C J Roy's Sudden Death Shocks Kerala's Film and Real Estate Sectors

KOCHI: The untimely demise of businessman C J Roy on Friday has come as a big shock to the Kerala public. Roy, who was 57, took his own life just days before the release of his latest co-produced film, Anomie: The Equation of Death, starring Bhavana in the lead role.

Roy was the chairman of realty firm Confident Group and a film producer. His death has left both the film and real estate industries in a state of mourning. “Roy was an active member of the Kerala Film Producers’ Association and a successful producer. The shooting of his recent film, Bangalore High, concluded only a few days ago,” said B Rakesh, the association president.

Roy had been active in the film industry for over a decade. The films he co-produced include Mohanlal-starrers Casanovva (2012) and Ladies and Gentleman (2013), Suresh Gopi’s Mei Hoom Moosa (2022), and Identity (2025), which stars Tovino Thomas. He also partnered with Antony Perumbavoor for the film Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea (2021), directed by Priyadarshan.

His contributions to the film industry were significant, and his passing is deeply felt. “His demise is a big shock to the people in the film industry,” Rakesh added.

In the real estate sector, Roy’s impact was equally profound. Paul Raj of Alfa Ventures developers shared, “Roy and I have met several times, and on all of those occasions, he was ready and willing to share his insights about the industry and how best to augment it. He was a strong businessman. What transpired today is very unfortunate.”

Edward George P, president of CREDAI, the apex body of private real estate developers in India, echoed similar sentiments. “While I don’t know Roy personally, his work spoke for him. Confident Group was always known to do their projects in a time-bound manner. Their works, the footprints of which you will find all over Kochi, are not high-fi. But going by their customer satisfaction, they were good works,” he said.

Roy and Confident Group were not part of CREDAI, but their reputation for responsibility and quality was well-established. “He, and by extension, his company, were not part of CREDAI. But Confident Group was, no doubt, a responsible developer,” Edward highlighted.

Paul added, “Confident Group chose to stay on their own and not be part of CREDAI, because they were good and had conviction in their own strength, a part of which was derived from Roy himself, his vision.” His passing is a big shock to those in the real estate industry, he added.

The film, Anomie: The Equation of Death, is set to release soon, and it will likely be a tribute to Roy’s legacy in the film industry. His contributions to both the film and real estate sectors will be remembered and honored by his peers and the broader community.