{{short description|Indian actor and film producer}} {{Indian patronymic|Kunchacko|Boban}} {{use Indian English|date=May 2014}} {{Use dmy dates|date=September 2019}} {{Infobox person | name = Kunchacko Boban | image = Kunchacko boban.JPG | caption = Kunchacko Boban in 2008 | birth_name = | birth_place = Alappuzha, Kerala, India | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1973|11|2|df=y}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/151102/entertainment-mollywood/article/chackochan-gets-birthday-surprise-sets|title=Chackochan gets a birthday surprise on sets|date=3 November 2015|time={{time needed |date=November 2016}}}}</ref> | alma_mater = {{ubl|St. Berchmans College, Changanassery|Sanatana Dharma College, Alappuzha (B. Com.)}} | occupation = {{hlist|Actor|producer|businessman}} | years_active = 1981 (child artist);<br/>1997–present | works = Full list | other_names = Chackochan<ref>{{cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/chackochan |title=Latest News, Videos and Photos of Chackochan |website=The Times of India}}</ref><br>Ku Bo<br>Kunchacks | spouse = {{marriage|Priya Ann Samuel|2005}} | children = 1 | father = Boban Kunchacko | relatives = {{ubl|Kunchacko (grandfather)|Jijo Punnoose (uncle)|Navodaya Appachan (granduncle)|Rohan Biju (Nephew)| Sarah Biju (Niece)}} | family = See Kunchacko family | awards = }}
'''Kunchacko Boban''' (born 2 November 1973) is an Indian actor and film producer who works in the Malayalam film industry.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://english.manoramaonline.com/entertainment/interview/2017/08/09/kunchacko-boban-on-changing-roles-varnyathil-ashanka.html |title=Four decades of Kunchacko Boban |access-date=10 November 2017 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811125029/https://english.manoramaonline.com/entertainment/interview/2017/08/09/kunchacko-boban-on-changing-roles-varnyathil-ashanka.html |archivedate=11 August 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref> He is referred to as '''Chackochan''', and during the early 2000s, he was called "chocolate boy" because of his romantic image.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-07-13 |title=Kunchacko Boban: 'I used to unwind myself by reading Padmini's script during the filming of the highly-challenging Ariyippu' |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/malayalam/actor-kunchacko-boban-script-padmini-romance-cinema-senna-hegde-ariyippu-8826960/ |access-date=2023-08-05 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Romance is more complex: Kunchacko Boban |date=28 November 2017 |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/mollywood/281117/romance-is-more-complex-kunchacko-boban.html}}</ref> He has acted in more than 100 films in more than two decades. He is a member of the Kunchacko family.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/back-in-the-reckoning/article8334707.ece |title=Back in the reckoning |newspaper=The Hindu |date=10 March 2016 |access-date=23 June 2016|last1=Anand |first1=Shilpa Nair }}</ref>
Kunchacko's debut was as a child in the film ''Dhanya'' (1981) produced by his father Boban Kunchacko.<ref>{{cite news|last=George|first=Anjana|title=Mollywood stars recall their stint as child artistes|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/Mollywood-stars-recall-their-stint-as-child-artistes/articleshow/55410938.cms|access-date=29 November 2017|work=The Times of India|date=27 January 2017|archiveurl=https://archive.today/20171129152413/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/Mollywood-stars-recall-their-stint-as-child-artistes/articleshow/55410938.cms|archivedate=29 November 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Ramachandran|first=Mythily|title=Kunchako Boban revives family banner 'Udhaya Pictures'|url=http://gulfnews.com/life-style/celebrity/desi-news/south-india/kunchako-boban-revives-family-banner-udhaya-pictures-1.1911739|access-date=29 November 2017|work=Gulf News|date=12 October 2016|archiveurl=https://archive.today/20171129152647/http://gulfnews.com/life-style/celebrity/desi-news/south-india/kunchako-boban-revives-family-banner-udhaya-pictures-1.1911739|archivedate=29 November 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> He debuted as an adult leading role in Fazil's 1997 romantic drama ''Aniyathipraavu'' opposite Shalini, which became the highest-grossing Malayalam film till that point, establishing him as a bankable actor overnight.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/kunchacko-boban-turns-nostalgic-while-travelling-through-this-lane/articleshow/79722728.cms|title=Kunchacko Boban turns nostalgic while travelling through THIS lane!|work=The Times of India|date=14 December 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/the-keralakollywood-script/article7453288.ece|title=The Kerala-Kollywood script|work=The Hindu|date=23 July 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/offscreen-tales-of-box-office-hits/article6417673.ece|title=Off-screen tales of box office hits|work=The Hindu|date=17 September 2014}}</ref> He appeared in a brief role in ''Harikrishnans'' (1998) starring Mohanlal and Mammootty, which was the top Malayalam box office grosser of the year. Kunchacko and Shalini joined again in the successful romantic films ''Nakshatratharattu'' (1998), ''Niram'' (1999) and ''Prem Poojari'' (1999).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Thomas |first=Edison |date=21 July 2014 |title=I'm taking my films more seriously now: Kunchacko Boban |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/im-taking-my-films-more-seriously-now-kunchacko-boban/articleshow/38743585.cms |website=The Times of India}}</ref> Niram emerged as one of the highest-grossing films of the year, spawning several remakes. By then he had created a "romantic hero" image in Malayalam cinema, nevertheless, he also had success in other genres, as a villager in the comedy ''Narendran Makan Jayakanthan Vaka'' (2001) and as a son to a debt-ridden family in the drama ''Kasthooriman'' (2003). His career took a setback after few box office failures during the mid-2000s. He took a break from films in 2006 and moved on to business.
