One of the leading action directors in South Indian cinema, Jolly Bastian, concludes his earthly journey at the age of 57. An accomplished expert in bikes, autos, cars, lorries, and truck skids, Jolly Bastian, who was also a director and singer in his personal life, succumbs to a massive heart attack.
Bheema, a Kannada film, marks his final film, and his last media appearance was at the trailer launch of Mafia on December 1, 2023, with his son Amith. He had showcased a special 12-wheel lorry skid for Prajwal Devaraj’s film.
On December 1st, during an interview with a correspondent who had known him for the past three decades, Jolly Bastian shared his dream of directing a Malayalam film based on Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor’s script. Despite narrating the script to Tharoor and even receiving him at the Bengaluru International Airport, Jolly Bastian’s dream of bringing Tharoor’s script to life remained unfulfilled.
Today, his son Amit Jolly takes on the lead role in the film ‘Mysore 150 Kilometers’ and plays the main villain in the Malayalam film ‘Angamali Diary.’
Despite his busy schedule, Jolly Bastian also took on the directorial role for the Kannada movie ‘Kadhiruve Ninangagi.’
Reflecting on the importance of safety in stunts, Jolly Bastian recalls an incident where two individuals lost their lives while shooting an action scene diving from a helicopter at TG Halli reservoir. He emphasizes the significance of prioritizing safety in stunt performances.
Jolly Bastian’s commitment to safety is further exemplified in his work on Mammootty’s film ‘Silence,’ where he orchestrated a spectacular underwater stunt at Malampuzha Dam, ensuring the safety of the performers.
In his 40-year career, Jolly Bastian, known for his work in Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Tulu, Sri Lankan, Hindi, Bengali, and Punjabi films, rose to prominence as an action director in nine languages.
Notably, Jolly Bastian, despite his professional success, remained dedicated to his roots in car repairs. His garage became a trusted source for many in the film industry seeking expertise in buying or certifying second-hand cars.
In a unique venture, Jolly Bastian executed a single-shot adventure for the film ‘Nakshatram,’ emphasizing the cost and complexity of such stunts. His team of 10 permanent members accompanied him on various ventures, highlighting the importance of luck and consistent practice in their profession.
Jolly Bastian’s legacy includes his early entry into the film industry, taking up the role of a fighter in ‘Prema Loka’ at the age of 17. Despite injuries to his collarbone, knees, and hands, Jolly Bastian maintained a strong and clean work ethic throughout his career.
Farewell to a remarkable man who left an indelible mark on the world of action direction.
