The south Indian film industry is mourning the loss of one of its accomplished stunt masters. Jolly Bastian, famed for his exceptional vehicle drifting choreography in hundreds of movies, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 57. The incident occurred in his native town of Alappuzha, where he had gone to celebrate Christmas. It was there that Bastian suffered a fatal cardiac arrest.
Bastian, who resided in Bengaluru, made a substantial impact on the movie scene, especially within the Kannada film industry, though his work extended over a variety of south Indian languages. The funeral rites are set to take place in Bengaluru, where he had established his career and his life.
The influence of Jolly Bastian spanned across plenty of popular Malayalam films such as ‘Kammatipadam,’ ‘Angamaly Diaries,’ and the recent ‘Nna Thaan Case Kodu.’ He also showcased his talents in movies like ‘Kannur Squad,’ ‘Operation Java,’ ‘Ayalum Njanum Thammil,’ ‘Thankam,’ ‘Kali,’ and ‘Driving License.’
The journey that led Bastian to stardom began with his innate skill with bike stunts, which he honed during his earlier years working as a mechanic. From there, he found his calling in the world of cinematic stunts, initially serving as a body double for acclaimed actor Ravichandran in the 1987 Kannada film ‘Premaloka.’ This experience launched his career into the stratosphere and by 1995 he landed a significant break with another Ravichandran feature, ‘Putnanja.’
Bastian’s experience was as vast as it was varied, with his expertise extending to almost 900 films across four distinct languages. His reputation and proficiency within the industry propelled him to the position of head of the Karnataka Stunt Directors and Professionals Association. Furthermore, in 2009, he broadened his horizons by stepping into the world of direction with the film ‘Ninagagi Kaadiruve.’
The demands of being a stunt master did not come without setbacks for Jolly Bastian. Over his career, he sustained severe injuries on various occasions while executing high-risk stunts on the film sets. Despite these challenges, his resilience always shone through as he made a comeback each time to continue his life’s passion.
His death sent waves of sorrow through the Malayalam film industry, with numerous personalities, including superstar actor Mammootty, expressing their condolences. With each action sequence he crafted and each stunt he executed, Bastian left an indelible mark on the celluloid canvas, leaving behind a legacy of thrilling sequences that film lovers will remember for years to come.
Jolly Bastian was not just a stuntman; he was an artist who mastered the art of marrying danger with precision. He was a mentor who imparted his knowledge to many upcoming stunt artists, all while contributing vastly to the cinematic heritage of India, especially in the genre of action movies.
In memory of Jolly Bastian, his iconic action sequences will continue to play a symbolic tribute to his formidable talent and undying spirit. Even as the curtain falls on his illustrious life, his work will continue to enthral audiences and inspire future generations of stunt artists. Jolly Bastian’s name will remain synonymous with the daredevilry and glamour that action sequences bring to the big screen, as the south Indian film community and fans globally bid farewell to a true maestro of cinema.
