Innocent Vareed Thekkethala (born 28 February 1948) is an Indian actor and politician. He predominantly works in Malayalam cinema in addition to Hindi, English, Tamil, and Kannada films, mostly in comedic roles. He has acted in more than 750 films and is considered one of the best comedians in Malayalam cinema. He has also appeared in villainous roles, such as in Mazhavilkavadi, Ponmuttayidunna Tharavu and Ganamela.[2] Innocent has won several awards, including three Kerala State Film Awards. He served as the Member of Parliament in the 16th Lok Sabha of India representing Chalakudy constituency.
This biography of a living person needs additional citations for verification. (February 2013) |
Innocent | |
---|---|
Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha | |
In office 16 May 2014 – 23 May 2019 | |
Preceded by | K. P. Dhanapalan |
Succeeded by | Benny Behanan |
Constituency | Chalakudy |
Municipal Councillor of Irinjalakuda | |
In office 1979–1982 | |
Personal details | |
Born | Innocent Vareed Thekkethala (1948-02-28) 28 February 1948 (age 74)[1] Irinjalakuda, Thrissur, Travancore-Cochin (present-day Kerala), India |
Spouse | Alice (m. 1976) |
Children | 2 |
Occupation |
|
In 1979, he was elected as the municipal councilor of irinjalakkuda municipality. Innocent won the 2014 Lok Sabha elections from Chalakudy Lok Sabha constituency as an independent candidate supported by the Left Democratic Front (LDF).[3] Innocent served as the president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), a guild of Malayalam artists from 2003 to 2018. He has written books based on his memories, and columns in magazines and newspapers.[4][5][6][7][8]
Innocent was born on 28 February 1948 to Vareed Thekkethala and Margaret in Irinjalakuda, Travancore-Cochin (present-day Kerala), India.[9] He is the fifth child and third son of his parents, who had eight children. He had his primary education at Little Flower Convent Higher Secondary School, Irinjalakuda, Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Irinjalakuda, and Sree Sangameswara NSS School, Irinjalakuda. He studied till eighth grade and discontinued his studies as he could not cope with studying. Innocent went to Madras (then) for his acting career and worked there as a production executive and during that time he acted in a minor role in the movie Nellu, which was one of his earlier movies. He fell ill and came to Davangere in the 1970s for treatment for Typhoid, where his cousins George (studying medicine at JJM Medical College), Davis, and his brother Sunny were running the Shamannur Match factory, in Davangere. Later, he was an active partner in the working of the factory. As Innocent was keen on the performance activities, he seized the opportunity to participate in Davangere, Kerala Samajam drama, and received audience approval in entertainment events.
He left Davangere in 1974, set up a leather business, then a cycle renting business to make a living. Growing up, he had a few conflicts with his father, Vareed, because his brothers continued to have an excellent education and became successful doctors, lawyers, and judges. After some time, he joined politics and became Municipal councilor of Irinjalakuda.[10]
Innocent's mannerisms and diction is unique in Malayalam cinema and he wildly caught the attention of the Malayalam audience. This made him almost a phenonon in the Malayalam comedy scene, also making him a hot favorite for mimicry artistes. His popularity can be gauged from the fact that many frontline directors in Malayalam (like Priyadarshan, Satyan Anthikkad, Fazil and Kamal) rarely make films without Innocent. He has proven his acting skills in serious and character roles in several films. He has been the president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) for 12 years. He has held the post for the last four consecutive terms.[11]
Innocent entered the film industry in 1972 with the movie Nrityashala. At first, he produced a few serious offbeat films, but he was not successful. In the long span of his career, Innocent has worked in more than 500 films in a variety of roles, mainly in Malayalam. He has also acted in a few Tamil and Hindi films.
Innocent played key comedy roles in superhits like Ramji Rao Speaking, Mannar Mathai Speaking, Kilukkam, Godfather, Vietnam Colony, Nadodikattu and Devaasuram. Innocent has also excelled in character and villain roles such as Keli, Kathodu Kathoram.
