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Renji Panicker

Renji Panicker

Actor and writer, also director · Born January 21, 1958 (68) · Nedumudi, Kerala, India

Renji Panicker is an Indian journalist, script writer, producer, actor, and director best known for his Malayalam films. He made his debut as a director with Bharatchandran IPS in 2005. A firebrand script-writer and director of Malayalam cinema, Renji Panicker, popularly known as Renji began his career as a journalist. After completing his master's degree in journalism from Kerala University, Renji started off as a reporter for several magazines and publications. It was during an interview, while working for Chithrabhumi, a film magazine, that he met director Shaji Kailas, which led him into the world of cinema and within a short time became one of the most guaranteed scriptwriters of Malayalam cinema. Renji scripted several commercially successful films for Shaji Kailas, including Dr. Pasupathy (1990), Thalastaanam (1992), Sthalathe Pradhana Payyans (1993), Ekalavyan (1993), Mafia (1993), Commissioner (1994), and The King (1995). It was the Renji Panicker-Shaji Kailas team that turned actor Suresh Gopi into a bankable lead actor during the early-1990s. He's also popular for his collaboration with director Joshiy, which includes the films Lelam (1997) and Pathram (1999). He later switched over as a film director and has directed two films. He is also one of the managing director of the Malayalam newspaper Metrovaartha. Renji has acted in several cameo roles for his own films. However, he gained popularity as an actor for his full-length role in the film Ohm Shanthi Oshaana (2014). He has gone on to act in other successful films, including Njaan (2014), Munnariyippu (2014), Aadu (2015), Premam (2015), Loham (2015), and Jacobinte Swargarajyam (2016).

Read more

Biography from TMDB.

Born
January 21, 1958 (68)
From
Nedumudi, Kerala, India
Works as
Actor and writer, also director
Titles
29 on MovieCove · 154 credits in all
Links
IMDb (opens in a new tab)TMDB (opens in a new tab)Wikidata (opens in a new tab)

Known for

TMDB popularity, last 38 days to Oct 27Down 2% in 30 days

What are Renji Panicker's films like?

Across their 15 MovieCove titles with a thematic analysis, their films lean Morality and Self.

Genres

Action6 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 27th percentile
: browse their Action movies
Comedy3 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 29th percentile
: browse their Comedy movies
Crime3 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 33rd percentile
: browse their Crime movies
Drama3 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 69th percentile, at or above their average across these genres
: browse their Drama movies

Their MovieCove films by primary genre. The badge is the typical Midcredits score of the genre's films, the median percentile; an up arrow marks a genre at or above their average across these genres.

Themes

share of theme weight
Morality
36%
Self
24%
Bonds
22%
Survival
11%
Power
7%
Justice8 titles, browse their movies with this themeFamily bonds3 titles, browse their movies with this themeFriendship2 titles, browse their movies with this themePurpose2 titles, browse their movies with this themeRomantic love3 titles, browse their movies with this themeAmbition2 titles, browse their movies with this themeSelf-worth2 titles, browse their movies with this themeCorruption2 titles, browse their movies with this theme

What they feel like to watch

their average across 15 films
ToneFeelDemandtheir average · filled zone: the category
Serious: How heavy the subject matter and outlook get. Browse their serious movies.
Tone · Weight
lightdark

A split, not a type: Light 3 · Serious 3 · Dark 9

Stylized: How far its world departs from everyday reality. Browse their stylized movies.
Tone · Style
naturalisticheightened

A split, not a type: Grounded 9 · Stylized 5 · Heightened 1

Charged: How hard the emotional peaks hit while you watch. Browse their charged movies.
Feel · Intensity
gentleintense

A split, not a type: Gentle 1 · Charged 6 · Intense 8

Shifting: How much it swings between very different feelings. Browse their shifting movies.
Feel · Swings
steadyswings

Steady 5 · Shifting 10 · Whiplash 0

Straight-faced: How much of the runtime is played for laughs. Browse their straight-faced movies.
Feel · Humor
noneconstant

