# Jose Prakash

Kunnel Joseph Joseph, better known by his stage name, Jose Prakash (14 April 1925 – 24 March 2012) was an Indian actor and singer who worked in Malayalam cinema. He was a singer turned actor who had appeared in more than 300 films mostly in antagonist roles. He was awarded with the J. C. Daniel Award in 2011, a day before he died aged 86. In a career spanning for around 40 years, he was known for portraying some of the iconic villain characters in the Malayalam film industry. Later, he switched to character roles in the mid 90s.

## Personal life

He was born as K. J. Joseph (Jr.) on 14 April 1925 as the eldest of the eight children of Eliyamma and K. J. Joseph (Sr.) of the Kunnel house at Changanassery, Kottayam. He had four younger brothers and three sisters, among whom the youngest brother, Prem Prakash, is also an actor. Originally named after his father, he came to be known as 'Baby' among his family and friends. He had his primary education from Sacred Heart Public School, Kottayam. He was settled in Madras for around 30 years and later moved to Kochi. In 2003, his right leg had to be amputated due to Diabetes. He was married to Philomina (Chinnamma), who predeceased him in 1991. They had 6 children, 2 sons and 4 daughters: Elsamma Thomas (née Joseph), Rajan Joseph, Gracy Maliakal, Shaji Joseph, Jasmine Joseph, and Susan Joseph. He lived with his youngest son, Shaji Joseph, in Kochi till his death on 24 March 2012.
Script writers Bobby-Sanjay and Malayalam movie director Dennis Joseph are his nephews.

## Early career

Jose Prakash was in the Indian army before entering the film industry. While in the army he had the rare distinction to serve as the body guard of Mahatma Gandhi during the time of partition. Like other actors of that age he was not a theatre or stage artist. He had served for Indian army for 8 years. He later left army and return to his homeland and start small business. Having interest in cinema and music from childhood he started a small club with his friends called Kottayam Arts Club in which he was the lead singer. Thikkurissy Sukumaran Nair once saw his performance and called him as a singer for his debut directorial film Sheriyo Thetto. It was Thikkurissy who gave him the name Jose Prakash.

## Film career
### Singer

Jose Prakash started his early career as a singer who lend his voice for Prem Nazir, Sathyaneshan Nadar etc. Malayalam industry was not professional at early 1950s usually actors sing for themselves. Thikkurissy Sukumaran Nair introduced him to V. Dakshinamoorthy who liked his voice and lend his voice for the film Sheriyo Thetto in 1953 directed by Thikkurissy Sukumaran Nair. In this film philosophical number "Paadu pettu paadangalil" sung by Jose Prakash introduced a new trend in Malayan cinema. He also did a small role in the movie. He was not at all a professional singer and does not attend any musical class. In the early 1960s Malayalam film industry became professional and the introduction of talented singers like A. M. Rajah, K. J. Yesudas ended the careers of all non professional singers. Up to the 1960s he had sung around 60 songs for various actors like Prem Nazir etc.

### Actor

During his singing career he had done small roles and cameos for films. His first break as an actor was Bhakta Kuchela in 1961. But his major break as a villain was Olavum Theravum in 1969 and he later went on to do many films mostly in villain roles. In 1971, he acted in the first ever investigative sequel C.I.D. Nazir (1971) directed by P. Venu. Later he worked with P. Venu in many of his films. He and K. P. Ummer dominated Malayalam film industry in the role of Antagonist and was a hard target for Heroes. He acted in more than 350 films in Malayalam language and retired from film industry in 2003 for health reasons. His last film was Ente Veedu Appuvinteyum directed by Sibi Malayil. After a long gap of 8 years, he did a small cameo role in Traffic.

## Awards
### Kerala State Television Awards

* 1993:Kerala State Television Award For Best Actor - Mikhayelinte Santhathikal
* 2006 Bahadoor Award
* 2011 J C Daniel Award

## Filmography
### As an actor
#### 1950s

| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
| 1952 | Premalekha | | |
| 1952 | Alphonsa | | |
| 1953 | Sheriyo Thetto | | Debut Film as singer |
| 1954 | Manasakshi | | |
| 1954 | Balyasakhi | | |
| 1955 | Aniyathi | Doctor | |
| 1955 | C.I.D. | Mukunda Menon | |
| 1955 | Harishchandra | Minister Sathyakeerthi | |
| 1956 | Manthravadi | Veeravarman | |
| 1957 | Padatha Painkili | Pothachan | |
| 1957 | Deva Sundari | | |
| 1958 | Mariakutty | Ponnappachan | |
| 1959 | Chathurangam | | |