He proved his skills in other serious roles with a touch of laughter in films such as Kabooliwaala, Gajakesariyogam, Mithunam, Mazhavilkavadi, Manassinakkare, Thuruppugulan, Rasathanthram, and Mahasamudram. His effort, along with that of the superstars who starred in these films, played an important role in their success. His pairing with K. P. A. C. Lalitha was highly successful in movies such as Ponn Muttayidunna Tharavu, My Dear Muthachchan, Godfather and Manichitrathazhu.
Innocent is one of the most imitated actors in Malayalam cinema and mimicry artists have brought him closer to women and children among his fans. The best example of this can be seen in the widely popular Maveli (Mahabali) comedy cassettes which are brought out by various mimicry groups annually in association with the Onam festival of Kerala in the past few years. These cassettes satirise Mahabali, a benevolent King in Kerala's mythology, who is supposed to visit his subjects in Kerala every lunar year on the day of Onam. These cassettes tend to portray Maveli (Mahabali) as a comic King who gets into all sorts of troubles – the script makes use of many contemporary issues in Kerala – on his annual arrival in Kerala. Mimicry artists use Innocent's voice to represent Maveli and all his mannerisms and idiosyncrasies in speech are deftly mimicked to generate laughter in the audience.
Innocent's participation in stage shows guarantees him a leading role as an anchor or performer. His Kathaprasangam (oratory combined with poetry) Olayaal Menjoru is one of the regulars in Gulf stage shows.
Innocent has authored five books: Njan Innocent, Cancer Wardile Chiri, Irinjalakudakku Chuttum (memoirs), Mazha Kannadi (collection of short stories) and Chirrikku Pinnil (autobiography). Cancer Wardile Chiri (Laughter in the Cancer Ward) is an account of his experiences while undergoing treatment for throat cancer.[12][13] Irinjalakudakku Chuttum won the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for Humour in 2020.[14] Innocent also writes columns in magazines and newspapers.
Innocent was the Thrissur District Secretary of the Revolutionary Socialist Party during the 1970s. He had contested in the Irinjalakkuda municipal council elections as Revolutionary Socialist Party-backed candidate in 1979 and had won that election.[3] He was rumoured to be a Left Democratic Front (LDF)-supported independent candidate from the Irinjalakkuda assembly constituency in the 2006 Kerala Legislative Assembly elections but this did not happen.[15] Innocent won the 2014 Lok Sabha elections from Chalakudy Lok Sabha constituency in Thrissur district as an independent candidate supported by the LDF.[3]
He lost in the Lok Sabha elections 2019 to UDF candidate Benny Behanan.
He married Alice on September 26, 1976, and have a son, Sonnet. Sonnet is married, with two children, Innocent Jr and Anna. Innocent Jr has acted in a documentary as Innocent in childhood.[16] Both Innocent and his wife are cancer survivors.
Denotes films that have not yet been released |
Year | Title | Role | Note |
---|---|---|---|