Straight-faced 12 · Some laughs 1 · Funny 2

Even-paced: How fast it moves from scene to scene. Browse their even-paced movies.
Demand · Pace
slowrelentless

Slow burn 5 · Even-paced 7 · Relentless 3

Engaged: How much focus it asks of you — look away and lose the thread? Browse their engaged movies.
Demand · Attention
casualfull focus

Casual 3 · Engaged 10 · Full focus 2

Resolved: How much is left for you to interpret. Browse their resolved movies.
Demand · Resolution
resolvedambiguous

Resolved 11 · Open-ended 3 · Ambiguous 1

Roles they play

5 analyzed roles

Usually the Mentor: 3 of 5 analyzed roles.

Mentor
3 of 5
Ally
2 of 5

Moods and endings

endings are an aggregate; no title is named

Dominant moods · mentions across their titles

Tense
10
Thrilling
5
Joyful
3
Triumphant
4
Dread
2
Other
9

How their films linger

Thought-provoking6 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteRousing4 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteBittersweet4 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteFun4 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteUnsettling5 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteFeel-good2 titles, browse their movies with this aftertaste

How their films end · 4 with a twist

  • Happy4
  • Bittersweet8
  • Ambiguous3

AI-generated from each title's plot synopsis and cast list, with extra plot summaries, reviews and Parents Guide notes for titles the model may not know, and the model's own knowledge of the ones it recognizes. Only analyzed titles count, so this covers part of the filmography; the feel axes count films only for now.

Where can I watch Renji Panicker's films?

As of October 24, 2026, 21 of their 29 MovieCove titles stream on a subscription or free service, most on Prime Video (8).

Also on these channels

Subscription and free streaming for Renji Panicker's titles on MovieCove; rent and buy are not counted. Titles are listed by Midcredits score, highest first, at most 12 per service; a dashed chip is a producer credit or a minor one, such as a thanks. A service opens the browse page, which counts movies only, so its number can differ.

Filmography

154 credits, 29 with a MovieCove page.

  • Hi(2026)

    as Daasan

    Midcredits score: 82nd percentile of all films

  • Khalifa(2026)

    as Younus Ali

    Midcredits score: 69th percentile of all films

  • Dridam(2026)

    as DySP Rajeev Kumar (Voice)

    Midcredits score: 77th percentile of all films

  • Glory(2026)

    Show 5 episodes · as Kesava Panicker

    Midcredits score: 42nd percentile of all shows

  • Aadu 3(2026)

    as Pannimattathil Thomas Pappan/ Narayanan Thampuran

    Midcredits score: 60th percentile of all films

  • Secret Stories: Roslin (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2026)

    Show 6 episodes · as Ramdas Menon

  • Aghosham (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2025)

    Actor

  • Dheeram(2025)

    as Commissioner Ramdas

    Midcredits score: 62nd percentile of all films

  • The Pet Detective (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2025)

    as Jose Alula

  • Param Sundari(2025)

    as Bhargavan Nair

    Midcredits score: 57th percentile of all films

  • Mehfil (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2025)

    as Dr. Shakeel

  • e Valayam (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2025)

    Actor

  • Padakkuthira (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2025)

    as Ravi Shankar

  • Sweetheart! (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2025)

    as Manu's Father

  • Ennu Swantham Punyalan (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2025)

    as Nicholas

  • Parakramam (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2024)

    as Major Sukumaran

  • Soul Stories (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2024)

    Show 5 episodes · Actor

  • Kadha Innuvare (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2024)

    as Sivarajan

  • Hunt (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2024)

    as Padmanabha Ramaswamy

  • Manorathangal (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2024)

    Show 1 episode · as Pathmanabhan

  • Secret (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2024)

    as MLA

  • DNA (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2024)

    Actor

  • Little Hearts (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2024)

    as Johnson

  • Queen Elizabeth (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2023)

    as Dr Vysakh

  • A Ranjith Cinema(2023)

    Actor

    Midcredits score: 55th percentile of all films

  • Thaal (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2023)

    as Dr. Giri Shankar

  • Bullet Diaries (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2023)

    as Sadanandan

  • Otta (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2023)

