Philomina was a veteran Malayalam film actress. She had acted in more than 750 films in her career. She played mostly character and comedy roles, besides that of grandmother and mother. Like most actors Philomina had cut her acting teeth on the stage. This experience stood her in good stead when she was offered her first film role. The character of Anappara Achamma in Godfather is acknowledged to be one of the powerful roles ever in Malayalam cinema.

Philomina's histrionic skills won her many hearts and fans. Philomina had that uncanny ability to slip into the skin of any character. She could be a scheming shrew, make you roar in laughter or bring a lump in your throat. Philomina was one of those actors who made an impact even in a cameo.