Post a hiatus of three years he returned to films with the 2009 comedy ''Gulumal: The Escape'', a commercial success.<ref>{{cite web |author=Gayathry |url=https://www.filmibeat.com/malayalam/news/2013/jayasurya-kunchacko-boban-movie-locals-120982.html |title=Jayasurya And Kunchacko Boban in Locals – Oneindia Entertainment |publisher=Oneindia |date=28 September 2013 |access-date=25 October 2013 |archive-date=29 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029191813/http://entertainment.oneindia.in/malayalam/news/2013/jayasurya-kunchacko-boban-movie-locals-120982.html |url-status=live }}</ref> After his comeback, Kunchacko completely changed his romantic hero image and he proved his versatility as an actor by doing various different roles.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/mollywood/220718/breaking-the-filmy-mould.html |title=Breaking the filmy mould |access-date=22 March 2018}}</ref> He regained his stardom with commercially successful films and reestablished himself as one of the popular lead actors of Malayalam cinema.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://onlookersmedia.in/latestnews/kunchacko-boban-says-he-do-not-deserve-the-title-of-a-superstar |title=Kunchacko Boban says he does not deserve the title of a Superstar |date=4 September 2015 |access-date=25 September 2015}}</ref> His roles in critically and commercially acclaimed films like ''Traffic'' (2011), ''How Old Are'' ''You?'' (2014), ''Take Off'' (2017), ''Vettah'' (2016), ''Virus'' (2019), ''Anjaam Pathiraa'' (2020), ''Nayattu'' (2021), ''Pada'' (2022), ''Nna Thaan Case Kodu'' (2022), ''2018'' (2023), ''Bougainvillea'' (2024) and ''Officer on Duty'' (2025) were widely appreciated. He won the Kerala State Film Award for his performance in the satire, ''Nna Thaan Case Kodu'' and the ensemble survival thriller ''2018'' (2023) became the highest grossing Malayalam film up to that point. He is also known for his dancing skills.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.filmibeat.com/malayalam/news/2018/kunchacko-boban-is-at-his-best-kuttanadan-marpappa-song-272542.html |title=Kunchacko Boban Is at His Best in This New Dance Number! |date=22 March 2018 |access-date=22 March 2018}}</ref>
In 2016, Kunchacko produced the comedy drama film ''Kochavva Paulo Ayyappa Coelho'' through Udaya Studios, in the process of reviving the studio after a 30-year hiatus.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.filmibeat.com/malayalam/news/2016/kunchacko-boban-with-kochavva-paulo-ayyappa-coelho-218385.html |title=Kunchacko Boban With 'Kochavva Paulo Ayyappa Coelho' |date=7 March 2016 |access-date=15 March 2016}}</ref> He also launched another production house, Kunchacko Boban Productions, debuting with the Mahesh Narayanan directorial, ''Ariyippu'' (2022), which premiered in the ''Concorso internazionale'' of the 75th Locarno Film Festival on 4 August 2022, where it was nominated for Golden Leopard.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-12-07 |title=Mahesh Narayanan's 'Ariyippu' to premiere December 16 on Netflix |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/mahesh-narayanans-ariyippu-to-premiere-december-16-on-netflix/article66234776.ece#:~:text=The%20film%20is%20directed%20by,Netflix%20from%2016th%20December%202022. |access-date=2025-04-12 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
==Early life and family== <!-- Deleted image removed: thumb|right|upright|Boban with his wife Priya --> Kunchacko Boban (also known as Chackochan)<ref>{{cite news |title=Chackochan shows off his cooking skills, prepares health drink |url=https://english.mathrubhumi.com/movies-music/news/movie-actor-kunchacko-boban-8148a3ce?utm_source=chatgpt.com |work=@mathrubhumi |date=2 August 2021 |language=en}}</ref>{{AI-retrieved source|date=March 2026|checked=no}} was born in Alappuzha, Kerala. He hails from the Maliampurakal family, which is credited for owning the first film studio in Kerala, Udaya Studios,<ref>{{cite news |last1=archive |first1=From our online |title=Kerala's famed Udaya studio to be a memory soon |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2019/May/06/keralas-famed-udaya-studio-to-be-a-memory-soon-1973404.html#:~:text=The%20studio%20that%20was%20set,industry%2C%22%20Director%20Blessy%20said. |work=The New Indian Express |date=6 May 2019 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="pycker">{{cite web|url=https://pycker.com/celebrities/kunchacko-boban/biography|title=Kunchacko Boban Biography|access-date=23 June 2012|archive-date=5 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190805124731/https://pycker.com/celebrities/kunchacko-boban/biography|url-status=dead}}</ref> considered the ancestral home of the Malayalam film industry. His great-grandfather, M. M. Chacko, started the first boat service in Kuttanad.
