four continents.}}
|-
|2023
|''[[Curry & Cyanide: The Jolly Joseph Case]]''
|Shalini Ushadevi
|
|}

=== Musical videos ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
!Year
!Title
!Written by
!Notes
|-
| rowspan="2" |2014
|''You are Rot''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Satyajit Ray Film & Television Institute |url=https://srfti.ac.in/?page_id=186 |access-date=2024-07-11 |website=srfti.ac.in}}</ref>
| rowspan="2" |Himself
|
|-
|''Madakkam (Return)''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Satyajit Ray Film & Television Institute |url=https://srfti.ac.in/?author=2&paged=24 |access-date=2024-07-11 |website=srfti.ac.in}}</ref>
|{{efn|Screened at the 7th International Documentary & Short Film Festival of Kerala (IDSFFK)}}
|}

== Awards and accolades ==
;[[National Film Award]]
* [[61st National Film Awards|2013]]: [[National Film Award for Best First Non-Feature Film of a Director|Best First Non-Feature Film of a Director]] – ''Kanyaka'' (Virgin)<ref name="61staward">{{cite web |date=16 April 2014 |title=61st National Film Awards |url=http://www.dff.nic.in/List%20of%20Awards.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140416181218/http://www.dff.nic.in/List%20of%20Awards.pdf |archive-date=16 April 2014 |access-date=16 April 2014 |publisher=Directorate of Film Festivals}}</ref>
* [[63rd National Film Awards|2016]]: [[National Film Award for Best Direction (non-feature film)|Best Direction (non-feature film)]] – ''Kamuki'' (Sweetheart)<ref name="63rdaward">{{cite press release |title=63rd National Film Awards |url=http://dff.nic.in/writereaddata/Winners_of_63rd_NFA_2015.pdf |publisher=Directorate of Film Festivals |date=28 March 2016 |access-date=28 March 2016 |archive-date=7 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161007194418/http://dff.nic.in/writereaddata/Winners_of_63rd_NFA_2015.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[71st National Film Awards|2025]]: [[National Film Award for Best Malayalam Feature Film|Best Malayalam Feature Film]] – ''[[Ullozhukku]]''<ref>{{cite web | url=https://keralakaumudi.com/en/news/news.php?id=1582915&u=national-film-awards-ullozhukku-best-malayalam-film-big-wins-for-urvashi-and-vijayaraghavan | title=National Film Awards: Ullozhukku Best Malayalam Film, big wins for Urvashi and Vijayaraghavan | publisher=[[Kerala Kaumudi]] | date=1 August 2025 | accessdate=3 August 2025}}</ref>

;Other Awards
* 2014: 7th International Short Film & Documentary Festival of Kerala (IDSFFK) – Best Music Video Award – ''You are Rot''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Service |first=Express News |date=2014-07-23 |title='Chronicles of a Temple Painter' Bags Award for Best Long Documentary |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/thiruvananthapuram/2014/Jul/23/chronicles-of-a-temple-painter-bags-award-for-best-long-documentary-639025.html |access-date=2024-07-11 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}}</ref>

== See also ==
* [[Malayalam cinema]]
* [[Cinema of India]]

== Notes ==
{{Notelist}}

== References ==

<references />

== External links ==
* {{IMDb name|id=nm7051158}}
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-IH90boCA8 ''Kanyaka'' (Virgin)]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3EoBsYysuBA ''Kamuki'' (Sweetheart)]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzBxsC7Nauo&t=286s ''Odvojen'' (Apart)]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Tomy, Christo}}
[[Category:Sainik School alumni]]
[[Category:Malayalam film directors]]
[[Category:Film directors from Kochi]]
[[Category:Malayalam screenwriters]]
[[Category:1987 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]

Christo Tomy - Revision history

JaimieCarrigan at 12:37, 8 January 2026