    Actor

  • Masterpeace (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2023)

    Show 5 episodes · as Chandichan

  • 2018(2023)

    as Anu's Father

    Midcredits score: 99th percentile of all films

  • Kolambi (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2023)

    Actor

  • SECTION 306 IPC (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2023)

    Actor

  • Alone (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2023)

    as Colonel (voice)

  • Iru (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2023)

    Actor

  • Malikappuram (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2022)

    as Head master

  • Gold(2022)

    Actor

    Midcredits score: 14th percentile of all films

  • Kooman(2022)

    as CI Somasekharan Pillai

    Midcredits score: 87th percentile of all films

  • Varaal (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2022)

    Actor

  • Two Men (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2022)

    Actor

  • Kaduva(2022)

    as Vigilance Court Judge

    Midcredits score: 48th percentile of all films

  • Ullasam (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2022)

    as Richard Menon

  • Kochaal (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2022)

    as Rajan

  • CBI 5: The Brain(2022)

    as Balagopal

    Midcredits score: 33rd percentile of all films

  • Twenty One Grams (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2022)

    as Dr. Alex Koshy

  • Night Drive(2022)

    as Roy Mathew

    Midcredits score: 69th percentile of all films

  • Naradan(2022)

    as Advocate Govindamenon

    Midcredits score: 51st percentile of all films

  • Member Rameshan 9aam Ward (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2022)

    as MLA

  • Aaraattu (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2022)

    as P. Jayamohan I.P.S.,

  • Muddy(2021)

    as Noah

    Midcredits score: 71st percentile of all films

  • Kaaval(2021)

    as Antony

    Midcredits score: 31st percentile of all films

  • Backpackers (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2021)

    Actor

  • Forensic(2020)

    as Abdul Wahab

    Midcredits score: 72nd percentile of all films

  • Gauthamante Radham (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2020)

    as Ramachandran

  • Kalamandalam Hyderali (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2020)

    as Kalamandalam Hyderali

  • Maarjaara Oru Kalluvacha Nuna (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2020)

    as Narrator

  • Ulta (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2019)

    Actor

  • Roudram 2018 (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2019)

    as Narayanan

  • Thelivu (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2019)

    as Ramesh Kumar I.P.S

  • Love Action Drama(2019)

    as Swathi's Father

    Midcredits score: 29th percentile of all films

  • Aniyankunjum Thannalayathu (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2019)

    as Pappichayan

  • Mohabbathin Kunjabdulla (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2019)

    as Thangal

  • Margamkali (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2019)

    Actor

  • Sachin (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2019)

    as Ramachandran

  • Oru Yamandan Premakadha(2019)

    as John Kombanayil

    Midcredits score: 22nd percentile of all films

  • Athiran (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2019)

    as Nadakkal Kovilakatthu Jayanarayana Varma

  • Childhood Friends (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2019)

    as Rajmohan Thampi

  • Sisterleaf (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2019)

    as Koshy Mathew

  • Kodathi Samaksham Balan Vakeel (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2019)

    as K.E. Eapen

  • Ningal Camera Nireekshanathilaanu (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2019)

    Actor

  • Sakalakalashala (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2019)

    Actor

  • Vijay Superum Pournamiyum (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2019)

    as Venugopal, Pournami's father

  • Ente Ummante Peru (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2018)

    as Mohammed Haider Ali (voice)

  • Vallikudilile Vellakkaran (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2018)

    as Award Presenter

  • Drama (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2018)

    as Kunjachayan

  • Bhayanakam (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2018)

    as The Postman

  • Abrahaminte Santhathikal (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2018)

    as Shahul Muhammed IPS

  • Krishnam (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2018)

    Actor

  • Naam (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2018)

    as Fr. James Kottayil

  • Orayiram Kinakkalal (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2018)

    Producer

  • Captain (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2018)

    as Coach Jaffer

  • Aami (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2018)

    as S.K Nair

  • Kadha Paranja Kadha (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2018)

