Interview with Limca Book of Records-Holding Photojournalist Josekutty Panackal of Malayala Manorama

Josekutty Panackal: A Photojournalist’s Journey Through News, Sports, and Disasters

This interview explores the journey of veteran Indian photojournalist Josekutty Panackal, tracing his evolution from his early days as a student selling photographs in Idukki to becoming a Picture Editor at Malayala Manorama. It covers his decades of experience across hard news, sports, and disaster reporting, along with powerful on-ground stories from major assignments such as floods, tunnel rescues, and conflict zones. The discussion also highlights his perspective on the evolving role of photography in a video-driven media landscape and what it takes to build a long-term career in professional photojournalism.

About Josekutty

Josekutty Panackal is a highly respected Indian photojournalist and Picture Editor at Malayala Manorama, known for his extensive work in news, sports, and disaster photography. He began his journey during his student years in Kerala, eventually growing into one of the most experienced visual journalists in the region. Over the years, he has covered high-risk assignments including natural disasters and rescue operations, earning widespread recognition and accolades, including being a Limca Book of Records holder for taking the most news pictures and filing them in electronic format. His work is also recognized internationally, and he has received notable awards for his contribution to journalism and visual storytelling.  He has covered numerous national and international sporting events for Malayala Manorama, including the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou, China, the 2010 Commonwealth Games, the 2013 SAF Games, and the 2016 Asian Indoor Athletics in Qatar

Q1: Where did you start your journey in photography? Which Company which genre (Sports/wedding/lifestyle/product)? 

My photography journey began during my student days when I sold pictures of tribals working in a pineapple estate in Idukki for just Rs 10. Later, during my studies at Newman College, Thodupuzha in 1996, I captured a student clash and gave it to Mathrubhumi newspaper, earning Rs 25, which was my first remuneration for a news photo. Currently, I am a Picture Editor at Malayala Manorama

. My primary focus is on hard news, sports, and disaster reporting.

Q2: What Do you like most about Sports Photography? Which Other Genre Do you like the Most? 

What fascinates me most about sports photography is the ability to capture the incredible speed and sheer determination of athletes. Outside of sports, the genre I am most passionate about is disaster reporting. My coverage of the the Great Floods in Kerala, Dharali flash floods in Uttarakhand, the rat-hole coal mine tragedy in Meghalaya, and the Silkyara tunnel rescue stems from this deep interest. It is in these disaster zones that you truly witness and capture the raw realities of human survival.

Q3: Any mistakes which you had learned the most from? Can be technical as well as Practical mistakes related to photography? 

I have learned many practical lessons from the field. During the Dharali flash flood coverage, where we had to trek 44 kilometers on foot through the Himalayas, a huge mistake was not carrying enough food. Similarly, when covering the Silkyara tunnel rescue in 2023, failing to pack adequate winter clothing to resist the cold was another hard lesson. Technically, I strongly believe that media professionals must always follow the rules; breaking laws for the sake of news is never a justified practice. Additionally, to preserve natural light and raw emotions, one should avoid using the camera flash as much as possible.

Q4: Any Tips for Sports Photographers Starting their Journey? 

First and foremost, maintain excellent physical fitness. You must also have a clear and deep understanding of the sports events you are covering. During the early days of my career, I rigorously covered state school sports meets to build this foundation. Moreover, it is absolutely crucial to continually update yourself by participating in various training sessions to learn new technologies and styles.

Q5: Any youtube / Instagram Channels or Photographers You follow the Most? 

The biggest influence on my photography journey is the late legendary photographer Victor George of Malayala Manorama. I am also deeply inspired by the renowned photographer Raghu Rai, who brought the horrors of the Bhopal gas tragedy to the world's attention, and Nick Ut, who captured the iconic Napalm girl photograph, whom I had the immense privilege of meeting directly in Fort Kochi.

Q6: Any Financial Advice on photographers Struggling to Stay Afloat? 

Continuous effort and maximizing your output of news pictures are essential for financial stability and survival. My persistence in this regard helped me secure a place in the Limca Book of Records and the Unique Book of World Records for filing the highest number of news photographs in electronic format for four consecutive years starting from 2010. Even if your camera breaks down or you face a crisis, never back down; try to find unique frames and constantly improve your portfolio.

Q7: Any Tips on How to reach the Big Leagues In Sports Photography? LIke IPL/ISL/Pro Kabbadi League/Indian Polo Season? 

To get the best shots in big leagues, don't just point your camera at the ball. Focus on capturing the emotional moments happening around the ground. I always pay close attention to the tension and sorrow on the coaches' faces corresponding to their teams' victories and defeats, as well as the overwhelming excitement of the fans in the gallery. You must also keep your camera ready at all times for unexpected, offbeat moments on the field.

Q8: Everyone Want reels these days? Do you Think Photography is no longer in Demand? 

Although there is a huge demand for social media reels and videos today (I have even produced 360-degree videos during the State School Kalolsavam), still photography will always hold its unique significance. Only photography can freeze a fleeting moment and turn it into a powerful historical mark. For instance, Victor George's iconic year 2000 photograph of a grandmother kissing a child's feet still remains unfaded in our memories—that is the true power of a photograph. My book 'Kanappuram' is a great example of showcasing such realities and profound experiences in photojournalism

Final Thoughts

A key takeaway from Josekutty Panackal’s journey is the importance of persistence, physical preparedness, and editorial discipline in photojournalism. He emphasizes that strong sports and news photography goes beyond technical skill — it requires anticipation of emotion, understanding the context of events, and capturing human moments beyond the obvious action. His experiences in disaster zones highlight the importance of preparation and resilience in extreme conditions, while his career achievements, including his Limca Book of Records recognition, underline the value of consistency and output over time. He also strongly believes that while video content is rising, photography remains irreplaceable in preserving powerful, timeless moments.