He was named after his grandfather, the legendary film producer Kunchacko, who established Udaya Studios. He is the grand-nephew<ref>{{cite news |title=Happy Birthday Kunchacko Boban |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/happy-birthday-kunchacko-boban/articleshow/66472736.cms#:~:text=Mollwood's%20all%20time%20chocolate%20hero,Allu%20Ramendran%20and%20Thattinpurath%20Achyuthan. |work=The Times of India |date=2 November 2018}}</ref> of Navodaya Appachan of Navodaya Studios. His father, Boban Kunchako, is the cousin of Jijo Punnose, also a film director.<ref name="pycker"/> His father, Boban Kunchacko, was also an actor, director, and producer who was part of a few films produced by Udaya. Kunchacko’s mother, Molly, is a housewife and has two younger sisters, Anu and Minu.<ref name="pycker"/>
After completing his pre-degree<ref>{{cite news |title=‘പഠിക്കാനാണ് പോയത്, കളിച്ചു നടക്കാനല്ല’, ഒരിക്കൽ മാത്രം ക്ലാസ് കട്ട് ചെയ്ത് സിനിമയ്ക്ക് പോയി; എസ്ബി ഓർമകളുമായി കുഞ്ചാക്കോ ബോബൻ |url=https://www.manoramaonline.com/career-education/education-news/2021/06/21/kunchacko-boban-share-his-memoirs-about-sb-college-changanacherry.html |work=‘പഠിക്കാനാണ് പോയത്, കളിച്ചു നടക്കാനല്ല’, ഒരിക്കൽ മാത്രം ക്ലാസ് കട്ട് ചെയ്ത് സിനിമയ്ക്ക് പോയി; എസ്ബി ഓർമകളുമായി കുഞ്ചാക്കോ ബോബൻ |language=ml}}</ref> from SB College, Changanacherry, in 1996, he graduated with a first-class in B.Com from SD College, Alappuzha,<ref>{{cite news |title=Kunchacko Boban revisits his college days |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/kunchacko-boban-revisits-his-college-days/articleshow/62523605.cms |work=The Times of India |date=16 January 2018}}</ref> in 1997.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/Im-taking-my-films-more-seriously-now-Kunchacko-Boban/articleshow/38743585.cms |title=Kunchacko Boban's degree |newspaper=The Times of India |access-date=25 July 2014|last1=Thomas |first1=Edison }}</ref> Being an avid sports enthusiast, he plays various games like cricket, table tennis, basketball, and badminton, with badminton being the one he is best at. He was trained in Bharatanatyam<ref>{{cite news |title=ഡാൻസ് കളിക്കാൻ പഠിപ്പിച്ചത് അമ്മച്ചിയാണെന്ന് ചാക്കോച്ചൻ |url=https://malayalam.samayam.com/malayalam-cinema/celebrity-news/my-grandmother-teach-me-to-dance-well-says-kunchacko-boban/articleshow/70410399.cms |work=Samayam Malayalam |language=ml}}</ref> during his childhood.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Shrijith |first1=Sajin |title=INTERVIEW {{!}} I just want to be known as 'The Actor', says Malayalam actor Kunchacko Boban |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/2022/Sep/01/interview-i-just-want-to-be-known-as-the-actor-says-malayalam-actor-kunchacko-boban-2493509.html |work=The New Indian Express |date=2 September 2022 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/entertainment/regional/malayalam/kunchacko-boban-uses-lockdown-to-perfect-his-shuttle-skills/videoshow/74911954.cms|title=Kunchacko Boban is a fantastic badminton player |website=The Times of India |access-date=30 March 2020}}</ref>
==Personal life== Kunchacko Boban married his fan-turned long-term sweetheart, Priya Ann Samuel, on April 2, 2005, at the Little Flower Syro-Malabar Catholic Church in Ernakulam.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.facebook.com/KunchackoBoban/photos/pb.289882494497562.-2207520000../1590385624447236/?type=3&theater|website = Facebook | title = Facebook Photo }}{{better source needed|date=June 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://english.mathrubhumi.com/movies-music/movie-news/kunchacko-boban-celebrates-14th-wedding-anniversary-says-this-year-is-extra-special--1.3696272|title=Kunchacko Boban celebrates 14th wedding anniversary|access-date=2 April 2019|archive-date=4 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190804174748/https://english.mathrubhumi.com/movies-music/movie-news/kunchacko-boban-celebrates-14th-wedding-anniversary-says-this-year-is-extra-special--1.3696272|url-status=dead}}</ref> They became parents to Izahaak Boban Kunchacko on April 16, 2019.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/malayalam/kunchacko-boban-priya-ann-samuel-blessed-with-baby-boy-5681587/|title=Kunchacko Boban and Priya Ann Samuel blessed with a baby boy |access-date=16 April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/kunchacko-boban-names-his-son-izahaak/articleshow/69304929.cms|title=Kunchacko Boban names his son Izahaak |website=The Times of India |access-date=13 May 2019}}</ref> His son's baptism took place on 30 June 2019, and the event was attended by prominent personalities of the Malayalam film industry.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/meet-izahaak-actor-kunchacko-posts-video-his-babys-baptism-105600|title=Izahaak Boban Kunchacko baptism |date=17 July 2019 |access-date=17 July 2019}}</ref>