#### 1960s

| Year | Title | Role |
| 1961 | Bhaktha Kuchela | Nandagopan |
| 1963 | Ammaye Kaanaan | Advocate |
| 1963 | Snapaka Yohannan | Snapaka Yohannan |
| 1963 | Kaattumaina | |
| 1964 | Aadyakiranangal | Damodaran |
| 1964 | Karutha Kai | Madhava Menon |
| 1965 | Subaidha | |
| 1967 | Agniputhri | |
| 1968 | Love in Kerala | |
| 1968 | Velutha Kathreena | Superintend Manoharan |
| 1969 | Kumara Sambhavam | Devendran |
| 1969 | Chattambikkavala | Man at beach |
| 1969 | Rahasyam | Karadi Damodharan |
| 1969 | Kannur Deluxe | Gopalakrishnan |
| 1969 | Kattukurangu | Das |

#### 1970s

| Year | Title | Role |
| 1970 | Olavum Theeravum | Kunjali |
| 1970 | Aranazhika Neram | Priest |
| 1970 | Madhuvidhu | Sathi's father |
| 1970 | Lottery Ticket | Inspector |
| 1970 | Abhayam | Vikraman |
| 1970 | Nizhalattam | Bhaskaran |
| 1970 | Nilakkatha Chalanangal | |
| 1971 | C.I.D. Nazir | Shivaram |
| 1971 | Lankadahanam | Das |
| 1971 | Muthassi | Unnikrishnan |
| 1971 | Achante Bharya | Rajan |
| 1971 | Vilakkyu Vaangiya Veena | K.R.Das |
| 1971 | Thapaswini | |
| 1971 | Makane Ninakku Vendi | Pappachan |
| 1971 | Jalakanyaka | |
| 1971 | Avalalppam Vaikipoyi | |
| 1972 | Prathikaram | Sreedharan Thampi |
| 1972 | Brahmachari | Venugopal |
| 1972 | Manthrakodi | S. R. Nair/Swamiji |
| 1972 | Sakthi | |
| 1972 | Aaradi Manninte Janmi | Dr. Menon |
| 1972 | Nrithasala | Dayananthan |
| 1972 | Taxi Car | Shivaram |
| 1972 | Anweshanam | |
| 1972 | Sambhavami Yuge Yuge | Balaram |
| 1972 | Sree Guruvayoorappan | |
| 1972 | Pushpanjali | Damu |
| 1973 | Thekkan Kattu | Sebastain |
| 1973 | Raakuyil | |
| 1973 | Veendum Prabhatham | Madhu |
| 1973 | Masappady Mathupillai | |
| 1973 | Swapnam | Viswanathan's brother |
| 1973 | Prethangalude Thazhvara | |
| 1973 | Pacha Nottukal | Mathews Muthalali |
| 1973 | Police Ariyaruthe | Alex |
| 1973 | Thaniniram | Mathai/Mathew Philip |
| 1973 | Bhadradeepam | Dr. Venugopal |
| 1973 | Panitheeratha Veedu | Hari's father |
| 1973 | Kaapalika | Priest |
| 1973 | Ajnathavasam | Jayaraj |
| 1973 | Padmavyooham | Mathachan |
| 1973 | Panchavadi | Shekhar |
| 1973 | Jesus | Annas |
| 1974 | Rahasyarathri | Kurupu |
| 1974 | Angathattu | |
| 1974 | Pattabhishekam | |
| 1974 | Poonthenaruvi | Priest |
| 1974 | Shapamoksham | |
| 1974 | College Girl | Nanu |
| 1974 | Honeymoon | |
| 1974 | Sapthaswaragal | Madhava Das |
| 1974 | Pancha Thanthram | Prasad |
| 1975 | Priye Ninakku Vendi | |
| 1975 | Sooryavamsham | |
| 1975 | Odakkuzhal | |
| 1975 | Chandanachola | |
| 1975 | Love Letter | |
| 1975 | Love Marriage | Prakash |
| 1975 | Mattoru Seetha | |
| 1975 | Pravaham | Bhaskaran |
| 1975 | Ullasa Yaathra | |
| 1975 | Raagam | Dr. Jayachandran |
| 1975 | Makkal | |
| 1975 | Pulivalu | |
| 1975 | Thomasleeha | |
