Celluloid, a soon to be released film, addresses the challenges to freedom of expression, according to the makers of the film.
“Screenings of many films, including Celluloid’s earlier version, were stopped earlier due to protests from casteist feudal forces. The issue still persists, as many films have to still face the ire of communal forces,” said director Kamal at a press conference here on Thursday after the premiere of the movie.
Celluloid traces the life and struggle of J C Daniel, the father of Malayalam Cinema. Daniel’s role is beyond that of a film maker, as he challenged many social customs of the times.
“He was an iconoclast who cast a lower caste girl in the role of an upper cast woman. He believed that untouchability should be kept at bay, at least in films,” Kamal said.
The film does not deviate much from its previous version though some artistic liberties have been taken. “We did not show Daniel’s involvement in the freedom struggle while he was practising as a dental surgeon in Madurai, as it would shift the focus of the film. There is no clarity on whether Daniel had met the father of Indian cinema, Dadasaheb Phalke. However, we created such a situation as such a possibility exists,” he added.
Kamal, who has also scripted the film, said that he has not resorted to any exaggeration.
“There were many instances of upper castes attacking lower castes. The plight of Rosy, the heroine, was worse in real life than what is depicted in the film,” he said.
Actor Prithviraj, who has essayed the role of Daniel, said that he is proud to have been selected to depict the role of the father of Malayalam Cinema for the first time on screen.
Harris Daniel, the youngest son of Daniel, said that his father did not object when he burned the print of Vigathakumaran as a seven year old. “The whole family was watching as I played with the film roll and later burned it. My father witnessed the scene without getting emotional,” he said.
Actor Chandni, who played the role of Rosy, singers G Sreeram and Vijayalakshmi were also present.