==Acting career== ===1997–2006=== Kunchacko Boban was introduced into the Malayalam film industry by versatile director Fazil. His debut film, ''Aniyathipraavu'' (1997), co-starring Shalini, and directed by Fazil,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metromatinee.com/artist/Kunchacko%20Boban-1042 |title=kunchacko boban |date=8 June 2011 |access-date=2 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120609145104/http://www.metromatinee.com/artist/Kunchacko%20Boban-1042 |archive-date=9 June 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> turned out to be the highest-grossing Malayalam film ever and Kunchacko Boban's performance as Sudhi, the lead character was well received by young audiences and families. The Kunchacko Boban - Shalini pair was considered one of the best star pairs of the Malayalam film industry.|<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mathrubhumi.com/movies-music/news/20-years-of-aniyathi-pravu-kunchako-boban-shalini-actress-1.1680371|title=നല്ല സിനിമ മരിക്കില്ല; അനിയത്തിപ്രാവ് തെളിവ്...|date=24 January 2017 |access-date=24 January 2017}}</ref>
Following the success of ''Aniyathipraavu'', Kunchacko Boban was cast in hit films such as ''Nakshathrathaarattu'' (1998), ''Mayilpeelikkavu'' (1998) and ''Niram'' (1999), which was among 1999's highest-grossing Malayalam films and songs of "Niram" are still very popular.{{citation needed|date=May 2023}} The actor reunited with his debut film's director Fazil in ''Harikrishnans'', where he played a cameo, which marked the reunion of Mohanlal and Mammootty after eight years and it was the highest-grossing Malayalam film of the year.|<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.filmibeat.com/malayalam/news/2017/mammootty-mohanlal-s-harikrishnans-location-stills-throwback-263245.html|title=THROWBACK: Mammootty & Mohanlal's Harikrishnans Location |date=14 June 2017 |access-date=15 June 2017}}</ref> Then he appeared in commercially successful films such as ''Priyam'' (2000), ''Sathyam Sivam Sundaram'' (2000), ''Dosth'' (2001), ''Narendran Makan Jayakanthan Vaka'' (2001) and ''Kalyanaraman'' (2002).
In 2005, after his marriage, he took a break from films.
===2008–present=== Kunchacko Boban returned to films in 2008 with a special appearance in a song in ''Twenty:20'' and later acted in Shafi's ''LollyPop''. His real comeback was in 2009 with comedy film ''Gulumal: The Escape'', directed by popular ad filmmaker and director V. K. Prakash. ''Gulumal'' was followed by a string of successful films which established him as one of the most successful actors of the last decade and he made a complete makeover of his screen image in his comeback.
In 2010 he played the lead role in the films such as Jeethu Joseph's ''Mummy & Me'', ''Sakudumbam Shyamala'' and Lal Jose's ''Elsamma Enna Aankutty'', all of which were commercial successes and reviewers praised Kunchacko Boban for his performance in ''Elsamma Enna Aankutty''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/top-10-malayalam-grossers-of-2010-imagegallery-10-malayalam-lbfk9Ueijffsi.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190418150721/http://www.sify.com/movies/top-10-malayalam-grossers-of-2010-imagegallery-10-malayalam-lbfk9Ueijffsi.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=18 April 2019 |website=Sify |title=top-10-malayalam-grossers-of-2010 |access-date=15 June 2011}}</ref>
In 2011, he played the central character in the road thriller film ''Traffic''. The film's success and wide critical acclaim ushered in a trend that followed in Malayalam cinema, dubbed the ''New generation movies''. This was followed by another film ''Seniors'' where for the first time he took on a negative role playing a criminal, which was commercial success at the box office<ref>{{cite web |url=http://m.sify.com/movies/boxoffice.php?id=14971482 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320194845/http://m.sify.com/movies/boxoffice.php?id=14971482 |url-status=dead |archive-date=20 March 2018 |title=Kerala has a sunny summer box office! |work=Sify |date=31 December 2011}}</ref> and he won SIIMA Award for Best Actor in a Negative Role - Malayalam. In the same year he acted again in films like ''Three Kings'', ''Sevens'' and ''Doctor Love''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://boxofficeverdicts.blogspot.com/2012/01/kerala-box-office-review-2011.html |title=List of {{sic|succ|esful|nolink=y}} Films in 2011 |access-date=10 January 2012}}</ref> He also won the Youth Icon award at Asianet Film Awards.
