After entertaining the Malayali audience from behind the camera, Johny Antony didn’t fail to do so in front of camera as well. The film maker has been receiving incredible reviews from both the audience and the critics alike for his new stint as an actor. It was producer Nishad Koya who persuaded Johny to don the role of a parish priest in the movie Shikkari Shambu.
Then he went on to act in movies like Drama directed by veteran film maker Renjith, Joseph alongside Joju George, Thattumpurath Achuthan, Sathyam Paranja Vishwasikuvo, Ittimani Made in China, Gaanagandharvan and the recent blockbuster Varane Avasyamundu. With the latest Dulquer Salmaan movie released on digital platform, many has been applauding Johny Antony for his comic timings and spontaneous dialogue delivery. He played the role of a doctor who helped the character played by Suresh Gopi for anger management.
Mammootty starrer Thoppil Joppan that was released in 2016 was Johny’s last film as a director.
Johny gets candid about why he switched roles and also about his experiences as an actor.
Dr. Bose
Johny met director Anoop Sathyan on the sets of Thattinpurathu Achuthan. Anoop had told him about the character called Dr. Bose then itself. The duo had been in touch over regular phone calls while developing the character. “It indeed is incredible that a character is written specially for you in a movie that is penned by the director himself and has great significance for casting as well. I was thrilled to work alongside actors like Suresh Gopi, Shobana, Dulquer and Kalyani who belong to different generations. I am happy when I hear people say that the audience applauds when Dr. Bose appears on screen,” says Johny.
The February hit
Along with Varane Avashyamund, Johny Antony acted as himself in the super hit movie Ayyappanum Koshiyum too. Johny says he was initially approached by writer – director Sachy to play another role. Later the makers decided that Johny could play a version of himself in the movie. “In the beginning of the movie, there is a scene when a policeman is surprised reading the name Johny Antony and it has come out amazingly. Though I do not have too many scenes in this movie, my character is mentioned quite a few times. I am elated that both movies became successful,” notes the actor.
No interference
“I never felt like interfering in the work of another director. All the directors show me special affection on the sets and I enjoy that comfort zone. Be it a senior film maker like Ranjith or a newcomer like Anoop, all of them gives me attention. Even if I give some minor suggestions, they gracefully accept it. It is important to have such friendships. But the real success of it lies when a director decides that I am suited to play a particular role and their satisfaction when I am able to pull off that character,” explains Johny.
Actor at home
Johny says his family is thrilled that he has turned into acting. He opens up that acting has improved his financial status as well. Moreover, Johny wishes to be someone who could comfortably run his family.
Latest movies
Johny will be next seen in Gunda Jayan directed by Arun Vaiga. Saiju Kurup plays the lead role in this movie. Johny calls it a fun movie that also has actors like Hareesh Kanaran, Siju Wilson and Sabareesh. Interestingly, actor Dulquer Salman too would be part of this movie as a producer. Johny essays the role of Purushan who is invited for the wedding of a goon’s sister.
Direction plans
Johny reveals he would be directing a movie in August with Biju Menon in the lead role. Besides, he is also busy with the pre-production works of a Mammootty starrer. He wishes to be part of the Malayalam cinema, both as a director and an actor.
CID Moosa sequel
“CID Moosa was released in 2003. People began asking about its sequel from the next year onwards. However, there are some problems with a few combinations. But, the movie will happen if there is Dileep and the dog named Arjun in it. Writers Uday and Sibi too are busy with other projects. We often talk about it whenever we meet. A sequel may happen in 2022,” Johny reveals.
Johny credits the audience and his colleagues for their amazing support and motivation. “I am flooded with appreciation after every movie. Young people and veteran directors are ones who congratulate me the most. However, I am eagerly waiting for the opinion of just one person and that is Mammootty. I hope that he would call me soon,” Johny signs off.