Chemban Vinod Jose

Biography

Chemban Vinod Jose is an Indian actor, screenwriter, and film producer who predominantly works in the Malayalam film industry. Born on 24 May 1976 in Ernakulam, Kerala, he originally trained as a physiotherapist before entering the world of cinema. Over the years, he has established himself as a distinctive character actor, known for his natural screen presence, expressive performances, and ability to move between comedy, drama, crime, and serious roles.

Early Life and Background

Chemban Vinod Jose was born and raised in the Angamaly region of Kerala. His real name is Vinod Jose, while “Chemban” comes from his family name and became closely associated with his professional identity. Before pursuing acting, he spent time in Bengaluru and worked outside the film industry. He also completed his education in physiotherapy and worked in that field before cinema became his full-time career.

His entry into films was closely connected with filmmaker Lijo Jose Pellissery, whom he had known since his younger days. Pellissery gave him his first opportunity to act, eventually leading him into Malayalam cinema.

Acting Career

Chemban Vinod Jose made his acting debut with the 2010 Malayalam crime film Nayakan, directed by Lijo Jose Pellissery. He played an antagonistic character in the film and subsequently began receiving opportunities in a variety of roles.

His breakthrough came with ** Amen (2013)**, which helped establish him as a recognizable character actor. He subsequently appeared in several notable Malayalam films, including North 24 Kaatham, Tamaar Padaar, Sapthamashree Thaskara, Iyobinte Pusthakam, Kohinoor, and Oru Second Class Yathra.

His filmography demonstrates considerable versatility. He has portrayed comic characters, antagonists, police officers, gangsters, family men, and other supporting characters. His performances in films such as Charlie, Kali, Ee.Ma.Yau., Jallikattu, Thamaasha, Maradona, Porinju Mariam Jose, Trance, Churuli, and Vikram further expanded his reputation.

Screenwriting Career

In addition to acting, Chemban Vinod Jose developed an interest in writing. His breakthrough as a screenwriter came with ** Angamaly Diaries (2017)**, directed by Lijo Jose Pellissery. The film was inspired by the culture, people, food, friendships, and local life of Angamaly and became a major critical and commercial success.

Chemban has explained that he developed the idea from his familiarity with life in Angamaly and eventually wrote the screenplay in his own style. The film's distinctive dialogue, local flavour, ensemble cast, and energetic storytelling made it one of the notable Malayalam films of its period.

He later received writing credits for projects including Bheemante Vazhi and Falaknuma Das.

Producer

Chemban Vinod Jose has also worked as a producer. His production credits include films such as Swathanthryam Ardharathriyil, Thamaasha, Jallikattu, Churuli, Bheemante Vazhi, and Sulaikha Manzil. He also served as a producer on Anchakkallakokkan, directed by his brother Ullas Chemban.

His involvement in production reflects his broader interest in filmmaking beyond acting and screenwriting.

Notable Films

Some of Chemban Vinod Jose's notable acting and filmmaking credits include:

• Nayakan (2010)
• Amen (2013)
• Tamaar Padaar (2014)
• Sapthamashree Thaskara (2014)
• Iyobinte Pusthakam (2014)
• Kohinoor (2015)
• Charlie (2015)
• Kali (2016)
• Angamaly Diaries (2017) – writer
• Ee.Ma.Yau. (2018)
• Jallikattu (2019)
• Thamaasha (2019)
• Trance (2020)
• Churuli (2021)
• Bheemante Vazhi (2021) – writer/producer
• Vikram (2022)
• Romancham (2023)
• Sulaikha Manzil (2023) – actor/producer
• Anchakkallakokkan (2024) – actor/producer

Awards and Recognition

Chemban Vinod Jose has received recognition for his performances, including the Best Actor award at the 49th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) for Ee.Ma.Yau. His work has also earned him various industry awards for supporting and negative roles.

Personal Life

Chemban Vinod Jose is married and has a son. He is also the brother of filmmaker Ullas Chemban, who made his feature directorial debut with Anchakkallakokkan in 2024. Chemban has supported the film as a producer while also appearing in it as an actor.