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Celluloid is a 2013 Indian Malayalam biographical film directed by Kamal, starring Prithviraj Sukumaran, Sreenivasan, and Mamta Mohandas in pivotal roles. This film chronicles the life of J.C. Daniel, widely regarded as the father of Malayalam cinema, and the struggles he faced in creating and releasing his first film, Vigathakumaran.

The movie is set in the early 20th century, and it takes us through the life of J.C. Daniel, played by Prithviraj Sukumaran. He was a talented artist and theatre enthusiast who wanted to create a motion picture that captured the beauty and culture of his native state, Kerala. He was fascinated by the medium of cinema and wanted to bring it to the people. He struggled to raise the necessary capital to make his dream a reality and often clashed with the people around him who didn't understand his vision.

The film opens with an older J.C. Daniel being interviewed by the press. We then move back in time to the beginning of his cinematic journey, where we see him travel to Bombay and visit the first cinema theatre in India. He's fascinated by what he sees and is inspired to take the next step by writing and directing his own movie. He convinces his friends to help fund the movie, but things don't go as planned.

Sreenivasan plays the role of Chelangatt Gopalakrishnan, a friend of Daniel and a popular figure in the theatre industry. He's initially skeptical about the idea of cinema but eventually comes around to it. Mamta Mohandas portrays Janet, J.C. Daniel's wife. She's a strong, supportive figure who tries her best to support her husband's dream, even when everyone else seems to be against it.

One of the standout performances in the movie is by Nedumudi Venu, who plays the role of a British officer, who is initially enthusiastic about the idea of a Kerala-made movie but later tries every means to stop it. He's a cruel, ruthless character who embodies the suppression of artistic expression under colonial rule. His character serves to highlight the bigotry and hypocrisy of the British administration in India.

The direction of the film is excellent, with Kamal managing to take the audience on a journey through the early 20th century, creating an authentic portrayal of pre-independence India. The sets and costumes are impressive, and the cinematography is breathtaking, often highlighting the stunning beauty of Kerala.

The film also features several instances of J.C. Daniel's personal life, including his relationship with his wife Janet, and his interactions with his friend Chelangatt Gopalakrishnan. The portrayal of these characters is nuanced and layered, helping us understand J.C. Daniel's personality and determination.

The film also touches upon the exploitation of labour in the movie industry in India, with the actors and technicians not receiving the credit or recognition they deserved. In one poignant scene, a group of workers protesting the unfair practices of the industry is met with brutal police force, highlighting the harsh reality of the time.

The movie also features several songs, which blend beautifully with the narrative, providing insight into the character's emotions and motivations. The music is composed by M. Jayachandran, and the lyrics are written by Rafeeq Ahamed.

In conclusion, Celluloid is a gripping account of the life of J.C. Daniel, who fought tirelessly to realise his cinematic dream. It's an emotional, inspiring film that highlights the importance of artistic expression and freedom. The performances from the cast, along with the direction and cinematography, make this a must-watch movie for anyone interested in the history of Indian cinema or just great storytelling.

Celluloid is a 2013 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 5 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7.