Real Estate Mogul C J Roy: From Flop to Film Legacy
Real estate mogul and builder C J Roy’s entry into the world of cinema was a story in itself. It was an unexpected affair. Film director Roshan Andrews was elated for two reasons. Mohanlal had given him a date, and his script work was completed. However, the movie titled ‘Casanovva’ demanded a budget unprecedented in Mollywood during those times. Roshan decided to give it a try, and after a long hunt for a producer, he landed up at the gates of Roy. The story seemed appealing to Roy, and a deal was signed.
Despite being a great script and filmed entirely in Dubai, the movie had a dull outing at the box office. Roy remained committed to creating good films and used to take pride in being the producer of 'Casanovva'. His resilience and dedication to the craft were evident in his continued support of the industry.
Being part of the movie helped Roy strike a great camaraderie with superstar Mohanlal. At a time when the Malayalam industry was reeling in crisis during the Covid pandemic, Roy financed the award-winning movie ‘Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea’, in which Mohanlal appeared in the lead role. This film was a significant milestone in Roy’s career, showcasing his commitment to quality and his belief in the potential of the Malayalam film industry.
Tovino Thomas' film 'Identity' and Suresh Gopi's 'Mein Hoom Moosa' also came under the production partnership of C.J. Roy. His last production venture was ‘Anomie’ starring Bhavna in the titular character. The movie will be released in 2026, marking a fitting end to Roy’s journey in the film industry.
CJ Roy shot himself to death in his Bengaluru office amidst an IT raid on Friday. The tragic incident sent shockwaves through the film industry and the real estate community, leaving many to reflect on his contributions and the impact he had on the Malayalam film landscape.
Roy’s legacy in the film industry is a testament to his vision and passion. Despite the initial setback with ‘Casanovva’, he never lost faith in the power of storytelling and the importance of supporting artists and filmmakers. His support for Mohanlal and other notable actors and directors has left an indelible mark on the Malayalam film industry.
