OTTplay Lost and Found - Celluloid

Welcome to another episode of OTTplay Lost and Found, one podcast that talks about critically acclaimed films but lesser-known. I'm your host Nikhil.

The Malayalam film industry has come a long way over the decades with a wide range of films across multiple genres. More recently, the industry has witnessed a renaissance of sorts with a new wave of cinema that has captured the imagination of the people across Kerala and the other states. But the story about the birth of the Malayalam film industry is one of devotion, sacrifice, and tragedy. The 2013 film, Celluloid, directed by Kamal explores the life of J C Daniel, who is widely regarded as the father of Malayalam cinema.

The film captures the essence of Daniel’s dream to make Kerala’s first motion picture in the 1920s. Daniel cast P. K. Rosie as the lead in the film titled, Vigathakumaran. Daniel’s dedication to his craft helped him release the film, but it was marred with violent protests by certain sections of society. Daniel’s decision to cast P.K. Rosie as its lead was met with intense backlash as she belonged to the lower caste. Society at the time was unable to accept the notion that an actress from the lower caste could essay the role of an upper-caste Nair woman.

Rosie was forced to eventually flee from the town and relocate elsewhere, while Daniel was ostracised by the community and forced to lead a destitute life, simply because he decided to cast Rosie in his film. The film stars Prithviraj Sukumaran as J C Daniel, while Mamta Mohandas plays his wife Jannet, and Chandni plays the role of Rosie. Sreenivasan, Ramesh Pisharody, Siddique, and Nedumudi Venu play supporting roles in the film.

Celluloid explores themes of casteism and discrimination with its engaging screenplay and immersive narrative. Prithviraj Sukumaran garnered praise for his portrayal of JC Daniel and the role is quite easily regarded as one of his best performances to date.

If you haven't watched this flick yet , then do so streaming on MX player.

Well that's the OTTplay Lost and Found film for today's episode, until the next podcast it's your host Nikhil signing out.

Aaj kya dekhoge OTTplay se poocho

Written by: Ryan Gomez