| 1975 | Omanakkunju | |
| 1975 | Hello Darling | Krishna Kumar |
| 1975 | Babumon | Puli Naanu |
| 1975 | Chumaduthangi | RK Menon |
| 1975 | Picnic | Mooppan |
| 1976 | Amma | |
| 1976 | Nee Ente Lahari | |
| 1976 | Chirikkudukka | Kumar |
| 1976 | Light House | Jayaprakash |
| 1976 | Themmadi Velappan | Balakrishnan |
| 1976 | Amba Ambika Ambalika | Bheeshmar |
| 1976 | Neela Sari | |
| 1976 | Rajaankanam | |
| 1976 | Ozhukkinethire | |
| 1976 | Paarijatham | |
| 1976 | Agni Pushpam | |
| 1976 | Seemantha Puthran | |
| 1976 | Udyaanalakshmi | |
| 1977 | Sakhakkale Munnoottu | |
| 1977 | Muttathe Mulla | Thampi |
| 1977 | Sreemad Bhagavad Geetha | |
| 1977 | Abhinivesham | C. P. Menon |
| 1977 | Santha Oru Devatha | |
| 1977 | Sukradasa | |
| 1977 | Sankhupushpam | Dr. Jose |
| 1977 | Innale Innu | Achutha Kuruppu |
| 1977 | Vezhambal | |
| 1977 | Sangamam | |
| 1977 | Minimol | |
| 1977 | Parivarthanam | Fr. Zacharia |
| 1977 | Madhura Swapanam | |
| 1977 | Sujatha | |
| 1977 | Aadhya Paadam | |
| 1977 | Rajaparambara | |
| 1977 | Nirakudam | Prabhakaran |
| 1977 | Satyavan Savithri | Ashwapathi |
| 1977 | Aval Oru Devaalayam | |
| 1977 | Randu Lokam | Thamarasheri Gopala Kurup |
| 1978 | Aarum Anyaralla | Priest |
| 1978 | Urakkam Varaatha Raathrikal | Balagangadhara Menon |
| 1978 | Ee Ganam Marakkumo | Raman Nair |
| 1978 | Ashokavanam | |
| 1978 | Karimpuli | |
| 1978 | Aval Kanda Lokam | |
| 1978 | Padmatheertham | Achutha Kurup |
| 1978 | Kanalkattakal | Vikraman/Prasad |
| 1978 | Rowdy Ramu | Panchayat President Raghavan Nair |
| 1978 | Aanakkalari | |
| 1978 | Kudumbam Namukku Sreekovil | Dharmapalan |
| 1978 | Avakaasham | |
| 1978 | Ithaanente Vazhi | Menon |
| 1978 | Rajan Paranja Kadha | |
| 1978 | Lisa | Joseph Chacko |
| 1978 | Aalmaaraattam | |
| 1978 | Ithaa Oru Manushyan | Narayanan Thampi |
| 1978 | Amarsham | |
| 1978 | Yagaswam | Vishvanathan Pilla |
| 1978 | Velluvili | Minnal Moidu |
| 1978 | Aval Viswasthayayirunnu | Psychiatrist |
| 1978 | Beena | |
| 1978 | Eeta | Narayanan |
| 1979 | Prabhu | Gauri Sankar Prasad |
| 1979 | Peruvazhiyambalam | Paramu Nair |
| 1979 | Vijayam Nammude Senani | |
| 1979 | Rakthamillatha Manushyan | Menon |
| 1979 | Vaaleduthaven Vaalaal | |
| 1979 | Sarpam | Dr. Fernandez |
| 1979 | Ward No.7 | |
| 1979 | Kathirmandapam | |
| 1979 | Thuramukham | Rosario Sayipu |
| 1979 | Indradhanussu | Rappai |
| 1979 | Tharangam | Gopalan |
| 1979 | Vijayanum Veeranum | Surendran Nair |
| 1979 | Allauddinum Albhutha Vilakkum | Grand Sorcerer |
| 1979 | Pichathy Kuttappan | Raman Muthalali |
| 1979 | Irumbazhikal | Swami |
| 1979 | Yakshi Paaru | Thampi |
| 1979 | Maamaankam | Manavikraman |
| 1979 | Avano Atho Avalo | Surendran |
| 1979 | Puthiya Velicham | John |
| 1979 | Agniparvatham | Kaduva Ramu |