2022 | Kaduva | Fr. Vattassheril | |
2021 | Tsunami | Eepachan | |
Sunny | Doctor Eerali | voice only | |
2019 | Munthiri Monchan | Menon | |
Jack & Daniel | Home Minister Koyapparamban | ||
The Gambler | |||
An International Local Story | Parameshwaran Panikkar | ||
Gaanagandharvan | Appukutta Panicker | ||
Driving License | (As himself) | Guest Appearance (voice only) | |
Lonappante Mamodeesa | School Teacher | Guest Appearance | |
Irupathiyonnaam Noottaandu | Bishop | ||
2018 | Odiyan | Gopi Mash | |
Suvarna Purushan | Rappayi | ||
Njan Marykutty | Priest | ||
Kuttanadan Marpappa |
Ummachan |
||
2017 | Aana Alaralodalaral | Pathrose | |
GandhiNagaril Unniyarcha | |||
Pullikkaran Staraa | Omanakshan Pillai | ||
Jomonte Suvisheshangal | Palodan | ||
2016 | Swarna Kaduva | Lolappan | |
2015 | Kanal | Natesan | |
Urumbukal Urangarilla | Madhavettan | ||
Ennum Eppozhum | Kariyachan | ||
2014 | Thomson Villa | Priest | |
Aamayum Muyalum | Nallavan | ||
Nagara Varidhi Naduvil Njan | Davis | ||
Njangalude Veettile Athidhikal | |||
Bhaiyya Bhaiyya | Kochuveettil Chacko | ||
Polytechnic | |||
Malayalakkara Residency | |||
Mannar Mathai Speaking 2 | Mannar Mathai | ||
2013 | Philips and the Monkey Pen | God | |
Geethaanjali | Thankappan | ||
Punyalan Agarbattis | John Thakkolkaran | ||
Oru Indian Pranayakatha | Uthup Vallikkadan | ||
2012 | Puthiya Theerangal | Father Michael | |
Husbands in Goa | Nadar (TTE) | ||
Arike | Kalpana's father | ||
Bhoopadathil Illatha Oridam | Police Officer | ||
Perinoru Makan | Harischandran | ||
Mullassery Madhavan Kutty Nemom P. O. | |||
Kaashh | Devasiya | ||
Chattakaari | Morris | ||
Naughty Professor | Mulavarikkal Francis | ||
Doctor Innocent aanu | Doctor Bargavan Pillai | ||
2011 | Snehaveedu | Mathai | |
Living Together | Krishnaprasad Kartha | ||
Doctor Love | Sathyasheelan | ||
Pachuvum Kovalanum | Bhadranpillai | ||
Oru Marubhoomikkadha | Mathayi | ||
Swapna Sanchari | Achuthan Nair | ||
2010 | Marykkundoru Kunjaadu | Ittichan Muthalali | |
Cocktail | Kalyan Krishnan | ||
Oridathoru Postman | Gangadharan | ||
Pappy Appacha | Nirappel Mathai | ||
Cheriya Kallanum Valiya Policum | |||
Again Kasargod Khader Bhai | Father Francis Tharakan | ||
Kanyakumari Express | Minister | ||
Aagathan | Lawrence | ||
Kadha Thudarunnu | Lasar | ||
Pranchiyettan & the Saint | Vasu Menon | ||
2009 | Patham Nilayile Theevandi | ||
Ee Pattanathil Bhootham | Krishnan | ||
Bhagyadevatha | |||
Duplicate (2009 film) | P Suresh | ||
2008 | Twenty:20 | ||
Veruthe Oru Bharya | |||
Madampi |
Karayogam President |
||
Jubilee | Thomas Kora | ||
Innathe Chintha Vishayam | Emmanuel | ||
Calcutta News | Kerala samajam president | ||
2007 | Katha Parayumbol | Eepachan Muthalali | |
Ali Bhai | Khalid Ahemmed Sayivu | ||
Mission 90 Days | |||
Inspector Garud | Raghavan | ||
2006 | Baba Kalyani | Car Dealer | |
Mahasamudram | |||
Thuruppu Gulan | Kochu Thoma | ||
Kilukkam Kilukilukkam | Kittunni | ||
Rasathanthram | Manikandan Aashari | ||
Malamaal Weekly | Joseph Anthony Fernandes | ||
2005 | Bus Conductor | Majeed | |
Thanmathra | Sukumaran Nair | ||
