Niyas Backer is an Indian actor, mimicry artist, and occasional film director who works primarily in the Malayalam film and television industry.[1] He is best known for his portrayal of the character Koya in the long-running Malayalam television sitcom Marimayam.[2] Over the years, he has appeared in a wide range of Malayalam films, mainly in supporting and character roles, and has also directed a feature film.[3]
Niyas Backer | |
|---|---|
| Occupations | Actor, mimicry artist, film director |
| Years active | 1990s–present |
| Known for | Marimayam |
| Relatives | Kalabhavan Navas (brother) |
Early life
editNiyas Backer hails from Vadakkancherry in Thrissur district, Kerala. He is the eldest son of Aboobacker, a theatre artist and actor, and the elder brother of the late Malayalam actor and mimicry artist Kalabhavan Navas.[4]
Career
editNiyas Backer began his career as a mimicry artist and stage performer, participating in comedy shows and theatre programmes across Kerala.[5] He gradually transitioned to cinema, establishing himself as a dependable character actor in Malayalam films.[6]
Alongside film appearances, he gained widespread popularity on television through his role as Koya in Marimayam, a satirical sitcom broadcast on Mazhavil Manorama since 2011.[7] His performance in the series earned him recognition among television audiences.[8]
In 2013, Niyas made his directorial debut with the Malayalam film Vallatha Pahayan, in which he also acted.[9] The film marked his entry into filmmaking beyond acting. In 2014, he played the lead role in the film Manja, portraying the central character.[10]
Filmography
editFilms
edit| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | Venkalam | — | [11] |
| 1993 | Chamayam (1993 film) | — | [11] |
| 1997 | Kudamattam | — | [11] |
| 2001 | Ishtam (2001 Malayalam film) | Babukuttan | [11] |
| 2003 | Gramophone (film) | Lalappan | [11] |
| 2007 | Speed Track | Tinu’s friend | [11] |
| 2012 | Jawan of Vellimala | Shibu | [11] |
| 2012 | Spanish Masala | Abdu | Mimicry artist [11] |
| 2012 | Ordinary (film) | KPAC Chandran | [11] |
| 2012 | Run Baby Run (2012 film) | — | [11] |
| 2013 | 3 Dots | Manoharan | [11] |
| 2013 | Vallatha Pahayan | Kuruvilla | Director and actor [12] |
| 2014 | Polytechnic (film) | Murugan | [11] |
| 2014 | Manja (film) | Jackson | Lead role [13] |
| 2014 | Mannar Mathai Speaking 2 | Cook Manjulan | [11] |
| 2017 | Fukri | Vasantha Kumar | [11] |
| 2018 | Queen (2018 film) | Head of Mechanical Dept. | [11] |
| 2019 | Oru Adaar Love | Gadha’s father | [11] |
| 2019 | Porinju Mariam Jose | Varkey | [11] |
| 2019 | Lonappante Mamodeesa | Simon | [11] |
| 2019 | Munthiri Monchan | Aniyachan | [11] |
| 2019 | Mask (2019 film) | [11] | |
| 2024 | Panchayath Jetty | Aliyan | [14] |
| 2024 | Vivekanandan Viralanu | Jayan | Civil Police Officer [11] |
| 2025 | Pravinkoodu Shappu | Ceylon Ramakrishnan | [11] |
| 2025 | Sarvam Maya | Client | [11] |
Family
edit- Father: Aboobacker – actor and theatre artist
- Brother: Late Kalabhavan Navas – Malayalam film and mimicry actor, passed away in August 2025.[15]
Public attention
editIn 2025, Niyas Backer publicly refused a viral social media claim that his late brother’s family had received a ₹26 lakh insurance payout, stating the posted insurance card was fake and warning the public against spreading misinformation.[16]
References
edit- ↑ "Niyas Backer on photos viral after daughter wedding". Onmanorama. Retrieved 2026-02-02.
- ↑ "Marimayam completes a decade on television". Manorama News (in Malayalam). Retrieved 2 February 2026.
- ↑ "Niyas Backer on directing Vallatha Pahayan". Manorama Online (in Malayalam). Retrieved 2 February 2026.
- ↑ "Guess how old is Niyas Backer?". Onmanorama. Retrieved 2 February 2026.
- ↑ "Niyas Backer – Biography & Filmography". Filmibeat. Retrieved 2 February 2026.
- ↑ "Niyas Backer – Filmography". IMDb. Retrieved 2 February 2026.
- ↑ "Marimayam completes a decade on television". Manorama News. Retrieved 2 February 2026.
- ↑ "Niyas Backer on Marimayam". Onmanorama. Retrieved 2 February 2026.
- ↑ "Vallatha Pahayan Movie Review". The Times of India. Retrieved 2 February 2026.
- ↑ "Niyas Backer in Manja". The Times of India. Retrieved 2 February 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 "Niyas Backer – Biography & Filmography". Filmibeat.
- ↑ "Vallatha Pahayan Movie Review". The Times of India.
- ↑ "Niyas Backer in Manja". The Times of India.
- ↑ "Panchayath Jetty to hit theatres". News18.
- ↑ "Niyas Backer denies LIC claim related to Kalabhavan Navas". Onmanorama. Retrieved 2026-02-02.
- ↑ "Kalabhavan Navas LIC claim is fake, says brother Niyas Backer". Times Now Malayalam. Retrieved 2026-02-02.