J. C. Daniel
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J.C. Daniel Nadar | |
---|---|
Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu , India | |
Education | University College, Trivandrum |
Occupation(s) | Filmmaker, dentist |
Years active | 1926–1928 |
Spouse | Janet |
Awards | 1929 – Public Mirror Prize (Vigathakumaran) |
Joseph Chellayya Daniel Nadar (25 November 1900 – 27 April 1975) was an Indian filmmaker who is considered as the father of Malayalam cinema.
Early life
Daniel was born on 25 November 1900 in
Learning film making
Daniel was well aware of the scope of cinema as a public medium. He wished to popularise
Production of Vigathakumaran
In 1926, Daniel established the first film studio in Kerala named The Travancore National Pictures. It was near the present Public Service Commission office, Pattom, Trivandrum.
Post-release of Vigathakumaran
Vigathakumaran was exhibited in Trivandrum at the Capitol Theatre on 7 November 1928.[3] Despite being the very first film made in Kerala and having a socially-significant message, it faced the wrath of certain orthodox sections in the society due to the presence of a woman in the film. Rosie, who played the role of the female protagonist, was disbarred from entering the theatre, as upper-caste Hindus, outraged that a converted dalit played the role of a Nair woman in the film, created a ruckus.[3] During the screening, stones were pelted on the screen, damaging it.[5] The film did moderate business at the box office but the collections were way below the production cost.
The movie was also screened in
Vigathakumaran was also screened at
Daniel became indebted as the movie was not a commercial success. To pay his debtors, he had to sell his equipments and close down the studio.[3] He spent the rest of his life as a dentist at Palayamkottai, Tamil Nadu. He spent his last years in his ancestral home called NEW HOUSE at Agastheeswaram. Though he applied for pension under the scheme for ailing artists, the Government rejected it since he was born in Tamil Nadu. In his books and articles, noted film journalist Chelangatt Gopalakrishnan originally established that Vigathakumaran was the first Malayalam film and that Daniel was its architect as director, producer, cinematographer and leading man. He described the story of Vigathakumaran in articles published since 1960, but Kerala Government initially rejected his crusade citing Daniel was not a Malayalee. The Government version was that if Daniel wanted a pension or financial assistance, he has to approach the Tamil Nadu Government. However,Gopalakrishnan's campaign was finally successful and Daniel obtained government recognition as a Keralite, being honoured as the Father of Malayalam Cinema.
J.C Daniel died on 27 April 1975 and was survived by his wife.[2]
J. C. Daniel Award
The Department of Cultural Affairs, Government of Kerala instituted the J. C. Daniel Award in honour of him in 1992.[4] The award, a part of the Kerala State Film Awards is to honour lifetime achievements in outstanding contributions to Malayalam cinema. From 1998, the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy, an autonomous body under the Department of Cultural Affairs, Government of Kerala hosts the award.
J. C. Foundation Award
The awards are instituted by the J.C. Foundation, which was founded in memory of J.C. Daniel by his family and friends. The awards are given away annually for achievements in Malayalam film-making and literature. The film awards are given away in a variety of categories while the literature award is given for the best Malayalam novel.[7]
Biographical film
In 2013,
The Lost Life is a documentary on Daniel by R. Gopalakrishnan.[10]
References
- ^ Cinema of Malayalam, Dr. J C Daniel, archived from the original on 6 June 2009, retrieved 1 January 2009
- ^ a b "Biography". JC Daniel Foundation. Retrieved 17 March 2024.
- ^ a b c d e cinemaofmalayalam.net – Biography Archived 6 June 2009 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ a b c Weblokam – Profile: Page 2 Archived 29 October 2008 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "New media misrepresents role of women: Kumar Shahani". The Hindu. 14 August 2010.
- ^ "Manorama Online | Movies | Interviews |". www.manoramaonline.com. Archived from the original on 5 March 2013.
- ^ The Hindu – J.C. Foundation awards announced
- ^ "Barbs in 'Celluloid' lead to bloodletting". The Hindu. 24 February 2013. Retrieved 25 February 2013.
- ^ "'Celluloid': A belated tribute to father of Malayalam cinema". Business Standard. 23 February 2013. Retrieved 25 February 2013.
- ^ "Tracing the path of a pioneer filmmaker". The Hindu. 24 February 2006. Archived from the original on 27 November 2007. Retrieved 28 February 2013.