Backer was born in 1940 to Ahamed Musliar and Fathima of Kanippayyoor near Kunnamkulam in Trichur, Kingdom of Cochin (now part of Kerala state, India).

[2] He made his debut as a producer in 1970 with Olavum Theeravum which won the state awards for the best film and best cinematography.

Kabani Nadi Chuvannappol (When the River Kabani Turned Red), a bold movie about a leftist political activist, was released during the Indian Emergency.

Some other notable movies by Backer are Manimuzhakkam (Peal of Bells), Chuvanna Vithukal (Red Seeds/Seeds of revolution), Sree Narayana Guru and Sanghaganam (Chorus).

[5] Sree Narayana Guru won the Nargis Dutt Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration.