Prominent Figures of the Kerala Church -41
M.C. Punnus

M.C. Punnus (Navodaya Appachan), widely recognized as Navodaya Appachan, was born on January 11, 1924, in Pulimkunnu, Maliyampurath, the son of Udaya Kunchacko. His mother was Eliamma. Appachan’s Navodaya Studio is a significant chapter in the history of Malayalam cinema.

In 1945, Navodaya Appachan, born into a family that started Kerala’s first movie studio, became the Managing Director of Udaya Studio after completing his college education in 1947. Over the next 40 years, Udaya Studio produced over a hundred films, becoming a major part of the Malayalam film industry of that time. From 1975 to 1980, Appachan served as the President of the Kerala Film Chamber of Commerce and was also the President of the South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce in 1989-90.

Through his Navodaya Studio, Appachan introduced many innovations to Indian cinema. His films were trendsetters, establishing new trends and technologies in the industry. In 1980, he released “Thacholi Ambu,” the first cinema scope film in Malayalam. The success of this film led South Indian film production centers and thousands of theaters to adopt the Anamorphic Optic format.

In 1984, Appachan released “Padayottam,” India’s first 70 mm film entirely produced in the country. Its six-track recording and post-production techniques became milestones in Indian cinema.

In 1985, his son Jijo directed “Chotta Chetan,” India’s first 3D film. This fantasy film for children was dubbed into all major Indian languages and won the President’s Gold Medal in 1985. The film’s box office success set a benchmark for contemporary cinema legends.

Kishkinda, India’s first theme park, was built on 110 acres in Madras. It was created by a team of imaginative individuals led by Appachan and has become a major tourist attraction in South India, opening in 1992. Balakrishnan Mangatt described it in Malayalam Manorama on May 2, 1994, as follows:

“Entering the park, surrounded by various trees, plants, flowers, and lawns, requires climbing a few steps. Children and adults alike are amazed by the waterfalls and the various worlds they encounter through bridges, paths, and caves. The 12th-century castle, resembling an old fort, captures the imagination. Attractions include a boat ride through the ‘Madhyan Cave,’ the sleeping beauty’s palace, the gold mine, traditional musical feasts, tree houses, and endless lawns.”

Kishkinda features a water ride known as the ‘White Water Ride,’ the only one of its kind in Asia. Large rubber boats carrying six people navigate through rapid currents, providing a thrilling experience. The sight of boats plunging from heights into water leaves spectators breathless. Though the ride lasts only four minutes, it is a memorable experience.

The ‘Shunyakasa Satellite’ is a unique feature of Kishkinda, offering an adventurous ride that makes one feel millions of light-years away from Earth.

The ‘Shoot the Audience’ venue allows visitors to act in films, mixing their performances with pre-filmed scenes for immediate viewing. Visitors can also perform dance sequences with stars like Kamal Haasan and Sridevi or perform stunts with Rajinikanth.

‘Kappum Sosham,’ reminiscent of Arabian tales and Omar Khayyam, features an ambiance filled with oil wells and Arabian music. Decorated cups and large discs rotate, creating a mesmerizing effect. A 100-foot-long statue of a tortoise, reminiscent of a mythical city, fascinates visitors.

A 60-foot-tall artificial waterfall, similar to the Koolalam waterfall, allows people to bathe, showcasing advanced technology.

Artificial lakes, underwater views, lake boat rides, lawn games, and forest retreats offer diverse experiences. Facilities for film shooting and setups are available. Around 3,000 trees from different parts of India were transplanted under expert supervision, making Kishkinda a place where one can see a variety of trees and plants from across India. The vision of Navodaya Appachan is truly remarkable.

The “Bible Stories” TV serial, consisting of 39 episodes, was the first attempt to present the entire Bible in a TV serial format. It was produced with the support of modern archaeology, based on Eastern perspectives.

Under Appachan’s leadership, Excel Glass is the largest glass manufacturing factory in South India.

Navodaya Studio remains a significant milestone in Indian film history. It stands as a testament to Appachan’s visionary leadership and organizational prowess. The dedication, research, and artistic spirit of the talents working there have led to significant achievements.