In 2012, he was featured in three films, Lal Jose's ''Spanish Masala'', ''Ordinary'' and ''Mallu Singh''. In ''Spanish Masala'' he played a full-length negative role which had Dileep as main lead. ''Ordinary'' had a high opening at the Kerala box office and had 10,000 showings in theatres before reaching the 50-day mark.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/malayalam/article/81774.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120508031714/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/malayalam/article/81774.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=8 May 2012 |title="Ordinary" completes 10000 shows |website=IndiaGlitz.com |date=4 May 2012 |access-date=28 January 2018}}</ref> ''Mallu Singh'' is credited as 50th film of Kunchacko Boban.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Paresh C Palicha|title=Review: Nothing original about Mallu Singh|url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/review/south-review-mallu-singh/20120507.htm|date=7 May 2012|work=Rediff.com|language=en}}</ref> ''Ordinary'' and ''Mallu Singh'' both films became major commercial success at the box office.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.movies-malayalam.com/p/malayalam-box-office-2012.html |title=Kerala box office 2012 |access-date=20 December 2012}}</ref>
His started 2013 with comedy thriller ''Romans'', which was a blockbuster at the box office and later, ''3 Dots'', ''God for Sale: Bhakthi Prasthanam'',<ref>{{cite web |last=Thomas |first=Pramod |url=http://newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/A-badly-made-movie-built-on-a-weak-script/2013/10/16/article1660135.ece |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029191340/http://newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/A-badly-made-movie-built-on-a-weak-script/2013/10/16/article1660135.ece |url-status=dead |archive-date=29 October 2013 |title=A badly made movie built on a weak script |work=The New Indian Express |date=16 October 2013 |access-date=25 October 2013}}</ref> ''Kadhaveedu'', ''Vishudhan'', and ''Pullipulikalum Aattinkuttiyum'', a commercial success.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.filmibeat.com/malayalam/reviews/2013/pullipulikalum-aattinkuttiyum-movie-review-116840.html|title=Pullipulikalum Aattinkuttiyum - Movie Review|date=9 August 2013}}</ref>
Kunchacko Boban also gained critical acclaim for his performance, in films such as ''God for Sale: Bhakthi Prasthanam'' (2013), ''Vishudhan'' (2013), ''Kadhaveedu'' (2013), ''How Old Are You'' (2014), ''Madhura Naranga'' (2015), ''Valiya Chirakulla Pakshikal'' (2015) and ''Vettah'' (2016).
He was also a part of ''Valiya Chirakulla Pakshikal'', directed by Dr. Biju, was an eye-opener on how the use of endosulfan affected Northern Kerala villages.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://gulfnews.com/uae/environment/killing-fields-of-kasaragod-1.1830104 |title=Killing fields of Kasaragod |date=18 May 2016 |access-date=25 May 2016}}</ref> The film was screened at the United Nations and was also selected for many world-famous film festivals including the Toronto Film Festival, New York Indian Film Festival, and International Film Festival of India. ''Valiya Chirakulla Pakshikal'' earned the national award for Best Film made on environmental preservation.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/63rd-National-Film-Awards-List-of-winners/articleshow/51580133.cms |title=63rd National Film Awards: List of winners |website=The Times of India |access-date=15 March 2017}}</ref>
In 2016, Kunchacko revamped Udaya Pictures, the iconic Malayalam production house. ''Kochauvva Paulo Ayyappa Coelho'' marked his debut as a producer under this new film outfit.
The year 2017 saw three films, ''Take Off'', ''Ramante Eden Thottam'' and ''Varnyathil Aashanka'', earned him numerous accolades as a mature and versatile actor.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.filmibeat.com/malayalam/news/2017/kunchacko-boban-movies-2017-yet-another-fantastic-year-the-actor-in-him-270611.html |title=Kunchacko Boban's 2017: Yet Another Fantastic Year for the Actor in Him! |date=28 December 2017 |access-date=2 January 2018}}</ref> ''Take Off'' was produced in memory of the late director Rajesh Pillai and earned several awards in State, National and International competitions.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/national-film-awards-jury-praises-standard-malayalam-films-and-quality-acting-79519 |title=65th National Film Awards: List of winners |date=13 April 2018 |access-date=20 April 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/gk-current-affairs/story/international-film-festival-of-india-1096545-2017-11-29 |title=48th International Film Festival of India |date=29 November 2017 |access-date=29 November 2017}}</ref> The characters of these films earned him the Family Hero award at the Vanitha Film Awards and Best Actor critics award at the Asianet Film Awards.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://regional.pinkvilla.com/malayalam/news/vanitha-film-awards-2018-winners |title=Vanitha Film Awards 2018: Here are the winners |access-date=26 February 2018 |archive-date=12 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190812085214/https://regional.pinkvilla.com/malayalam/news/vanitha-film-awards-2018-winners/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> The film also happened to release on the 20th anniversary of his film debut ''Aniyathipravu''.