    Actor

  • Masterpiece (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2017)

    as Prof. Edward Livingstone

  • Villain (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2017)

    as K. Sreenivasan

  • Solo (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2017)

    as Thomas Zachariah

  • Ramaleela (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2017)

    as Helena's Father

  • Pullikaran Stara (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2017)

    as Narrator

  • Clint (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2017)

    as V K Nambiar

  • Kadam Kadha (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2017)

    as Sreekumar

  • Role Models (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2017)

    as Shekhara Menon

  • Oru Cinemakkaran (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2017)

    as Fr. Vellani

  • Viswasapoorvam Mansoor (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2017)

    as Kalanthan Haji

  • Godha(2017)

    as Captain

    Midcredits score: 94th percentile of all films

  • Gemini (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2017)

    as Prof. Gokuldas

  • Sakhavu (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2017)

    as Kuriyachan

  • Puthan Panam (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2017)

    as DGP Iqbal Rawther

  • 1971: Beyond Borders(2017)

    as Lt. Col. Janardanan

    Midcredits score: 37th percentile of all films

  • Georgettan's Pooram (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2017)

    as Mathews Vadakkan

  • Alamara (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2017)

    Playback Singer · as Pavithran

  • Samarpanam(2017)

    Actor

    Midcredits score: 31st percentile of all films (provisional, few ratings)

  • Veeram(2017)

    as Narrator (Voice)

    Midcredits score: 59th percentile of all films

  • Ore Mukham (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2016)

    as Prakashan (Senior)

  • Thoppil Joppan (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2016)

    as Father Jacob Anakattil

  • Oru Muthassi Gadha (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2016)

    as Mathai Doctor

  • Welcome to Central Jail (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2016)

    as Gopinath

  • Oppam (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2016)

    as Padmakumar P. IPS

  • Pa.Va (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2016)

    as Thampuran Johny

  • Valleem Thetti Pulleem Thetti (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2016)

    as Madhavan Nair

  • Jacob's Kingdom of Heaven (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2016)

    as Jacob Zachariah

  • Mohavalayam (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2016)

    Actor

  • Pavada (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2016)

    as Paul Scaria

  • Charlie (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2015)

    as Panicker Doctor

  • Rajamma @ Yahoo (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2015)

    as Mayor Abraham Pothan

  • Anarkali (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2015)

    as Pappan

  • Jamnapyari (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2015)

    as Sridharan

  • Loham (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2015)

    as Albert

  • Ayal Njanalla (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2015)

    as Menon

  • Acha Dhin (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2015)

    as Thomas Chacko

  • Premam(2015)

    as David George

    Midcredits score: 99th percentile of all films

  • Ennum Eppozhum (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2015)

    as CEO of GM Builders

  • Haram (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2015)

    as Isha's father

  • Aadu (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2015)

    as Thomas Paappan

  • Picket 43 (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2015)

    as C.O. Vinay Chandran

  • Cousins (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2014)

    as Doctor

  • Njaan (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2014)

    as Kuttysankaran

  • Money Ratnam (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2014)

    as Isaac Anakkadan

  • Munnariyippu (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2014)

    as Mohan Das

  • Pakida (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2014)

    as Sreekumar

  • Ohm Shanthi Oshaana (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2014)

    as Mathew

  • The King & The Commissioner (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2012)

    Writer

  • Nari (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2009)

    Director

  • Roudram(2008)

    Director · Writer

    Midcredits score: 22nd percentile of all films

  • Bharathchandran I.P.S (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2005)

    Director · Producer · Writer

  • Dubai(2001)

    Writer

    Midcredits score: 10th percentile of all films

  • Praja(2001)

    Producer · Writer

    Midcredits score: 23rd percentile of all films

  • Pathram (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1999)

    Writer

  • Lelam (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1997)

    Writer

  • The King (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1995)

    Writer

  • Commissioner (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1994)

    Writer · as Journalist

  • Ekalavyan (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1993)

    Writer

  • Mafia (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1993)

    Writer

  • Sthalathe Pradhana Payyans (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1993)

    Writer · as Politician

  • Thalasthanam (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1992)