Naran | Kelappan | ||
Udayon | Rarichan | ||
Thaskara Veeran | Eappachan | ||
Achuvinte Amma | Paulose | ||
2004 | Made in USA | Prof. Ponnachan PHD | |
Vesham | Pappan | ||
Maampazhakkaalam | Chandran's Uncle | ||
Greetings | Aravindakshan Nair | ||
Kaazhcha | Fr. Kuriakose | ||
Chitrakoodam | Balan | ||
Vettam | K. T. Mathew | ||
Wanted | Unni's Uncle | ||
Vamanapuram Bus Route | Chandran Pillai | ||
Thalamelam | Kunjukuttan Thampuran | ||
2003 | Manassinakkare | Chacko Mappila | |
Ammakilikkoodu | Eradi | ||
Pattalam | Sivasankaran Nair | ||
Balettan | Achumama | ||
Vellithira | Ittiyavira | ||
Chronic Bachelor | Kuruvilla | ||
2002 | Kalyanaraman | Ponjikkara Kesavan | |
Nammal | Shanmughan | ||
Nandanam | Kesavan Nair | ||
Yathrakarude Sradhakku | Paul | ||
Jagathi Jagathish in Town | Neelakandan | ||
Phantom | The Priest | ||
Savithriyute Aranjanam | Ravunni | ||
Snehithan | Devassy | ||
2001 | Ishtam | Narayanan | |
Ravanaprabhu | Warrier | ||
Uthaman | Chacko Cherian | ||
Narendran Makan Jayakanthan Vaka | Johnny Vellikala | ||
Kakkakuyil | |||
Nakshathragal Parayathirunnathu | Govinda Kamath | ||
2000 | Kochu Kochu Santhoshangal | Jose | |
Life Is Beautiful | Nambiar | ||
Mr. Butler | Captain K.G.Nair | ||
Valliettan | Ramankutty Kaimal | ||
1999 | Aakasha Ganga | ||
Chandranudikkunna Dikhil | |||
Udayapuram Sulthan | Govindan Nair | ||
Ustaad | Kunji Palu | ||
1998 | Ayal Kadha Ezhuthukayanu | Maamachan | |
Chinthavishtayaya Shyamala | Achuthan Nair | ||
Harikrishnans | Sundaran | ||
Vismayam | Narayanan | ||
1997 | Chandralekha | Iravi | |
Aniyathi Pravu | Chellappan | ||
Kalyana Unnikal | Anthrayose | ||
Ishtadanam | Advocate Dharmapalalan Thambi | ||
Superman | Kochunni | ||
1996 | Hitler | Madhavan Kutty's father | |
Excuse Me Ethu Collegila | |||
Kireedamillatha Rajakkanmar | Bharathan | ||
Kudumbakodathi | |||
Harbour | Father Sebastian | ||
Thooval Kottaram | Radhakrishnan | ||
1995 | Kusruthikaatu | Indira's Father | |
Mangalam Veettil Manaseswari Gupta | Narayanankutty | ||
Mannar Mathai Speaking | Mannar Mathai | ||
Pai Brothers | Ganapathi Pai | ||
Thirumanassu | Kunjan Pillai Raman Nair | ||
Puthukottyile Puthu Manavalan | Pillai | ||
1994 | Bheesmacharya | Raghavan | |
Santhanagopalam | |||
Pakshe | Inashu | ||
Rajadhani | S.I. K.D.Damodharan | ||
Pavam I.A. Ivachan | |||
Chanakya Soothrangal | Kuttan Pilla | ||
Pavithram | Erussery | ||
Pingami | Iyengar | ||
1993 | Aagneyam | Pappachan | |
Devaasuram | Warrier | ||
Injakkadan Mathai & Sons | Inchakkadan Mathai | ||
Kabuliwala | Kannas | ||
Manichithrathazhu | Unnithan | ||
Midhunam | Kurup | ||
Sakshal Sreeman Chathunni | |||
Sandhesham | |||
Vietnam Colony | K. K. Joseph | ||
1992 | Kizhakkan Pathrose | ||
Aayushkalam | Gopala Menon | ||
Ennodishtam Koodamo | Family Doctor | ||
Makkal Mahathmayam | |||
Malootty | Sankaran | ||
My Dear Muthachan | K. P. Adiyodi | ||
Nakshthrakoodaram | |||
Kasargode Khaderbhai | Fr. Tharakandam | ||
Ente Ponnu Thampuran | Varkey | ||
Snehasagaram | |||
Utsava Melam | |||
AparathaPonnurukum Pakshi | Lonappan | ||
1991 | Anaswaram | ||
