Noted stunt coordinator Jolly Bastian, who has worked in over 900 films across south Indian industries, died at the age of 57 in Bengaluru due to heart attack. The late technician hailed from Alleppey, Kerala but subsequently found home in Bengaluru.
Coming from a family of mechanics, Jolly performed various daring stunts and showcased his skills using bikes. His journey began at the age of 17 in Ravichandran's Premaloka (1987). In 1995, he became the action director for Ravichandran's Putnanja, and credited the actor as his mentor. Jolly also worked in over 300 high-risk blast sequences and directed Ninagagi Kadiruve in 2013.
His body of work also includes Kannada films like Ekangi, Super Ranga, and Gaalipata. Jolly’s credits also include Bangalore Days and Operation Java in Malayalam, Annayya and Nakshatram in Telugu, and Natukku Oru Nallavan and Erida in Tamil. Additionally, he also worked in Hindi film The Body and Chachi 420 (Punjabi). Despite enduring injuries during Bhale Chatura (1990) starring Shankar Nag, and Putnanja, Jolly showed resilience by returning to sets after recovery.
He served as the President of the Karnataka Stunt Directors and Professionals Association and led the orchestra group, 24 Events. His son, Amit, marked his debut as an antagonist in Prajwal Devraj's Mafia.
Celebrities like Duniya Vijay, who collaborated with Jolly for his directorial debut Salaga, were among those who offered condolences to the late stunt coordinator.
