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 Award.[1][2] In 2016, he received the Swarna Kamal for Best Direction (Non-Feature Film) for his short film Kamuki (Sweetheart).[3] He also won the National Award for Debut Director in the non-feature category for his film Kanyaka (Virgin).[4] In 2025, his debut feature film Ullozhukku was awarded the National Film Award for Best Malayalam Feature Film.[5]
Early life and education
Christo Tomy is an alumnus of Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute, Kolkata and Sainik School Kazhakootam, Kerala.[6][7][8]
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 (IFFI) in Goa.[1]
Jury member
In recognition of his expertise and contributions to Indian cinema, he served as a member of the jury for the non-feature films at the 65th National Film Awards.[9]
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.[10] He directed Odvojen in 2014.[11] 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.[12] His work is known for its depth, creativity, and emotional resonance.[1]
Curry & Cyanide: The Jolly Joseph Case
In 2023, Christo Tomy directed the Netflix documentary Curry & Cyanide: The Jolly Joseph Case.[13] This documentary, based on the Koodathayi cyanide killings, achieved significant acclaim.[14] 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.[1]
Ullozhukku
Christo Tomy's first feature film Ullozhukku (Undercurrent) was released in 2024 to positive reviews.[15][16] Produced by Ronnie Screwvala, Honey Trehan, and Abhishek Chaubey, the film stars Parvathy Thiruvothu, Urvashi, and Arjun Radhakrishnan.[17] 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.[18][19] 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.[20][1]
Filmography
Feature films
| Year | Title | Written by | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Ullozhukku | Himself | Debut film |
Documentaries and short films
| Year | Title | Written by | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Kanyaka (Virgin) | Himself | |
| 2014 | Odvojen (Apart) | Template:Efn | |
| 2015 | Kamuki (Sweetheart) | ||
| 2019 | Dallas[21] | Template:Efn | |
| 2020 | A Window of Time - Lockdown Diaries | Himself (among others) | Template:Efn |
| 2023 | Curry & Cyanide: The Jolly Joseph Case | Shalini Ushadevi |
Musical videos
| Year | Title | Written by | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | You are Rot[22] | Himself | |
| Madakkam (Return)[23] | Template:Efn |
Awards and accolades
- 2013: Best First Non-Feature Film of a Director – Kanyaka (Virgin)[24]
- 2016: Best Direction (non-feature film) – Kamuki (Sweetheart)[25]
- 2025: Best Malayalam Feature Film – Ullozhukku[26]
- Other Awards
- 2014: 7th International Short Film & Documentary Festival of Kerala (IDSFFK) – Best Music Video Award – You are Rot[27]
See also
Notes
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Christo Tomy | Director, Writer. IMDb. Retrieved 2024-07-04.
- ↑ 'Ullozhukku' director Christo Tomy interview: 'I did not want black and white characters in the movie'. The Hindu(2024-07-03). Retrieved 2024-07-04.
- ↑ Kamuki - National Award Winning Short Film. 10 August 2018
- ↑ Kanyaka (Virgin) – National Award Winning Short Film. 23 February 2016
- ↑ 'Ullozhukku' wins Best Malayalam Film at 71st National Film Awards. Mathrubhumi News(1 August 2025).
- ↑ On the non-linear track: an interview with Christo Tomy - Anamika Aami, Staff, Maktoob. Maktoob media(2016-09-16). Retrieved 2024-07-04.
- ↑ Sainik School Old Boys Association. sskzmoba.org. Retrieved 2024-07-04.
- ↑ Christo Tomy's eight-year journey culminates in Malayalam feature film 'Ullozhukku', Madhu, Vignesh. The New Indian Express(2024-06-21). Retrieved 2024-07-04.
- ↑ Jury distressed over flick on Arvind Kejriwal. The Economic Times(2018-05-22). Retrieved 2024-07-04.
- ↑ EXCLUSIVE: I have a dream cast for my first feature film, says 'Ullozhukku' director Christo Tomy, Ramachandran, Arjun. The South First(2024-06-21). Retrieved 2024-07-08.
- ↑ Odvojen. International Student Film Camp(2014-08-29).
- ↑ A teen's struggle to uphold dignity, Service, Express News. The New Indian Express(2016-06-14). Retrieved 2024-07-08.
- ↑ Curry and Cyanide movie review: Netflix's dissatisfying true crime documentary inelegantly exhumes Jolly Joseph serial killings case. The Indian Express(2023-12-22). Retrieved 2024-07-04.
- ↑ 'Curry & Cyanide - The Jolly Joseph Case' trailer: Netflix unveils documentary on Koodathayi murders. The Hindu(2023-12-13). Retrieved 2024-07-04.
- ↑ Ullozhukku: Of womance, parental paternalism, physical touch, the role of patriarchy in Indian families and cinematic brilliance. The Indian Express(2024-07-01). Retrieved 2024-07-04.
- ↑ 'Ullozhukku' movie review: Urvashi's powerhouse performance carries this haunting drama. The Hindu(2024-06-21). Retrieved 2024-07-04.
- ↑ Ullozhukku movie review: A subtle and profound drama backed by incredible Urvashi and Parvathy. The Indian Express(2024-06-21). Retrieved 2024-07-04.
- ↑ Undercurrent. IFFLA. Retrieved 2024-07-04.
- ↑ Film Independent Launches Fourth Year of Global Media Makers. Film Independent. Retrieved 2024-07-04.
- ↑ 'Ullozhukku' to be screened at Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles. The Hindu(2024-06-27). Retrieved 2024-07-04.
- ↑ Dallas. ashleymonti. Retrieved 2024-07-11.
- ↑ Satyajit Ray Film & Television Institute. srfti.ac.in. Retrieved 2024-07-11.
- ↑ Satyajit Ray Film & Television Institute. srfti.ac.in. Retrieved 2024-07-11.
- ↑ 61st National Film Awards. Directorate of Film Festivals(16 April 2014). Retrieved 16 April 2014.
- ↑ Template:Cite press release
- ↑ National Film Awards: Ullozhukku Best Malayalam Film, big wins for Urvashi and Vijayaraghavan. Kerala Kaumudi(1 August 2025).
- ↑ 'Chronicles of a Temple Painter' Bags Award for Best Long Documentary, Service, Express News. The New Indian Express(2014-07-23). Retrieved 2024-07-11.