Joshiy, the sixth child of Vasudevan and Gowri, was raised in Varkala, Thiruvananthapuram, India, alongside his eight siblings—three brothers and five sisters.

His father, Vasudevan, worked as a canteen operator at the Singapore Naval Base before returning to India to establish a cinema theatre, Varkala Sasi.

Joshiy’s father died when he was six years old, after which his elder brother Shashankan and brother-in-law Sreenivasan (who named him Joshy) took on family responsibilities and expanded the theater business by opening two additional theatres: Varkala Vasu and Attingal Gowri.

Varkala Sasi hosted both film screenings and stage plays, providing Joshiy early exposure to art.

[citation needed] Following this, Joshiy directed many films including Kaahalam, Sharam, Karthavyam, Dheera and Aarambham.

This was followed by Kodumkattu, came out and a series of films including Bhookambam, Kodathi, Alakadalinakkare, Muhurtham Pathnonnu Muppathinu and Minimol Vathicanil and Sandharbham.

He made his debut in Hindi films in 1984 and achieved national fame when he directed Dharm Aur Qanoon starring Rajesh Khanna in a double role along with Dharmendra.

In 1988, Joshiy directed three films, all scripted by Dennis Joseph and Mammootty in the lead role - Dhinarathrangal, Sangham and Thanthram.

No.20 Madras Mail was released in 1990 with Mohanlal in lead role, followed by the investigation thriller Ee Thanutha Veluppan Kalathu.

Christian Brothers released in 2011, a multi-star film with Mohanlal, Suresh Gopi, Dileep and Sarath Kumar.

After a four-year hiatus, Joshiy made a comeback with the hit movie Porinju Mariam Jose and also directed the 2022 film Paappan.