Ashokan is an Indian actor known for his roles in Malayalam films. He made his film debut with Peruvazhiyambalam which won the 1979 National Film Award for Best Feature Film. He is best known for his roles in Yavanika (1982), Yuvajanotsavam (1986), Thoovanathumbikal (1987), Moonnam Pakkam (1988), In Harihar Nagar (1990), Amaram (1991), 2 Harihar Nagar (2009) ,and In Ghost House Inn (2010).
He made his debut in 1979 with Peruvazhiyambalam, directed by Padmarajan, in which he played a 15-year-old boy who becomes a fugitive after killing a bully. This was followed by roles in Padmarajan's films Arappatta Kettiya Gramathil (1986), Thoovanathumbikal (1987) and Moonnam Pakkam (1988). He had the lead role in Anantaram, directed by Adoor Gopalakrishnan.
Ashokan was born as the youngest of four children to (both late) Samudayathil N. P. Unnithan and Azhakath Savithri Kunjamma on 23 May 1961 at Chingoli, Haripad. His father was a public prosecutor with the CBI and his mother was a housewife. He lost his father when he was young and was brought up by his mother. 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. He was studying for his pre-degree first year when he was offered a role in Peruvazhiyambalam.
He is married to Sreeja and has a daughter, Karthiyayani. They currently reside in Chennai.