Renji Panicker

Renji Panicker is a multifaceted Indian journalist, screenwriter, producer, actor, and director, celebrated for his significant contributions to Malayalam cinema. He launched his directorial career in 2005 with the film *Bharatchandran IPS*.

Initially stepping into the world of journalism, Renji earned his master’s degree in journalism from Kerala University and began working as a reporter for various magazines, including Chithrabhumi. It was during this time that he encountered director Shaji Kailas, which marked the start of his cinematic journey and led to his rise as a prominent scriptwriter in Malayalam films. Among his notable collaborations with Kailas are several commercially successful titles, such as *Dr. Pasupathy* (1990), *Thalastaanam* (1992), *Sthalathe Pradhana Payyans* (1993), *Ekalavyan* (1993), *Mafia* (1993), *Commissioner* (1994), and *The King* (1995). This dynamic duo played a crucial role in elevating actor Suresh Gopi to stardom in the early 1990s.

Renji also joined forces with director Joshiy, contributing to acclaimed films like *Lelam* (1997) and *Pathram* (1999). In addition to his work behind the camera, he has appeared in several cameo roles, but he gained widespread recognition for his performance in *Ohm Shanthi Oshaana* (2014). His acting credits include successful projects like *Njaan* (2014), *Munnariyippu* (2014), *Aadu* (2015), *Premam* (2015), *Loham* (2015), and *Jacobinte Swargarajyam* (2016). Alongside his film career, Renji serves as a managing director of the Malayalam newspaper Metrovaartha.