    Writer

  • Aakasha Kottayile Sultan (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1991)

    Screenplay

  • Archangel(1990)

    as Allied Soldier

    Midcredits score: 56th percentile of all films

  • Dr. Pasupathy (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1990)

    Writer

  • Aaravam (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)

    as MLA Chandi

  • Aayirathonnam Raavu (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)

    Actor

  • Charlie's Angel (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)

    Actor

  • Judgment Day (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)

    Director

  • Namukku Kodathiyil Kaanam (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)

    Actor

  • Raghavettante 16um Rameswara Yathrayum (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)

    Actor

  • The Police Story (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)

    Actor

  • Untitled Renji Panikar - Fafa Movie (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)

    Director · Writer

Career shape

Star power in the 92nd percentile of 239,109 people with a billed film role, over a full career of 154 titles, 146 of them dated from 1990 to 2026; peak year 2016.

Biggest box office

Oru Yamandan Premakadha (2019)

$2.2M worldwide

Highest rated

Godha (2017)

Midcredits 94th

Film career

19902026

Peak 2016 · fewer prominent film roles lately. Film roles by billing, audience size and rating; 25+ votes. A show carries a single first-air date, so shows are not on the curve.

  • 2014Screen debut· Ohm Shanthi Oshaana
  • 2016Career best· Jacob's Kingdom of Heaven

By role

only this rolewith another role
Acting137 of 154: 134 only acting, 3 with another role · typical Midcredits score58thDirecting5 of 154: 2 only directing, 3 with another roleWriting16 of 154: 10 only writing, 6 with another roleProducing3 of 154: 1 only producing, 2 with another roleOther crew1 of 154: 0 only other crew, 1 with another role

154 titles, 7 with more than one role — acting and writing overlap on 2 of them.

By decade

1990s11 · 3 acting · 10 crew2000s5 · crew2010s75 · 73 acting · 3 crew2020s55 · acting

Billing

usually 10th · top billed in 0% of 13 roles

Counts from TMDB across their full career, self appearances out; a title counts in every role they held on it. The ring is the typical Midcredits score (the median percentile) of the role's titles that are on MovieCove, shown from 5 scored. Billing is TMDB cast order for roles with 25+ votes, billed in the top 30.

How do Renji Panicker's films land?

Their typical MovieCove film has a Midcredits score in the 57th percentile, the median of all 28; across their 15 films with reception data, the typical film sits in the 27th percentile for acclaim.

Acclaim · how much people like their films

27thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 15

Approval · how many liked their films

46thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 15

Reach · how many have seen their films

57thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 15

Midcredits score across 29 titles, by percentile

  • 75th and up6
  • 50th to 74th11
  • 25th to 49th7
  • Below 25th5

Shape of the crowd

9 of their 29 titles are Universally Loved.

  • Universally Loved9
  • Divisive1
  • Cult Classic8
  • Crowd Pleaser4
  • Mixed7

Most divisive · actor

1971: Beyond Borders (2017)

99th percentile spread · 38% rated it 4 or lower

Most loved · actor

2018 (2023)

Midcredits 99th · 93% liked

Reviewers score the acting 63/100 in their films, across 13 reviewed titles; fans 77, detractors 40. The element that speaks to their work as an actor.

Percentiles are each film's standing among all films on MovieCove; the typical film is the median, so one outlier cannot drag it. Percentiles and reviewer scores count the films IMDb credits them on, for now; the Midcredits score bands, the shape of the crowd and the two cards count their MovieCove titles, shows included (a show ranked among shows), appearances as themselves left out. A descriptor is the shape of a title's IMDb rating distribution against the catalog; "most divisive" needs a spread wider than half of all titles, and a card names only a principal credit: a craft role, and on a show a crew role or a run of episodes, never a courtesy credit or a one-off guest spot.

Who does Renji Panicker work with?

People who share at least 2 of Renji Panicker's MovieCove titles, grouped by what they did on them; Mammootty shares the most, 3.

Directors

Actors

Composers and cinematographers

Producers

Mixed roles