Christo Tomy
Indian filmmaker
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Christo Tomy is an Indian filmmaker who works in Malayalam cinema, with a portfolio that includes both short films and feature films. He is a three-time recipient of the National Film Award.[1][2] In 2016, he received the Swarna Kamal for Best Direction (Non-Feature Film) for his short film Kamuki (Sweetheart).[3] He also won the National Award for Debut Director in the non-feature category for his film Kanyaka (Virgin).[4] In 2025, his debut feature film Ullozhukku was awarded the National Film Award for Best Malayalam Feature Film.[5]
- Film director
- screenwriter
Christo Tomy | |
|---|---|
| |
| Born | 27 September 1987 |
| Alma mater | Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute Sainik School Kazhakootam |
| Occupations |
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| Years active | 2013-present |
| Website | https://www.christotomy.com/ |
Early life and education
Christo Tomy is an alumnus of Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute, Kolkata and Sainik School Kazhakootam, Kerala.[6][7][8]
Career and achievements
National Film Awards
Christo Tomy gained national recognition with his short films, which have won him two National Film Awards. In 2016, he won the Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) for Best Director for his short film Kamuki (Sweetheart). His debut short film Kanyaka (Virgin) earned him the National Award for Best Debut Director in the non-feature category, receiving the Rajat Kamal (Silver Lotus). Kanyaka was also screened at the 44th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa.[1]
Jury member
In recognition of his expertise and contributions to Indian cinema, he served as a member of the jury for the non-feature films at the 65th National Film Awards.[9]
Notable works
Short films and documentaries
Christo Tomy's first notable short film was Kanyaka (2013), which earned him a National Film Award for Best First Non-Feature Film of a Director.[10] He directed Odvojen in 2014.[11] His next short film, Kamuki (2015), was showcased at various international film festivals and went on to win the National Film Award for Best Non-Feature Film Direction.[12] His work is known for its depth, creativity, and emotional resonance.[1]
Curry & Cyanide: The Jolly Joseph Case
In 2023, Christo Tomy directed the Netflix documentary Curry & Cyanide: The Jolly Joseph Case.[13] This documentary, based on the Koodathayi cyanide killings, achieved significant acclaim.[14] The show reached the Global Top #2 position and remained in the Global Top Ten for three consecutive weeks. It amassed over 10 million views worldwide within three weeks of its release and featured in the Top Ten lists of more than 30 countries.[1]
Ullozhukku
Christo Tomy's first feature film Ullozhukku (Undercurrent) was released in 2024 to positive reviews.[15][16] Produced by Ronnie Screwvala, Honey Trehan, and Abhishek Chaubey, the film stars Parvathy Thiruvothu, Urvashi, and Arjun Radhakrishnan.[17] Ullozhukku has been part of several prestigious programs, including the Film Independent's Global Media Makers LA Residency, the NFDC Co-Production Market - Film Bazaar, and the NFDC Screenwriters Lab.[18][19] The project won the Cinestaan India's Storytellers Script Contest, India's largest feature film script contest, judged by eminent filmmakers Aamir Khan, Rajkumar Hirani, Anjum Rajabali, and Juhi Chaturvedi.[20][1]
Filmography
Feature films
| Year | Title | Written by | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Ullozhukku | Himself | Debut film |
Documentaries and short films
| Year | Title | Written by | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Kanyaka (Virgin) | Himself | |
| 2014 | Odvojen (Apart) | [a] | |
| 2015 | Kamuki (Sweetheart) | ||
| 2019 | Dallas[21] | [b] | |
| 2020 | A Window of Time - Lockdown Diaries | Himself (among others) | [c] |
| 2023 | Curry & Cyanide: The Jolly Joseph Case | Shalini Ushadevi |
Musical videos
Awards and accolades
- 2013: Best First Non-Feature Film of a Director – Kanyaka (Virgin)[24]
- 2016: Best Direction (non-feature film) – Kamuki (Sweetheart)[25]
- 2025: Best Malayalam Feature Film – Ullozhukku[26]
- Other Awards
- 2014: 7th International Short Film & Documentary Festival of Kerala (IDSFFK) – Best Music Video Award – You are Rot[27]
See also
Notes
- Won 2nd place in the 'TV Story' category at the Interfer – International Media Festival in Apatin; screened at the 7th First Frame International Students Film Festival in 2014.
- Shot as part of Global Media Makers 2019 LA Residency program
- Directed one of 21 short video essays depicting the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown in 19 cities across 13 countries on four continents.
- Screened at the 7th International Documentary & Short Film Festival of Kerala (IDSFFK)