Agni Nilavu | Sakuni | ||
Kanalkkattu | |||
Aakasha Kottayile Sultan | Dr. Chenthrappinni | ||
Adwaitham | Seshadri Iyer | ||
Amina Tailors | Lonappan Mashu | ||
Apoorvam Chilar | |||
Ganamela | Sreedhara Panikkar | ||
Godfather | Swaminathan | ||
Kadinjool Kalyanam | Panikkar | ||
Keli | Lazer | ||
Kilukkam | Kittunni | ||
Kilukkampetti | Scariah | ||
Kuttapathram | |||
Eagle | Appukuttan/Murugadas | ||
Maydinam | Ouseph | ||
Mimics Parade | Fr. Tharakkandam | ||
Oru Tharam Randu Tharam Moonu Tharam | Adithya Pilla | ||
Pookkalam Varavayi | Pothuval | ||
Sandesam | Yaswanth Sahai | ||
Ulladakkam | Kunjachan | ||
Kizhakkunarum Pakshi | Girijavallabha Panikkar | ||
1990 | Anantha Vruthantham | Padmanabhan | |
Kalikkalam | Velayil Chandy | ||
Kottayam Kunjachan | Mikhael | ||
No.20 Madras Mail | Narayanan Nadar | ||
Cheriya Lokavum Valiya Manushyarum | |||
Dr. Pasupathy | Dr. Pasupathi/Bhairavan | ||
Kouthuka Varthakal | Suryanarayana Iyer | ||
Pavakkooth | |||
Malayogam | |||
Mukham | Anthony | ||
Nagarangalil Chennu Raparkam | |||
Ottayal Pattalam | |||
Gajakesariyogam | Ayyappan Nair | ||
Rajavazhcha | Ittoopp | ||
Saandhram | Paulo | ||
Sasneham | Eanasu | ||
Subhayathra | |||
Superstar | Devasyya | ||
Thalayanamanthram | Daniel | ||
Thooval Sparsam | |||
1989 | Swagatham | Labrador bhai | |
Chakkikotha Chankaran | Bhagavathar | ||
Innale | Shankara Pillai | ||
Jathakam | Kunjuraman | ||
Kaalal Pada | |||
Annakutty Kodambakkam Vilikkunnu | Avarachan | ||
Utharam | |||
Aavanikunnile Kinnaripookkal | Keshava Pilla | ||
Mazhavil Kavadi | Shankarankutty Menon | ||
News | Bhargavan Pillai | ||
Peruvannapurathe Visheshangal | Adiyodi | ||
Pradeshika Varthakal | Kunjhambu Nair | ||
Ramji Rao Speaking | Mannar Mathai | ||
Vadakkunokkiyantram | |||
Antharjanam | Vathapally Varkey | ||
Varavelpu | Chathutty | ||
Varnam | Bhaskaran Pillai | ||
1988 | August 1 | ||
Dhwani | Rappayi | ||
Moonnam Mura | Kisan Jacob | ||
Mukunthetta Sumitra Vilikkunnu | Ramendra | ||
Pattana Pravesham | Puthanpurackal Balan | ||
Ponn Muttyidunna Tharavu | P.V. Panikkar | ||
Simon Peter Ninakku Vendi | Vaniyambadi Chandran | ||
Vellanakalude Nadu | |||
Witness | Sankunni Nair | ||
Aryan | |||
Puavrutham | Kelu Nair | ||
Charavalayam | Kumaran | ||
Oru Muthassi Katha | Thampuran | ||
1987 | Ayitham | Joseph | |
Thaniyavarthanam | |||
Sreedharante Onnam Thirumurivu | Sadasivan | ||
Jaalakam | Gopi Kurup | ||
Nadodikkattu | Balagopalan | ||
Oru Minnaminunginte Nurungu Vettam | |||
Sarvakalashala | Innachan | ||
Ponnumkudathinu Pottu | |||
Ivide Ellavarkkum Sukham | Cheriyachen | ||
Unnikale Oru Kadha Parayam | |||
Yagagni | Madhavan | ||
Itha Samayamayi | |||
Swathi Thirunal | Krishna Ravu | ||
1986 | Ee Kaikalil | Ittoopp | |
Nyayavidhi | Channar | ||
Rareeram | Lonappan | ||
Ayalvasi Oru Daridravasi | Kuttan Pillai | ||
Dheem Tharikida Thom | |||
Ente Sonia | |||
Oridathu | Dr Rajasekharan | ||
Ente Entethu Mathram | |||
Atham Chithira Chothi | Mathan | ||
Nilakurinhi Poothappol | Kuttan Nair | ||
Revathikkoru Pavakkutty | Bhasi Pillai | ||
Ice Cream | Police Inspector | ||