#### 1980s

| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
| 1980 | Aagamanam | Issac | |
| 1980 | Bhaktha Hanuman | Vibhishana | |
| 1980 | Ival Ee Vazhi Ithu Vare | | |
| 1980 | Avan Oru Ahankaari | | |
| 1980 | Eden Thottam | | |
| 1980 | Anthappuram | | |
| 1980 | Prakadanam | Damodharan | |
| 1980 | Kadalkkaattu | Vasu chettambi | |
| 1980 | Sakthi | Sreedharan | |
| 1980 | Manushya Mrugam | K. G. Menon | |
| 1980 | Agni Kshethram | Vishwanathan | |
| 1980 | Chandrahasam | Rathnakaran | |
| 1980 | Air Hostess | Menon | |
| 1980 | Love In Singapore | Rowdy Sethu | |
| 1980 | Love In Singapore | | Telugu film |
| 1981 | Ariyappedatha Rahasyam | Sreedharan Thampi | |
| 1981 | Prema Geethangal | P K Panikkar | |
| 1981 | Agni Yudham | | |
| 1981 | Maniyan Pilla Adhava Maniyan Pilla | Parameshwaran Pilla | |
| 1981 | Adima Changala | | |
| 1981 | Swarnappakshikal | | |
| 1981 | Sri Anjaneya Charitra | | Telugu film |
| 1981 | Sambhavam | | |
| 1981 | Karimpoocha | Cheriyachan | |
| 1981 | Thadavara | Kollakkaran | |
| 1981 | Agnisharam | | |
| 1981 | Ahimsa | R. K. | |
| 1981 | Raktham | Major Nair | |
| 1981 | Thrishna | K V S Panikkar | |
| 1981 | Aarathi | Major Prathapa Chandran | |
| 1981 | Choothattam | | |
| 1981 | Nizhal Yudham | Unnithan | |
| 1981 | Kilungaatha Changalakal | Rajaram | |
| 1981 | Saahasam | | |
| 1982 | Oru Vilippadakale | Dr. Cheriyan | |
| 1982 | Ithiri Neram Othiri Karyam | | |
| 1982 | John Jaffer Janardhanan | | |
| 1982 | Kaaliya Mardhanam | DSP Menon | |
| 1982 | Ithu Njangalude Katha | Mathachan | |
| 1982 | Shaari Alla Sharada | | |
| 1982 | Dheera | Fernandez | |
| 1982 | Aasha | Mathew Cheriyan | |
| 1982 | Sharam | | |
| 1982 | Paanjajanyam | Madhavan Thampi | |
| 1982 | Chilanti Vala | | |
| 1982 | Dhrohi | | |
| 1982 | Shila | | |
| 1982 | Aranjaanam | Colonel | |
| 1982 | Aarambham | Sebastian | |
| 1982 | Raktha Sakshi | | |
| 1982 | Saravarsham | Sumathi's father | |
| 1983 | Koodevide | | |
| 1983 | Enne Njan Thedunnu | Doctor Earadi | |
| 1983 | Maniyara | | |
| 1983 | Angam | Chacko | |
| 1983 | Kodungattu | DSP Jayadevan IPS | |
| 1983 | Belt Mathai | Alexander | |
| 1983 | Oru Mukham Pala Mukham | Rajasekharan Thampi | |
| 1983 | Ahangaaram | Rajan | |
| 1983 | Passport | | |
| 1983 | Nathi Muthal Nathi Vare | Thampi | |
| 1983 | Himam | Jaykkal | |
| 1983 | Koodevide | Xavier Puthooran | |
| 1984 | Kurishuyudham | Fr. Fernandez | |
| 1984 | Shabadham | Viswanadhan Thampi | |
| 1984 | Swanthamevide Bandhamevide | Madhavan Nair | |
| 1984 | Oru Kochukatha Aarum Parayatha Katha | Advocate | |
| 1984 | Manithali | | |
| 1984 | Thacholi Thankappan | Guptha | |
| 1984 | Paavam Poornima | Thampi | |
| 1984 | Jeevitham | | |
| 1984 | Piriyilla Naam | | |
| 1984 | Koottinilamkili | Raman Nair | |
| 1984 | Parannu Parannu Parannu | Sreekantan Nair | |
| 1985 | Nirakkoottu | M. K. Abraham | |
| 1985 | Aa Neram Alppa Dooram | Muthalali | |
| 1985 | Ee Sabdam Innathe Sabdam | MP Nandan Menon | |
| 1985 | Madhuvidhu Theerum Mumbe | | |
| 1985 | Sammelanam | Ananthan Nambiar | |
| 1985 | Upaharam | Fernandez | |
| 1985 | Akkacheyude Kunjuvava | | |
| 1985 | Akalathe Ambili | Kurichan | |
| 1985 | Eeran Sandhya | Krishna Menon | |
| 1985 | Ente Kaanakkuyil | Madhavan Thampi | |
| 1986 | Aayiram Kannukal | Dr. K. G. Varma | |
| 1986 | Rajavinte Makan | Chief Minister Balagopal | |
| 1986 | Adukkan Entheluppam | Menon | |
| 1986 | Niramulla Ravulkal | Sudevan | |
| 1986 | Snehamulla Simham | Menon | |
| 1986 | Sayam Sandhya | | |
| 1986 | Kshamichu Ennoru Vakku | Judge | |
| 1987 | Aalippazhangal | Sekharan Thampi | |
| 1987 | Oru Sindoora Pottinte Ormaykku | Alexander | |
| 1987 | Aankiliyude Tharattu | Ramachandra Menon | |
| 1987 | Vrutham | Jailor | |
| 1988 | Loose Loose Arappiri Loose | | |
| 1988 | Dhinarathrangal | Commissioner Unnithan | |
| 1989 | Kodugallur Bagavathi | | |
| 1989 | Adharvam | Thirumeni | |
| 1989 | Adikkurippu | Menon | |

