Navodaya Appachan

Appachan first became involved in the film industry with his brother Kunchacko, at Udaya Studio, and later founded of Navodaya Studio.

He produced Manjil Virinja Pookkal and My Dear Kuttichathan. The latter was, directed by his son, Jijo Punnoose and was the first 3D movie made in India and released as Chota Chetan in Hindi.

Appachan directed Thacholi Ambu, which was the first Cinemascope film in Malayalam. He also directed Padayottam, which was the first indigenously shot 70mm movie in South India, was produced by him. He created Bible Ki Kahaniyan on Doordarshan.

He founded Kishkinta, India's first theme park, in Chennai. He was given the 2011 J. C. Daniel Award for contributions to Malayalam cinema.

Appachan was born, as M. C. Punnoose to M. M. Chacko, son of Mani of the Maliampurackal family, at Pulinkunnoo, and was an alumnus of St. Xavier's College, Palayamkottai. His brother, Kunchacko established the first film studio in Kerala, Udaya Studios.

His nephew, Boban Kunchacko, was also an actor, director, and producer who was part of a few films produced by Udaya. His grandnephew, Kunchacko Boban is also a Malayalam film actor.

Appachan is married to Baby Punnoose and have two sons Jijo and Jose, and a daughter, Jiss Punnoose.