Ranking Basil Joseph’s Performances as an Actor
Basil Joseph might have gained prominence as a director with successful movies like Godha, Kunjiramayanam, and Minnal Murali, but in recent years, he has been carving out a solid reputation as an actor. What started as an occasional appearance has now transformed into a consistent and impressive acting career.
He’s not just playing it safe either—his choice of roles is diverse, spanning from lovable and innocent characters to morally ambiguous ones. Some performances have been better than others, but what’s undeniable is that Basil has grown tremendously as an actor.
Here’s a ranking of Basil Joseph’s movies based on his performances, from the ones that didn’t quite land to the ones that truly showcased his acting prowess.
6. Guruvayoor Ambala Nadayil
While Guruvayoor Ambala Nadayil was an enjoyable movie, Basil Joseph’s performance felt slightly uneven. He excelled in the comedic portions, which isn’t surprising given his natural charm, but the emotional moments didn’t land as effectively. His character arc demanded a depth that he couldn’t fully bring to life.
That’s not to say he was bad—far from it. He had great chemistry with the rest of the cast, and his comic timing was sharp. But compared to his more nuanced performances in other films, this one felt like a step down.
5. Sookshmadarshini
Basil Joseph playing a dark, mysterious character? Now that’s something different. In Sookshmadarshini, he stepped into the shoes of a more sinister role, a stark contrast to the lovable characters he’s usually associated with. He pulled it off well, bringing an eerie unpredictability to the role.
It was a departure from his usual screen persona, and while he was convincing, the role itself didn’t give him enough material to fully flex his acting chops. Still, it was an interesting experiment and proof that he isn’t afraid to take risks.
4. Falimy
In Falimy, Basil plays a character dealing with a strained relationship with his father, and it’s in these scenes that he truly shined. The film itself was well-made, and his performance had a nice mix of humor and depth.
What worked best was how he handled the emotional beats—never overdramatic, but subtle and effective. It showed that he’s capable of holding his own in family dramas without relying solely on his comedic strengths.
3. Jaya Jaya Jaya Jaya Hey
When the casting of Jaya Jaya Jaya Jaya Hey was announced, the idea of Basil Joseph playing an abusive husband might have sounded unexpected. He is, after all, known for his affable, fun-loving personality. But this is exactly what made his casting so brilliant.
As Rajesh, a man who sees nothing wrong with his toxic behavior, Basil delivers a disturbingly realistic performance. The film used humor to highlight the serious issue of domestic violence, and having Basil play Rajesh made it all the more effective.
Despite being the antagonist, he never felt like a caricature. There was something painfully real about him—he was frustrating, sometimes laughable, and yet, at no point did he feel completely irredeemable. It’s a testament to his skill that he made the audience uncomfortable while still being an engaging presence.
2. Jan.E.Man
This is the film that truly cemented Basil Joseph as a mainstream actor. As Joymon, a lonely nurse living in Canada, he delivered a performance that was filled with emotional depth and warmth.
There’s something inherently vulnerable about Joymon, and Basil brought that out beautifully. Whether it was his awkward attempts to reconnect with old friends or the quiet sadness in his eyes, he made the character feel real and relatable.
Jan.E.Man proved that Basil could do much more than just comedic roles—he could make you laugh, but he could also make you care deeply about a character’s emotional journey.
1. Ponman
If there’s one performance that truly showcases Basil Joseph’s evolution as an actor, it’s Ponman. As Ajesh PP, he delivers a portrayal so layered and convincing that it’s hard to imagine anyone else in the role.
Ajesh is a character who makes you feel a range of emotions—sometimes you want to shake some sense into him, and other times, you just want to give him a hug. Basil plays him with such natural ease that he completely disappears into the character.
His performance in Ponman is a reminder of how far he has come as an actor. He isn’t just a comedian anymore—he’s an actor who can carry complex characters with effortless charm.
Basil Joseph’s journey as an actor has been fascinating to watch. He started with small, fun roles, but over time, he has proven that he can handle emotional depth, moral ambiguity, and even villainous characters.
With each film, he keeps getting better, and if Ponman is any indication, we’re only seeing the beginning of what he can do. Whether he’s making us laugh, cry, or feel conflicted about a character, one thing is certain—Basil Joseph is no longer just a great director. He’s an incredible actor too.
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