Malekudy Joseph Antony (born 25 May 1968), professionally known as Antony Perumbavoor, is an Indian film producer, distributor, and cinema exhibitor, who works in Malayalam film industry. He founded Aashirvad Cinemas in 1999, a film production company producing films starring Mohanlal, whom he first met in 1987 while working as a chauffeur. Antony later co-founded the film distribution company Maxlab Cinemas and Entertainments and expanded Aashirvad Cinemas into film distribution, including international releasing. Antony also owns the multiplex theatre chain Aashirvad Cineplexx and has made cameo appearances in several Mohanlal films.
As a producer, he has received several awards, including two National Film Awards, four Kerala State Film Awards and a Filmfare Awards South among others. In 2026, The Indian Express wrote that "Antony Perumbavoor is widely regarded as the most successful Malayalam film producer of all time".
Early life and family Antony was born on 25 May 1968 to Malekudy Joseph and Elamma in Perumbavoor, Kerala, India. His father worked as a contractor at a sawmill in the town. Antony was one of four children; his siblings were Baby, Pappachan, and Selena. He grew up in Perumbavoor and attended Iringole Upper Primary School and MGM Higher Secondary School, Kuruppampady. At age 18, he bought his first vehicle, a four-wheel drive Jeep. His first association with the film industry came when the Jeep was hired for a day's work on a film set. He later began working as a driver on the set of Pattanapravesham (1988) and met Mohanlal, which became a turning point in his career. His father encouraged him after learning that he was working with the actor. Antony was 20 when he first drove Mohanlal.
Career
In 1987, Antony worked as a driver on the set of Pattanapravesham (1988), where he drove several actors before being asked to pick up Mohanlal from Ambalamugal, marking their first meeting. He subsequently drove Mohanlal for the film's remaining 22-day shooting schedule before returning to his hometown. A month later, while watching the filming of Moonnam Mura (1988) in Ambalamugal, Antony was recognised by Mohanlal in the crowd and invited to work as his driver again. Afterward, Mohanlal offered him a position as his personal chauffeur, which Antony accepted. He took over the position after Mohanlal's regular driver, Mohanan Nair, developed health problems. Nair had previously served as the driver of Mohanlal's father, Viswanathan Nair.
In 1999, Antony established the film production company Aashirvad Cinemas. It debuted with Mohanlal-starring action drama Narasimham, which became the highest-grossing Malayalam film to that date. Until 2009, the films of Aarshirvad Cinemas were distributed by Swargachitra and later by Central Pictures. In 2009, Antony along with Mohanlal and industrialist K. C. Babu established the film distribution company Maxlab Cinemas and Entertainments, debuting with Sagar Alias Jacky Reloaded.
In 2016, Antony established his first multiplex theater, Aashirvad Cineplexx in Perumbavoor and later opened its chain in other regions in the state. In 2017, Antony was elected the vice-president of the newly formed Film Exhibitors United Organisation of Kerala (FEUOK), an organisation comprising producers, distributors, and exhibitors in Malayalam film industry. Since July 2017, he is the president of FEUOK. In 2019, Aashirvad Cinemas opened office in Hong Kong under the name Feitian Aashirvad Cinemas. In 2022, Aashirvad opened office at Business Bay in Dubai and began distributing films overseas in collaboration with Phars Film, debuting with Barroz.
In a OnManorama article in 2020, Unni K. Warrier wrote that "his colleagues in the industry see him as superstar Mohanlal's closest friend, aide and confidante". In 2026, The Indian Express wrote that "Antony Perumbavoor is widely regarded as the most successful Malayalam film producer of all time". Mohanlal's wife Suchitra once said that Antony would say "no" in situations where Mohanlal cannot say it and he "always has his back".
Personal life Antony is married to Shanti and the couple have two children. He resides in Aimury, Perumbavoor. Antony is a teetotaller.
Filmography Acting credits Antony is known for appearing in cameo roles in Mohanlal films. Year Title Role Notes 1991 Kilukkam Driver Antony Uncle Bun School bus driver 1992 Adhwaytham Messenger Kamaladalam Messenger 1993 Gandharvam Thief on motorcycle 1994 Thenmavin Kombath Festival committee member Minnaram Man at Squash Club Pingami Devasootty 1995 Thacholi Varghese Chekavar College student 1996 Kaalapani Mukundan's friend 1997 Varnapakittu Man in the store Chandralekha Company staff Iruvar Man sitting near the body of Anandan during the funeral parade Tamil film; cameo appearance1998KanmadamPolice constable Harikrishnans Antony Ayal Kadha Ezhuthukayanu Man in the shop 2007 Ali Bhai Bus driver 2009 Sagar Alias Jacky Reloaded Thawb clad man 2013 Drishyam Constable Antony 2016 Oppam Boat passenger Pulimurugan Jeep driver 2017 Velipadinte Pusthakam Man at wedding Villain SI Joy K. Thomas 2018 Aadhi Himself Cameo appearance Odiyan KSEB employee Cameo appearance 2019 Irupathiyonnaam Noottaandu Antony Bavoor Lucifer Daniel Rowther Cameo appearance Ittymaani: Made in China De-addiction centre attender 2021 Drishyam 2 SI Antony Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham Shopkeeper 2022 Bro Daddy SI Antony Joseph Aaraattu Himself Cameo appearance 2023 Neru Mohammed's neighbour 2024 Barroz 3D Intelligence officer2025L2 EmpuraanDaniel Rowther Hridayapoorvam Himself Cameo appearance2026 Drishyam 3 CI Antony Thudakkam Cafe owner
Production
Distribution Maxlab release
Aashirvad Cinemas 2024: Barroz 2025: Empuraan 2025: Hridayapoorvam 2026: Drishyam 3 2026: Thudakkam
Accolades National Film Awards 2012: Best Film on Other Social Issues – Spirit 2021: Best Feature Film – Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham Kerala State Film Awards 2001: Best Film with Popular Appeal and Aesthetic Value – Raavanaprabhu 2008: Best Film with Popular Appeal and Aesthetic Value – Innathe Chintha Vishayam 2009: Best Film with Popular Appeal and Aesthetic Value – Evidam Swargamanu 2013: Best Film with Popular Appeal and Aesthetic Value – Drishyam
Filmfare Awards South 2013: Best Film – Malayalam - Drishyam
South Indian International Movie Awards 2013: Best Film in Malayalam – Drishyam
Asianet Film Awards 2000: Best Film – Narasimham 2012: Most Popular Film – Spirit 2013: Best Film – Drishyam 2013: Most Popular Film – Drishyam 2016: Best Film – Oppam 2020: Best Film — Lucifer
Jaihind TV Awards 2007: Best Film – Paradesi 2013: Best Film - ‘’Drishyam’’
Kairali TV – World Malayali Council Film Award 2009: Best Film – Evidam Swargamanu
References
External links