Beyond Bengaluru, Kochi property business to Mohanlal, Tovino Thomas' movies. CJ Roy's Confident group produced Casanovva, Anomie and more

The sudden death of Confident Group chairman Dr CJ Roy has brought attention to a man whose influence extended far beyond the real estate sector. Officials said CJ Roy allegedly died by suicide at his Bengaluru office on January 30, 2026. The incident reportedly took place while Income Tax officials were conducting raids at his premises, according to The Hindu. Police have confirmed that investigations are ongoing, and forensic teams are examining the scene. As the probe continues, the focus has also shifted to Roy’s professional journey.

CJ Roy was widely known as a real estate tycoon with strong business roots in Bengaluru and Kochi. Through Confident Group, he built a reputation in the property market, delivering large residential and commercial projects. Over time, his ambitions also moved into the film industry, where he began backing high-budget Malayalam and Kannada films, often featuring some of the biggest names in South Indian cinema.

CJ Roy's Confident Group produced Malayalam and Kannada movies

One of Confident Group’s earliest and most talked-about film ventures was Mohanlal’s Casanovva (2012). Marketed as a lavish period drama, the film was among the costliest Malayalam productions of its time. Despite the scale, exotic locations and Mohanlal’s star power, the film received mixed reviews and struggled at the box office. Even so, it marked Roy’s arrival as a producer willing to take big risks.



Confident Group soon expanded into Kannada cinema with Crazy Loka (2012) and Radhana Ganda (2013). Crazy Loka starred V Ravichandran, while Radhana Ganda, featuring Komal Kumar and Poorna, drew inspiration from the French film My Wife Is an Actress. These projects helped CJ Roy’s banner establish a presence beyond Malayalam cinema.

In 2013, Confident Group co-produced Mohanlal’s Ladies and Gentleman alongside Aashirwad Cinemas. The film performed moderately at the box office but reinforced CJ Roy’s association with star-driven projects. Years later, the banner backed one of its most ambitious films yet, Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea (2021). The historical epic, again led by Mohanlal, featured a massive budget, extensive VFX and an ensemble cast. While the film won praise for its technical aspects, it failed to translate that acclaim into box office success.

The tycoon'sproduction house also continued to support varied projects, including Suresh Gopi’s Meim Hoom Moosa (2022). In contrast to earlier setbacks, Tovino Thomas’ mystery drama Identity (2025), also backed by Confident Group, emerged as a commercial success and reportedly recovered its full budget, offering a much-needed win.


CJ Roy’s final association with cinema comes through Anomie, starring Bhavana, which is scheduled for release in February 2026. The film, set to release posthumously, stands as a reminder of Roy’s continued involvement in cinema until the end.

From shaping skylines in Bengaluru and Kochi to financing some of the most ambitious films in Malayalam and Kannada cinema, CJ Roy leaves behind a complex legacy.