He left his home to become the first filmmaker of South India. He faced obstacles at every corner. He lied and schemed his way to learn filmmaking. He sold his land and set up his production house with the money.
Ten years later, his dreams came true. He made the first Malayalam film. He stood proudly in front of Capitol Theatre and saw his dreams become a nightmare. Higher-class people pelted stones at the screen just because a low-caste woman had acted in the movie. The film didn’t make money.
Vigathakumaran was released in 1928. JC Daniel died penniless in 1975.
Note: This is the real life story of JC Daniel, now heralded as the father of the Malayalam Film Industry. You can read more about him here, and his only movie here.
Written for the picture prompt provided by Ted Strutz for the weekly Friday Fictioneers hosted by Rochelle Wisoff – Fields.
L.E.R.T 
So interesting. Thanks.
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A visionary who met with a tragic end! 😦
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The tragedy of ignorance and grievous obsession with so-called class and its mistaken relation to quality.
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When the world is against you, what chance do you have? Right or wrong.
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He was a hero. How sad that we can get so caught up in constructing hierarchies – what a waste of energy and human potential.
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Path breaking people are not appreciated in their lifetime. Most of them are ahead in their thought process of the society anyway.
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The powermongers will always set up an “us” and “them” dichotomy. I feel when artists are crushed the world loses some light.
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Guess we still have to go a long way in terms of getting rid of caste discrimination.
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An inspiring and sad tale. JC Daniel was a courageous man before his time, who spoke through his art against gender and caste discrimination. A real hero! His passion for his people to have film in their own language is admirable as well. So sad he didn’t get to witness the end result. Unfortunately, that is often the case. Sincerely enjoyed your story and learning more of JC Daniel.
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Very sad story.
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Well done history share.
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Thank heavens things are changing, due to the early work of pioneers. I am interested to know more about this man and will follow the links you provided – thanks.
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Dear Varad,
How sad for such a trailblazer. Thank you for sharing this piece of history.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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How sad….thank you for sharing a piece of history.
My take on the photo: https://dbmcnicol.com/friday-fictioneers-freshly-boxed/
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He may have failed in his hope and calling, but he paved the way for success for others. Good story, and now I need to go read the rest of it 🙂
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What a burden class is for the world… This is such an interesting and moving story. What a shame that no copy of that film has survived. It sounds like a great silent movie.
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Some would have given in, but clearly not him. Interesting.
My tale – An audience with Rosey!
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It is always tough to be the first to rebel against expectations. His vision, though, made it easier for those who did so after him.
Nicely done.
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Interesting snapshot of history, so many artists are misunderstood while they are alive, only in hindsight do they get the appreciation they deserve.
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Those people didn’t sound so high class after all
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Sometimes the higher class people have less class the peasants…
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I think that is often the case, Tannille.
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