Sanmanassullavarkku Samadhanam | Kunji Kannan Nair | ||
Sunil Vayassu 20 | Anthony | ||
Geetham | |||
Amme Bhagavathi | |||
Pappan Priyappetta Pappan | |||
Chidambaram | |||
Koodanayum Kattu | |||
Prathyekam Sradhikkukka | Pothachan | ||
Katturumbinum Kaathukuthu | |||
Oru Kadha Oru Nunakkadha | |||
Aavanaazhi | |||
Ithile Iniyum Varu | Dasappan | ||
Naale Njangalude Vivaaham | |||
Doore Doore Oru Koodu Koottam | |||
Meenamaasathile Sooryan | Adhikari | ||
Mizhineerppoovukal | |||
Illenjippookkal | Kaduvappara Pappu | ||
Vivahitare Itihile | Kuriachan | ||
Oru Yugasandhya | Sreedharan Nair | ||
Gandhinagar 2nd Street | Policeman | ||
Chilambu | Enashu | ||
Yuvajanotsavam | Kunjunni Nair | ||
1985 | Kandu Kandarinju | Thomas | |
Kathodu Kathoram | Kapyar | ||
Ee Lokam Ivide Kure Manushyar | Ouseppu | ||
Ayanam | Chakkunni | ||
Oru Nokku Kanan | Innochen | ||
Akkare Ninnoru Maran | Shankaran | ||
Meenamasathile Sooryan | Adhikari | ||
Vasantha Sena | Thirumeni | ||
Aram+Aram=Kinnaram | Driver | ||
Puli Varunne Puli | Saami | ||
Avidathepole Ivideyum | |||
Ambada Njaane | Kumaran | ||
Irakal | |||
Punnaaram Chollicholli | |||
Archana Aaradhana | |||
Scene No. 7 | |||
Daivatheyorthu | |||
1984 | Koottinilamkili | Office Staff | |
Paavam Poornima | Unnithan | ||
Panchavadi Palam | Barabas | ||
1983 | Prathijnja | ||
Mouna Raagam | Freddy/Valyappan | ||
Prem Nazirine Kanmanilla | Film Producer | ||
Lekhayude Maranam Oru Flashback | |||
1982 | Ilakkangal | ||
Ormaykkaay | |||
Idavela | Madhavankutty | ||
1981 | Vida Parayum Munbe | ||
1980 | Kochu Kochu Thettukal | ||
1978 | Randu Penkuttikal | ||
1974 | Nellu | ||
1973 | Jesus | ||
Urvashi Bharathi | |||
Football Champion[19] | |||
1972 | Nrithasala |
Year | Title | Role | Language |
---|---|---|---|
1998 | Doli Saja Ke Rakhna | Colonel Vincent | Hindi |
2003 | Lesa Lesa | Tamil | |
2004 | Nothing But Life | Prof. Ponnachan PhD | English |
2006 | Malamaal Weekly | Anthony | Hindi |
2012 | Shikari | Sitharam Setu | Kannada |
2019 | Naan Avalai Sandhitha Pothu | Tamil |
Year | Title | Role | Channel |
---|---|---|---|
2021–Present | Eenangalude Gandharvan | Judge | Flowers TV |
2021–Present | Funs opon a time | Judge | Amrita TV |
2021–Present | Music Ulasavam | Judge | Flowers TV |
2021 | Top Singer season 2 | Celebrity Judge | Flowers TV |
2020-2021 | Comedy Masters | Judge | Amrita TV |
2020 | Kudumbavilakku | Himself | Asianet |
1994 | Innocent Kadhakal | Himself | Asianet |
2005-2006 | Innocent Kadhakal | Host | Amrita TV |
2019–2021 | Comedy star season 2 | Judge | Asianet |
2019 | Utsavam Super Star | Mentor | Flowers TV |
2018 | Top Singer | Celebrity Judge | Flowers TV |
2018 | Nakshatra thilakkam | Guest | Mazhavil Manorama |
2018 | Chaya Koppa yile kodum kattu | Mentor | Mazhavil Manorama |
2017 | Comedy super night 2 | guest | Flowers TV |
2017 | Star Chat | Guest | WE TV |
2016 | J B junction | Guest | Kairali TV |
2016 | Badai Bungalow | Guest | Asianet |
2016 | Comedy Carnival | himself | Mazhavil Manorama |
2013 | Point blank | Guest | Asianet News |
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