Niyas Backer is an Indian actor, mimicry artist, and occasional film director who works primarily in the Malayalam film and television industry. He is best known for his portrayal of the character Koya in the long-running Malayalam television sitcom Marimayam. Over the years, he has appeared in a wide range of Malayalam films, mainly in supporting and character roles, and has also directed a feature film.
Early and personal life Backer hails from Vadakkancherry in Thrissur district, Kerala. He is the eldest son of Aboobacker, a theatre artist and actor, and the elder brother of the late Malayalam actor and mimicry artist Kalabhavan Navas, who died in August 2025.
In 2025, Backer publicly refused a viral social media claim that his late brother's family had received a ₹26 lakh insurance payout, stating the posted insurance card was fake and warning the public against spreading misinformation.
Career
Backer began his career as a mimicry artist and stage performer, participating in comedy shows and theatre programmes across Kerala. He gradually transitioned to cinema, establishing himself as a dependable character actor in Malayalam films.
Alongside film appearances, he gained widespread popularity on television through his role as Koya in Marimayam, a satirical sitcom broadcast on Mazhavil Manorama since 2011. His performance in the series earned him recognition among television audiences.
In 2013, Niyas made his directorial debut with the Malayalam film Vallatha Pahayan, in which he also acted. The film marked his entry into filmmaking beyond acting. In 2014, he played the lead role in the film Manja, portraying the central character.
Filmography
Films Year Film Role Notes 1993 Venkalam — 1993 Chamayam — 1997 Kudamattam — 2001 Ishtam Babukuttan 2003 Gramophone Lalappan 2007 Speed Track Tinu’s friend 2012 Jawan of Vellimala Shibu 2012 Spanish Masala Abdu Mimicry artist 2012 Ordinary KPAC Chandran 2012 Run Baby Run — 2013 3 Dots Manoharan 2013 Vallatha Pahayan Kuruvilla Director and actor 2014 Polytechnic Murugan 2014 Manja Jackson Lead role 2014 Mannar Mathai Speaking 2 Cook Manjulan 2017 Fukri Vasantha Kumar 2018 Queen Head of Mechanical Dept. 2019 Oru Adaar Love Gadha’s father 2019 Porinju Mariam Jose Varkey 2019 Lonappante Mamodeesa Simon 2019 Munthiri Monchan Aniyachan 2019 Mask 2024 Panchayath Jetty Aliyan 2024 Vivekanandan Viralanu Jayan Civil Police Officer 2025 Pravinkoodu Shappu Ceylon Ramakrishnan 2025 Sarvam Maya Client
References
External links Niyas Backer on IMDb Niyas Backer filmography on BookMyShow