He began 2018 with back-to-back successful films, ''Shikkari Shambhu'', ''Kuttanadan Marpappa'' and ''Panchavarnathatha''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.filmibeat.com/malayalam/news/2018/kunchacko-boban-has-scored-hat-trick-hits-2018-so-far-273439.html|title=Kunchacko Boban Has Already Scored A Hat-trick Of Hits in 2018 So Far!|date=30 April 2018|access-date=30 April 2018}}</ref> His next two releases were ''Mangalyam Thanthunanena'' and ''Johny Johny Yes Appa''. His final release of the year was Lal Jose's ''Thattumpurath Achuthan''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.imdb.com/list/ls026078272/|title=2018:All Malayalam Movies Box Office Verdict |website=IMDb |access-date=9 April 2018}}</ref>
His releases of 2019 were comedy-thriller ''Allu Ramendran'' and a medical thriller ''Virus''. Allu Ramendran met with a positive response and was a commercial success. Virus received critical acclaim and was a major box office success of 2019. His performance in both films was highly praised. His first release of 2020 was crime thriller ''Anjaam Pathiraa'', in which he played the central character, Anwar Hussain. The film received highly positive reviews and becomes the first blockbuster film of 2020 in Malayalam Film Industry. The film considered the highest-grossing Malayalam films of the year grossed ₹50 crores worldwide <ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/malayalam-film-anjaam-pathira-gets-hindi-remake-132090|title=Malayalam film 'Anjaam Pathiraa' gets a Hindi remake|work=The News Minute|date=1 September 2020|access-date=18 June 2021}}</ref> and also the highest TRP rated Malayalam film of the year across all channels as well as Surya Tv's all-time biggest TRP rated film ever.
He started 2021 with three movies. ''Nayattu'',<ref name="techradar.com">{{Cite web|url=https://www.techradar.com/news/malayalam-movie-nayattu-is-a-big-winner-on-indian-ott-platform|title = Malayalam movie Nayattu is a big winner on Indian OTT platform|date = 10 May 2021}}</ref> which was released in theatres on 8 April, was critically acclaimed for showing the truth of the political circus. The movie was later released on Netflix.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/nayattu-movie-review-kunchako-boban-joju-george-and-nimisha-sajayan-starrer-thriller-shows-the-truth-of-political-circus-7309008/|title = Nayattu movie review: Kunchako Boban, Joju George, Nimisha Sajayan's thriller shows the truth of political circus|date = 10 May 2021}}</ref> The other two, ''Nizhal''<ref name="indianexpress.com">{{Cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/nizhal-movie-review-nayanthara-kunchacko-boban-starrer-thriller-is-disappointing-7311024/|title=Nizhal movie review: Nayanthara, Kunchacko Boban thriller is high on promise and low on delivery|date=12 May 2021}}</ref> and ''Mohan Kumar Fans'', were also released in theatres.'Mohan Kumar Fans' was praised for their effective blend of satire and emotional drama.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/reviews/malayalam/2021/mar/19/mohan-kumar-fans-movie-review-a-fairly-effective-blend-of-satire-and-emotional-drama-23451.html|title = Mohan Kumar Fans Movie Review: A fairly effective blend of satire and emotional drama| website=Cinema Express | date=19 March 2021 }}</ref> He ended 2021 with ''Bheemante Vazhi'', which saw a theatre release on 3 December 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mathrubhumi.com/mobile/movies-music/news/kunchacko-boban-chemban-vinod-ashraf-hamsa-movie-bheemante-vazhi-release-date-announced-1.6149468|title=കുഞ്ചാക്കോ ബോബന്റെ 'ഭീമന്റെ വഴി' ഡിസംബറിൽ തീയേറ്ററുകളിൽ|date=5 November 2021 }}</ref> After four weeks of theatrical run, the film was released in Amazon Prime Video on 30 December 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://getindianews.com/bheemante-vazhi-ott-release-date-and-time-on-amazon-prime-video-confirmed/|title=Bheemante Vazhi OTT Release Date and Time on Amazon Prime Video Confirmed|date=15 January 2024 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.asianetnews.com/entertainment-news/bheemante-vazhi-on-amazon-prime-video-ott-release-kunchacko-boban-chemban-vinod-jose-r4x9zl|title=Bheemante Vazhi on Prime Video : ചാക്കോച്ചന്റെ വേറിട്ട കഥാപാത്രം; 'ഭീമന്റെ വഴി' ആമസോണ് പ്രൈമില്}}</ref>
