Where to Watch in
Subscription
Plot
Draped in the rich tapestry of history, Celluloid is a poignant narrative that chronicles the life journey of the pioneer of Malayalam cinema, J.C. Daniel, portrayed by Prithviraj. Daniel's passion for the nascent art of cinema drives him to the edge of sacrifice and dedication. He embarks on a relentless pursuit, penning countless letters and traversing vast distances, to gather the necessary equipment for his groundbreaking project. His quest even leads him to the visionary Dada Saheb Phalke, the beacon who illuminated the path of cinema in India.
The movie intimately captures Daniel’s struggle to cast a female lead for his revolutionary 'motion picture', Vigathakumaran, a narrative conceived from the depths of his imaginative mind. Rosamma, later known as P K Rosy (Chandni), is finally chosen to breathe life into the lead character. However, her casting stirs the hive of caste prejudice, leading to an uproar in the Capitol Theatre during the screening. This tumultuous turn of events forces Rosie to disappear, never to return.
Daniel's dream, once vibrant and full of promise, fades into a pale shadow of its former self as he exhausts his resources and plunges into debt. Years later, we find Daniel, now shrivelled and impoverished, living a life far from the glamour and fame he had once envisioned. His only solace comes from the unwavering support of his wife, Janet (Mamta Mohandas).
Celluloid then pivots to the latter part of Daniel's life, with Chelangatt Gopalakrishnan (Sreenivasan) taking a keen interest in his story. The film eloquently captures Gopalakrishnan's efforts to accord Daniel the recognition he deserves, as it elegantly weaves in and out of flashbacks, revealing the bittersweet chapters of Daniel's life post-Vigathakumaran.
The narrative arc of Celluloid stretches over seven decades, from 1926 to 2000, chronicling the rise and fall of a forgotten hero who ignited the flame of cinema in Kerala. It is a heart-rending homage to an artist who departed this world without any tangible proof of his monumental contribution. This film serves as a stark reminder of the forgotten man who laid the foundation for what cinema in our society has become today. Celluloid is a journey back in time, a tribute to a dreamer, and a true testament to the power of perseverance.
Where to watch Celluloid?
Celluloid is a drama movie featuring Prithviraj Sukumaran and directed by Kamal.
Celluloid is currently streaming on Sun Nxt.