Lijo Jose Pellissery (born September 18, 1978) is a renowned Indian filmmaker and actor, primarily working in Malayalam cinema. He is celebrated for his bold, unconventional storytelling and experimental approach to filmmaking. Lijo’s films are known for their complex narratives, inventive visual style, and strong ensemble casts, often blending realism with surreal elements. Over the years, he has garnered critical acclaim and a strong cult following for pushing the boundaries of mainstream Malayalam cinema. Lijo made his directorial debut with Nayakan (2010), but it was his later films that truly established his unique cinematic voice. His film Amen (2013), a quirky musical drama set in a small village, was a commercial and critical success, showcasing his ability to blend humor, romance, and social commentary. However, it was Angamaly Diaries (2017) that brought him widespread recognition. The film, shot in a raw, naturalistic style with a cast of newcomers, depicted the vibrant, chaotic world of the titular town. Its famous 11-minute single-take climax became a defining moment in modern Malayalam cinema. Following that, Lijo’s Ee.Ma.Yau (2018) won several awards for its powerful portrayal of death and grief in a coastal village, using dark humor and deeply philosophical undertones. Lijo continued to challenge conventional filmmaking with Jallikattu (2019), a visceral and visually stunning film about the chaos that ensues when a buffalo escapes in a rural village. Jallikattu was India’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 2020 Academy Awards, marking Lijo’s global recognition. His films often explore the primal instincts of humans, societal chaos, and the dynamics of rural life, all while maintaining a sense of authenticity and local flavor. With his bold vision and fearless experimentation, Lijo Jose Pellissery has become one of the most innovative and influential filmmakers in contemporary Indian cinema.
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Biography from TMDB.
- September 18, 1978 (48)
- Chalakudy, Kerala, India
- Director and writer
- 3 on MovieCove · 26 credits in all
Known for
Where can I watch Lijo Jose Pellissery's films?
As of October 24, 2026, all 3 MovieCove titles stream on a subscription or free service.
Subscription and free streaming for Lijo Jose Pellissery'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
26 credits, 3 with a MovieCove page; 3 appearances as themselves are hidden until asked for.
Nishaanchi(2025)
Midcredits score: 79th percentile of all films
Moonwalk (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2025)
Kovarty (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2025)
Painkili (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2025)
Pallotty 90's Kids (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2024)
Malaikottai Vaaliban (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2024)
Midcredits score: 93rd percentile of all films
Story of a Beginning (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2021)
Churuli (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2021)
Jallikattu(2019)
Midcredits score: 85th percentile of all films
Thamasha (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2019)
Padayottam (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2018)
Ee.Ma.Yau. (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2018)
Swathanthryam Ardharathriyil (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2018)
Mayaanadhi (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2017)
Angamaly Diaries (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2017)
Akashvani (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2016)
Double Barrel (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2015)
Oru Korean Padam (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2014)
Sapthamashree Thaskaraha (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2014)
Amen (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2013)
Bombay March 12 (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2011)
City of God (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2011)
Nayakan (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2010)
Dilkashi (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)
Untitled LJP Film (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)