He started 2022 with political social-thriller film ''Pada'' and starred in ''Ariyippu'' and ''Nna Thaan Case Kodu'' later that year. All three films opened to highly positive reviews.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/pada-movie-review-captivating-thriller-on-a-real-life-fight-for-adivasi-rights-and-the-fury-of-the-oppressed-10546411.html|title=Pada movie review: Captivating thriller on a real-life fight for Adivasi rights and the fury of the oppressed|author=Anna M. M. Vetticad|website=Firstpost|date=12 April 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/review/2022/aug/11/ariyippu-review-mahesh-narayanan-examines-a-volatile-situation-in-his-finest-2486238.html|title='Ariyippu' review: Mahesh Narayanan examines a volatile situation in his finest|first=Sajin |last=Shrijith |date=11 August 2022|access-date=12 August 2022|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-08-11 |title='Nna Thaan Case Kodu' movie review: An earnest Kunchacko Boban in a biting satire |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/nna-thaan-case-kodu-movie-review-an-earnest-kunchacko-boban-in-a-biting-satire/article65757600.ece |access-date=2023-07-21 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> Kunchako was a part of the multistarrer ''2018'' (2023) based on the 2018 Kerala floods.<ref>{{Cite web |title='2018' is a well-made film that recreates one of Kerala's worst moments in recent memory |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/2023/05/05/jude-anthany-joseph-2018-movie-review-tovino-thomas.html |access-date=2023-05-20 |website=OnManorama |archive-date=20 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230520185901/https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/2023/05/05/jude-anthany-joseph-2018-movie-review-tovino-thomas.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Filmography== {{Main|Kunchacko Boban filmography}}
==Other works== Besides films and business, Kunchacko support social causes. In 2014 Kunchacko Boban, launched Celebrity Cricket Club (C3). He is the chairman of the organisation C3, and a group of celebrities came together to pledge their time and effort for charity initiative. The club stands for cricket, charity and comradeship.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://fwdlife.in/celebrity-cricket-club|title=FWD launches CELEBRITY CRICKET CLUB |date=18 July 2014 |access-date=18 July 2014}}</ref>
In 2015, he opened Al Fasht Medical Centre in Sharjah, a medical centre providing comparatively low-cost health care for child behaviour, autism, and adult psychiatry.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.khaleejtimes.com/nation/general/film-star-kunchako-boban-on-a-social-mission|title = Film star Kunchako Boban on a social mission}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gulfnews.com/entertainment/south-indian/kunchako-boban-to-celebrate-wedding-anniversary-in-a-special-way-1.1482698|title = Kunchako Boban to celebrate wedding anniversary in a special way| date=31 March 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.emirates247.com/entertainment/malayalam-star-kunjchako-boban-opens-autism-centre-in-uae-2015-03-03-1.582889|title = Malayalam star Kunjchako Boban opens autism centre in UAE - Entertainment - Emirates24|7| date=3 March 2015 }}</ref>
== Television ==
{| class="wikitable" |- ! Year !! Title !! Role !! Channel !!Notes !! Ref |- | 2018 || ''Nayika Nayakan'' || Mentor || Mazhavil Manorama || Reality Show || <ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/malayalam/nayika-nayakan-fame-meenakshi-shares-a-candid-photo-with-actor-kunchako-boban/articleshow/66243150.cms|title=Nayika Nayakan fame Meenakshi shares a candid photo with actor Kunchako Boban|work=The Times of India|date=16 October 2018|access-date=23 September 2022}}</ref> |- | 2019 || ''Mazhavil Entertainment Awards'' || Host || Mazhavil Manorama || Award Show || |- |2020 ||''Star Magic'' || Himself on Onam Celebration || Flowers TV ||Special Guest || |- |2020 ||''Changanu Chackochan'' || Himself on Christmas Celebration || Asianet ||Special Show ||<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/malayalam/mollywood-star-kunchacko-boban-is-back-with-a-christmas-special-show-on-tv/articleshow/79742253.cms|title=Mollywood star Kunchacko Boban is back with a Christmas special show on TV|work=The Times of India}}</ref> |- |2021||''Funs Upon a Time''||Judge||Amrita TV||Reality show|| |- |2021||''E-Classil Njanumund ''||Host||Amrita TV||Happiness Challenge: Social service show|| |- |2021||''Anjinodu Injodinju''||Contestant||Surya TV||Game show|| |- |2023||''Dancing stars''||Grand finale judge||Asianet||reality show|| |- |2023 ||''Pullipulikalum Chackochanum'' || Himself on Onam Celebration || Flowers TV ||Special Guest || |}
== Awards and nominations==
