Celluloid

Celluloid is a 2013 Indian Malayalam-language biographical film directed by the recognized filmmaker Kamal. The movie stands as a unique piece in the history of Indian cinema as it intends to pay homage to the legendary icon of Malayalam Cinema, J.C Daniel, who is credited as the "father of Malayalam cinema". It stars highly celebrated actors such as Prithviraj Sukumaran, Sreenivasan, and Mamta Mohandas, who have enhanced the cultural and emotional impact of the film with their robust performances.

The movie begins, and we are introduced to Prithviraj Sukumaran, who plays the role of J. C. Daniel, a man of passion and feverish aspirations to contribute to the art form we all love - cinema. In the early 20th century, Dansika (as the village folk fondly calls J.C. Daniel) had a burning desire to make a moving picture when the concept of cinema was still indistinct and unexplored in Kerala, India.

There is an artistic streak to the narration that gracefully portrays the transition of time, culture, society, politics, and the gradual evolution of the film industry. This biographical drama offers a heart-tugging mix of passion, creativity, dreams, perseverance, disappointment, and gratitude.

Prithviraj, in the shoes of Daniel, impeccably expresses the character's zest and journey, showcasing a man who ardently believed in the power of the moving image. He catapults himself into a saga of cinematic passion that leads him to defy economic constraints, societal norms, and even his family's apprehensions.

In his magnum opus 'Vigathakumaran,' he casts a lower caste woman P.K Rosie, played by Mamta Mohandas, shattering societal norms of the time. Rosie's journey from a dalit, being treated as outcasts in society, to being the first ever lead heroine of the Malayalam film industry, redefines triumph over destiny. Mamta Mohandas touches your heart with her simplistic portrayal of emotion which makes the viewers understand the difficulties faced by dalit women in the that era.

Sreenivasan's character, Chelangatt Gopalakrishnan, is portrayed to be a writer who empathizes with J.C Daniel's dreams and difficulties. An unspoken bond of understanding remains between the two that weaves into the fundamental theme, adding more depth to it. Gopalakrishnan becomes Daniel's posthumous savior, persistently shedding light upon the founder's story and striving for the recognition he deserved.

Another remarkable aspect of the movie is its stunning visuals - whether it's the lush greenery of Kerala's countryside or the realistic depiction of the vintage city streets, theatres and underdeveloped areas where the magic of celluloid was yet to reach. The film's cinematography beautifully captures the scenes, displaying its visual grandeur in every frame.

The film takes us to the robust demonstrates how cinema can break boundaries and unify people across varied social and cultural spectrums. Moreover, it brings forth the difficulties and hurdles that were faced in the early days of filmmaking that we often overlook amidst the glitzy illusion of today's cinema. The film is a moving tribute to the dreams and aspirations of JC Daniel, which played a substantial role in shaping the cinema of Kerala.

The music of the film, composed by M. Jayachandran, is both melodious and heartfelt and seamlessly aligns with the sensibility of the narrative. The songs evoke nostalgia, romance, and a deep connection with the practice of cinematic art, thereby amplifying the emotional quotient of the film.

To highlight the life and struggles of J.C. Daniel, director Kamal does not shy away from showcasing the bluntness and bare truths of that era. The film leaves you with a deep admiration for the pioneering efforts made by one man which laid the groundwork for the expansive Malayalam film industry we see today.

In a nutshell, Celluloid is not just a biographical film but a passionate tribute blended with an emotional roller-coaster ride. Its potent storytelling, outstanding performances by the cast, and impressive visuals convey the untold tale of the hardships of passion and pioneering filmmaking aspirations. This film is a must-watch for audiences appreciating biographical dramas and film enthusiasts intrigued by the history of Indian cinema. The compelling tale of Kerala's undervalued film pioneer portrayed in Celluloid will certainly lead to greater respect and admiration for the evolution of filmmaking, especially in the Malayalam industry.