He made his debut in 1979 in Peruvazhiyambalam, directed by Padmarajan, where he played a 15-year-old boy who becomes a fugitive after killing a bully.

[1] This was followed by roles in Padmarajan's films Arappatta Kettiya Gramathil (1986), Thoovanathumbikal (1987) and Moonnam Pakkam (1988).

[2] Ashokan was born as the youngest among the four children to (both late) Samudayathil N. P. Unnithan and Azhakath SavithriKunjamma on 23 May 1961 at Chingoli, Haripad.

Ashokan completed his basic education at Chingoli L.P. School, Chingoli, Upper Primary Education completed in PMDUPS, Cheppad, and High School at St. Thomas H. S. Karthikapally.

He graduated in arts from T. K. Madhava Memorial College, Nangiarkulangara, Haripad.