#### 1990s

| Year | Title | Role |
| 1990 | Ee Kanni Koodi | Philip |
| 1990 | Kottayam Kunjachan | |
| 1990 | Veena Meettiya Vilangukal | |
| 1990 | Kadathanadan Ambadi | Chandrappan's uncle |
| 1990 | Orukkam | Fr. Francis Arakkal |
| 1990 | Indrajaalam | Baba |
| 1991 | Kadalora Kattu | |
| 1991 | Ragam Anuragam | |
| 1992 | Maanthrika Cheppu | |
| 1993 | Maya Mayooram | Nanda's father |
| 1993 | Devaasuram | Ezhuthachan |
| 1993 | Akashadoothu | Fr. Baby |
| 1994 | Chukkan | Narayanan |
| 1994 | Bheesmacharya | |
| 1994 | Puthran | Michael |
| 1995 | Highway | Kartha |
| 1995 | Agrajan | Priest |
| 1995 | Thumboli Kadappuram | Antony |
| 1996 | Man of the Match | |
| 1998 | Meenathil Thalikettu | Company Manager |
| 1999 | Vazhunnor | Bishop |
| 1999 | Pathram | Madhavan |

#### 2000s

| Year | Title | Role |
| 2002 | The Gift of God | |
| 2002 | Kanalkkireedam | |
| 2003 | Ente Veedu Appuvinteyum | Judge |
| 2003 | Mr. Brahmachari | Sukumaran |
| 2006 | Highway Police | Fr. John |

#### 2010s

| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
| 2011 | Traffic | Dr. Simon D Souza | Guest appearance |

### As a singer

* "Om Namashivaaya" - Love in Kerala (1968)
* "Oronnoro Chenchorathan" - Avan Varunnu (1954)
* "Neelippenne" - Manasakshi (1954)
* "Kannuneer Nee Choriyaathe" - Sheriyo Thetto (1953)
* "Paadupettu Paadangalil" - Sheriyo Thetto (1953)
* "Thaarame Thaanuvaru" - Sheriyo Thetto (1953)
* "Vaarmazhaville Va" - Sheriyo Thetto (1953)
* "Pokaam Pokaam" - Sheriyo Thetto (1953)
* "Kelkuka Ha" - Alphonsa (1952)
* "Chinthayil Neerunna" - Visappinte Vili (1952)
* "Ramanan" - Visappinte Vili (1952)

### As a Television actor

* Akashadoothu (TV series) (2012)- A teleserial from Surya TV which is the sequel of the hit Malayalam film Akashadoothu
* Mikhaelinte Santhathikal - as Mikhael (Doordarshan)
* Vava (Asianet)
* Avashthantarangal (Kairali TV)