{| class="wikitable sortable" |- ! Year ! Award ! Category ! Film ! Result ! Ref |- ! scope="row" rowspan="3" | Kerala State Film Awards | rowspan="2" | 2022 | Best Actor |rowspan="2" | ''Nna Thaan Case Kodu'' |{{Nom}} |- | Special Jury Award (Acting) | {{Won}} | |- | 2004 | Special Jury Mention (Acting) | ''Ee Snehatheerathu'' | {{Won}} |- ! scope="row" rowspan="2" |Locarno Film Festival | rowspan="2" | 2022 | Best Actor |rowspan="2" | ''Ariyippu'' |{{Nom}} | |- | Best Film |{{Nom}} | |- ! scope="row" rowspan="5" | South Indian International Movie Awards | 2012 | Best Actor in a Negative Role (Malayalam) | ''Seniors'' | {{Won}} | |- | rowspan="2" | 2020 | Best Actor (Malayalam) |rowspan="2" | ''Anjaam Pathiraa'' |{{Nom}} |<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/dhanush-manju-warrier-chetan-kumar-others-siima-awards-announces-nominees-154502|title=Dhanush, Manju Warrier, Chetan Kumar, others: SIIMA Awards announces nominees|work=The News Minute|date=28 August 2021|access-date=27 September 2021}}</ref> |- | Best Actor Critics (Malayalam) |{{Won}} |<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2021/09/20/siima-awards-malayalam-winners-list-2019-2020-films.html|title=SIIMA awards: Check out Malayalam winners of 2019 and 2020|date=20 September 2021 |access-date=27 September 2021|work=Onmaorama}}</ref> |- | rowspan="2" | 2022 | Best Actor (Malayalam) |rowspan="2" | ''Nna Thaan Case Kodu'' |{{Nom}} |- | Best Actor Critics (Malayalam) | {{Won}} |- ! scope="row" rowspan="6" | Filmfare Awards | 2010 | Best Actor – Malayalam | ''Elsamma Enna Aankutty'' | {{Nominated}} | |- | 2018 | Best Supporting Actor - Malayalam | ''Take Off'' | {{Nominated}} | |- | 2022 | Best Actor - Malayalam | ''Anjaam Pathiraa'' | {{Nominated}} | |- | 2023 | Best Actor – Malayalam | ''Nna Thaan Case Kodu'' | {{won}} | |- | 2023 | Best Movie – Malayalam | ''Nna Thaan Case Kodu'' | {{won}} | |- | 2023 | Best Movie (Critics) – Malayalam | ''Ariyippu'' | {{won}} | |- ! scope="row" | Kerala Film Critics Association Awards | 2022 | Best Actor | ''Nna Thaan Case Kodu'', ''Ariyippu'' and ''Pada'' | {{Won}} | |- ! scope="row" | J. C. Daniel Award | 2022 | Best Actor | ''Nna Thaan Case Kodu'', ''Ariyippu'' | {{Won}} | |- ! scope="row" | Asiavision Awards | 2016 | Man of the Year | ''Kochavva Paulo Ayyappa Coelho'' and ''Vettah'' | {{Won}} | |- ! scope="row" | IIFA Utsavam | 2016 | Best Actor in a Negative Role – Malayalam | ''Chirakodinja Kinavukal'' | {{Nominated}} | |- ! scope="row" rowspan="5" | Asianet Film Awards | 2010 | Best Star Pair | ''Mummy & Me'' | {{Won}} | <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.keralatv.in/2011/01/13th-ujala-asianet-film-award-winners/ |title=13th Ujala Asianet Film Award Winners | Malayalam Television Channels |publisher=Keralatv.in |access-date=12 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161021111704/http://www.keralatv.in/2011/01/13th-ujala-asianet-film-award-winners/ |archive-date=21 October 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> |- | 2011 | Youth Icon of the Year | ''Various films'' | {{Won}} | |- | 2012 | Special Jury Award | ''Pullipulikalum Aattinkuttiyum'' and ''Romans'' | {{Won}} | |- | 2014 | Youth Icon of the Year | ''Various films'' | {{Won}} | |- | 2018 | Best Actor critics | ''Take Off'', ''Ramante Edanthottam'' and ''Varnyathil Aashanka'' | {{Won}} | |- ! scope="row" rowspan="3" | Vanitha Film Awards | 2010 | Best Star Pair | ''Mummy & Me'' | {{Won}} | |- | 2018 | Best Family Hero | ''Take Off'' and ''Ramante Edanthottam'' | {{Won}} | <ref>{{cite web |url=https://regional.pinkvilla.com/malayalam/news/vanitha-film-awards-2018-winners |title=Vanitha Film Awards 2018: Here are the winners |access-date=26 February 2018 |archive-date=12 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190812085214/https://regional.pinkvilla.com/malayalam/news/vanitha-film-awards-2018-winners/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> |- | 2020 | Socially Responsible Actor | ''Virus'' | {{Won}} | |- ! scope="row" | Asianet Comedy Awards | 2017 | Versatile Actor | ''Various films'' | {{Won}} | <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.keralatv.in/asianet-comedy-awards-2017-winners/|title=Asianet Comedy Awards 2017 Winners List |access-date=23 June 2017}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" | Jai Hind TV Awards | 2013 | Popular Actor | ''Various films'' | {{Won}} | |- ! scope="row" | Kerala Kaumudi Awards | 2010 | Youth Icon | ''Various films'' | {{Won}} | |- ! scope="row" | CPC Cine Awards | 2020 | Special Honorary Award | ''Udaya Studios'' | {{Won}} | |}
==References== {{reflist}}
== External links == {{Commons category|Kunchacko Boban}} * {{IMDb name|0090283}}
{{authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Boban, Kunchacko}} Category:Living people Category:Male actors from Alappuzha Category:Male actors from Kerala Category:Male actors in Malayalam cinema Category:Indian male film actors Category:Malayalam film producers Category:Film producers from Kerala Category:Syro-Malabar Catholics Category:Kerala State Film Award winners Category:20th-century Indian male actors Category:21st-century Indian male actors Category:People from Alappuzha district Category:Indian Christians Category:1976 births Category:Kerala Film Critics Awards winners Category:Artists from Kerala