J. C. Daniel

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This article is about the film-maker. For the naturalist, see J. C. Daniel (naturalist).
Vigathakumaran redirects here. This article has details about the film.
J. C. Daniel

Born 19 April 1893
Agasthishwaram, Nagercoil, Travancore
(Now in Tamilnadu)
Died May 1975
Years active 1926 - 1928

J. C. Daniel was the first film-maker from Kerala, India. He produced, directed, wrote, photographed, edited and acted in the first film made in Kerala, named Vigathakumaran. He also established the first film studio in Kerala, named The Travancore National Pictures[1]. He is considered as the father of Malayalam cinema[citation needed] . The Government of Kerala instituted the J. C. Daniel Award as a part of the Kerala State Film Awards, to honour lifetime achievements in Malayalam cinema.

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[edit] Early life

Daniel was born on 19 April 1893 in Agasthishwaram, Nagercoil, Travancore. The place in now under the governance of the State of Tamilnadu. He finished his formal education from Maharaja's College, Trivandrum. He was interested in martial arts and was an expert in Kalarippayattu, the traditional martial art of Kerala. He published an English book titled Indian Art of Fencing and Sword Play in 1915, when he was 22[2].

[edit] Attempts for Film-making

Daniel was well aware of the scope of cinema as a public medium. He wished to popularise Kalarippayattu by harnessing the popular influence of cinema. At that time the common mass of Kerala were not even aware of cinema, hence the idea was quite a challenge. He took the challenge and left to Madras (now Chennai) to learn techniques of film-making and to acquire necessary equipments for the purpose[3]. Madras was the budding centre of film production in South India and had the only permanent talkies in South India, named Gaiety which was established in 1912[4]. However, he could not get what he wanted from Madras and was even denied permission to enter various studio premises in there. That didn't make him to give up. He travelled to Bombay (now Mumbai), the centre of Hindi cinema production. He could gather enough knowledge and equipments for film production from Bombay[5] and came back to Kerala to fulfil his dream.

[edit] Production of Vigathakumaran

In 1926, Daniel established the first film studio in Kerala named The Travancore National Pictures. He made money for the purpose by selling a piece of land in his name for Rs. 4 lakh[6]. With all set, he started production works of the film of his dreams. He wrote the script and titled it Vigathakumaran. He directed and wielded the camera for the film, which was mute. He was also the pratogonist in the film. He also did most of the post production work including editing. The theme of the film was of social significance and was one of the early films in that genre. Most of the Indian films at that time were based on stories from the puranas and films with social themes were scarse[7].

[edit] Post Release of Vigathakumaran

Vigathakumaran was exhibited in Trivandrum at the Capitol Theatre on 7 November 1928[8]. Despite being the first film made in Kerala and the social significance of the film, it faced wrath of certain orthodox groups in Kerala, due to the presence of a woman in the film. At that time acting in films were considered as an act at par with prostitution[9]. During the screening, stones were pelt on the screen, damaging it. The film did moderate business at the box office and the collections were way less than the expenditure. Daniel suffered from debts and to overcome the situation, he had to sell his equipments and close down his studio[10]. That was the end of his film career.

In May 1975, J. C. Daniel passed away.

[edit] J.C. Daniel Award

The Department of Cultural Affairs, Government of Kerala instituted the J.C. Daniel Award in honour of him in 1992[11]. 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.

[edit] The Winners[12]

Sl. No. Year Winner
1 1992 T.E. Vasudevan
2 1993 Thikkurissy Sukumaran Nair
3 1994 P. Bhaskaran
4 1995 Abhayadev
5 1996 A. Vincent
6 1997 K. Raghavan
7 1998 V. Dakshinamurthy
8 1999 G. Devarajan
9 2000 M. Krishnan Nair
10 2001 P.N. Menon
11 2002 K. J. Yesudas[13]
12 2003
13 2004
14 2005 Madhu[14]
15 2006 Aranmula Ponnamma

[edit] 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. An award is also given for the best novel[15].

[edit] References

  1. ^ Weblokam - Profile: Page 2
  2. ^ Weblokam - Profile: Page 1
  3. ^ cinemaofmalayalam.net - Biography
  4. ^ Wikipedia - Tamil Cinema History
  5. ^ cinemaofmalayalam.net - Biography
  6. ^ Weblokam - Profile: Page 2
  7. ^ Weblokam - Profile: Page 2
  8. ^ cinemaofmalayalam.net - Biography
  9. ^ cinemaofmalayalam.net - Biography
  10. ^ cinemaofmalayalam.net - Biography
  11. ^ Weblokam - Profile: Page 2
  12. ^ Weblokam - Profile: Page 2
  13. ^ kerala.gov.in - 2003 Retrospect
  14. ^ The Hindu - Unmatched record
  15. ^ The Hindu - J.C. Foundation awards announced
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