J. P. Thuminad
J. P. Thuminad | |
|---|---|
| Born | January 1, 1980 Manjeshwara, Kasaragod, Kerala, India |
| Occupations | Film director, writer, actor |
| Years active | 2017–present |
| Notable work | Su From So (2025) |
Jaya Prakash Thuminad popularly known as J. P. Thuminad is an Indian film director, writer, and actor known for his work in Kannada and Tulu films.[1][2] He is best known for his directorial debut in the 2025 film Su From So, a supernatural comedy-drama that gained both critical acclaim and commercial success.[3]
Early life and background
J. P. Thuminad was born in the coastal village of Manjeshwara, located in the Kasaragod district of Kerala.[4] Thuminad initially worked as a painter in the construction industry, and later became theatre artist.[5]
Theatre beginnings and early career
Thuminad started his acting career in the theatre, where he became part of many local productions.[6] Thuminad made his acting debut in the 2017 Kannada film Ondu Motteya Kathe, directed by Raj B. Shetty.
Career in cinema
Directorial debut
Thuminad made his directorial debut with the film Su From So in 2025. The movie is a mix of elements of horror-comedy combined with social commentary, focusing on village life and folklore.[7] For this film, Thuminad chose many actors from local theatre groups, to bring authenticity and naturalism to their performances.[8] The film received positive reviews from critics for its storytelling, direction, and performances.[9]
Themes and approach
Thuminad's filmmaking style is noted for its emphasis on regional cultures, especially on the coastal folk traditions of Karnataka and Kerala.[10] His film Su From So is noted for its style on portraying real human emotions and regional stories, while incorporating supernatural themes and comedy.[11]
Impact and recognition
Thuminad's debut film and its commercial success marked a significant moment for Kannada film industry, especially for independent filmmakers working outside the mainstream cinema.[12][13] The success of Su From So has been viewed by many critics as a testament to the viability of small-budget films with strong regional and cultural narratives.[14]
Filmography
Films
| † | Denotes films that have not yet been released |
| Year | Film | Director | Actor | Language | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Ondu Motteya Kathe | No | Yes | Kannada | Uncredited role | [15] |
| 2018 | Katapadi Kattappa | Yes | No | Tulu | [16] | |
| 2021 | Garuda Gamana Vrishabha Vahana | No | Yes | Kannada | Played the role of Avinash | |
| 2023 | Swathi Mutthina Male Haniye | No | Yes | Kannada | Played the role of Prabhakar | |
| 2023 | Sapta Saagaradaache Ello: Side B | No | Yes | Kannada | Played the role of Deepak | |
| 2025 | Su From So | Yes | Yes | Kannada | Played the role of Ashoka | |
| 2026 | Kattemaar | No | Yes | Tulu | Played the role of Mahesh |
Television & Theatre
- Various - Regional theatre & short films (Tulu/Kannada theatre) - Artist / Writer / Director (theatre).[17]
- 2017 - Majaa Bharatha - Colors Kannada - Contestant
Personal life
Thuminad was born in the village of Manjeshwara, located in the Kasaragod district of Kerala. His upbringing in a region where Kannada, Malayalam and Tulu cultures intersect has had a significant influence on his storytelling and film making style.[4] Before entering the cinema industry, he worked as a painter in the construction company. Despite his success as a filmmaker, Thuminad has expressed his intention to continue working in the theatre.[18]
References
- ^ Sharadhaa, A. (2025-07-25). "JP Thuminad: My entire idea of cinema changed after joining Raj B Shetty". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 2025-12-01.
- ^ "J.P. Tuminadu | Actor, Director, Writer". IMDb. Retrieved 2025-12-01.
- ^ "I hope Su From So inspires every small filmmaker to dream big: JP Thuminad". The Times of India. 2025-08-25. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2025-12-01.
- ^ a b "ഈ മംഗളൂരു പയ്യൻ പറക്കും തളിക ഫാൻ; സു ഫ്രം സോ ഒരുക്കിയ ജെ.പി.തുമിനാട് പറയുന്നു". ഈ മംഗളൂരു പയ്യൻ പറക്കും തളിക ഫാൻ; സു ഫ്രം സോ ഒരുക്കിയ ജെ.പി.തുമിനാട് പറയുന്നു (in Malayalam). Retrieved 2025-12-01.
- ^ "5 കോടി ബജറ്റിൽ ഒരു കുഞ്ഞുപടം, വാരിക്കൂട്ടിയത് നൂറുകോടി; 'ഹാപ്പി മൂഡിൽ' ജെ.പി. തുമിനാട്". @mathrubhumi. 2025-08-31. Retrieved 2025-12-01.
- ^ Sharadhaa, A. (2025-07-23). "JP Thuminad: My entire idea of cinema changed after joining Raj B Shetty". Cinema Express. Retrieved 2025-12-01.
- ^ "'Su From So' OTT release: Viewers call JP Thuminad's film laugh riot or humorless chaos; Twitter reviews out". The Times of India. 2025-09-10. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2025-12-01.
- ^ Sharadhaa, A. (2025-08-04). "Su From So breaks the star-ticket mould, crosses ₹36 crore gross and 1 million ticket sales on BMS". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 2025-12-01.
- ^ "I hope 'Su From So' inspires every small filmmaker to dream big: JP Thuminad". Times of India. Retrieved 2025-07-25.
- ^ "Industry thrives when new voices are encouraged: JP". The Times of India. 2025-07-23. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2025-12-01.
- ^ "OTT Premiere: Kannada Blockbuster 'Su From So' Streams on JioHotstar From Sep 9". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 2025-12-01.
- ^ "Su From So: JP Thuminad-Raj B Shetty's film has laughs galore, with a much bigger picture at play". Hindustan Times. 2025-07-30. Retrieved 2025-12-01.
- ^ N, Vivek M. V. & Ravichandran (2025-08-05). "Decoding the success of 'Su From So' | Raj B Shetty | JP Thuminad". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2025-12-01.
- ^ "Su From So released on OTT: Where to watch JP Thuminad's Kannada blockbuster horror comedy. Check language versions". The Economic Times. 2025-09-09. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 2025-12-01.
- ^ "Su From So: JP Thuminad on success, storytelling and Kannada cinema". The News Minute. Retrieved 2025-07-25.
- ^ "Mangaluru: Tulu film 'Katapadi Kattappa' completes 50 days at theatres". Daijiworld.com. 27 May 2019.
- ^ "From theatre group in Manjeswaram to the pinnacle of Sandalwood, JP Thuminad's glorious journey". Mathrubhumi. Retrieved 2025-07-25.
- ^ M.V, Vivek (2025-07-25). "'Su From So' movie review: JP Thuminad delivers a refreshing and hilarious horror comedy". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2025-12-01.