Sumesh Chandran is an Indian actor, mimicry artist, comedian and stage performer who works predominantly in Malayalam cinema and television. He spent many years performing on stage and television before gaining wider recognition as an actor, particularly through his memorable performance as Sabu in Jeethu Joseph’s Drishyam 2.
Early Life and Entry into Entertainment
Sumesh comes from Pazhanganad in Ernakulam, Kerala. His father Chandran was a stone-cutting worker who was also involved in the traditional performance art Villadichan Pattu, while his uncle was a harmonium player. Sumesh has recalled that cinema was an important part of his childhood, with his father regularly taking him and his brother to watch films.
His professional journey in entertainment began around 2003. Before becoming established, Sumesh worked in different jobs, including as a lifeguard at Wonderla and an autorickshaw driver, during periods when stage programmes were scarce.
Mimicry, Comedy and Television
Sumesh initially became familiar to Malayalam audiences through mimicry, comedy skits, stage shows and television reality programmes. He performed with various troupes and later became associated with his own troupe, Cochin Prathibha Events, performing shows across Kerala and abroad.
Television played an important role in building his popularity. He appeared as a comedian on the hugely popular dance reality show D4 Dance and became a familiar presence through comedy programmes. His stage performances frequently featured humorous drunk characters, which even resulted in audiences informally associating him with such roles before his film breakthrough.
Journey into Malayalam Cinema
Sumesh spent around two years working as a junior artist before receiving opportunities in films. One of his early appearances was in Siddique’s Bhaskar the Rascal (2015). This was followed by smaller roles in movies such as Pullikkaran Staraa (2017) and Aadyarathri (2019).
However, these roles didn’t give him the kind of recognition he had already achieved through television and stage.That changed dramatically with Drishyam 2 in 2021.
Breakthrough with Drishyam 2
Director Jeethu Joseph noticed Sumesh’s comedy performances on YouTube during the COVID-19 lockdown and later contacted him about appearing in Drishyam 2. Actress and comedian Rashmi Anil reportedly helped Jeethu obtain Sumesh’s contact details.
Sumesh was cast as Sabu, Georgekutty’s neighbour who is eventually revealed to have a connection with the police investigation. Although audiences were accustomed to seeing Sumesh perform comedy, Drishyam 2 gave him an opportunity to portray a more serious character.
The role became the major turning point in his film career, earning him considerable appreciation from audiences. Sumesh later joked that he hoped people would start calling him “Drishyam Sumesh” instead of associating him only with the drunk characters he had performed in comedy shows.
Jawanum Mullapoovum and Lead Role
Another significant milestone came in 2023, when Sumesh played Gireedharan in Jawanum Mullapoovum, directed by Raghu Menon. The film featured Sumesh alongside Sshivada and Rahul Madhav and gave him a substantial leading role after years of working in mimicry, television and supporting film roles. His other film appearances include Ellam Settanu, Madanolsavam and Paalum Pazhavum.
Sumesh’s career is particularly notable because his success in cinema came after a long period of working his way through junior-artist roles, mimicry, stage shows and television comedy. Rather than becoming an overnight success, he gradually established himself as a character actor capable of handling both comedy and serious performances.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sumesh Chandran
Sumesh Chandran is a Malayalam actor, mimicry artist, comedian and stage performer known for his work in television, stage shows and Malayalam films.
He is particularly famous for portraying Sabu in Drishyam 2 (2021) & Drishyam 3 (2026). The serious character helped Sumesh gain wider recognition as a film actor after years of comedy and stage performances.
Sumesh Chandran is from Pazhanganad in Ernakulam district, Kerala. He comes from a family with connections to traditional performing arts.
After working as a junior artist, Sumesh received an early credited film opportunity in Bhaskar the Rascal (2015), directed by Siddique.
His films include Bhaskar the Rascal, Pullikkaran Staraa, Aadyarathri, Drishyam 2, Drishyam 3, Ellam Settanu, Jawanum Mullapoovum, Madanolsavam and Paalum Pazhavum.