Vigathakumaran

Vigathakumaran (Malayalam: വിഗതകുമാരന്‍ translation: the Lost Child) is first film made in Kerala. J C Daniel was produced, directed, wrote, photographed, edited and acted in the silent film. The film produced in the Travancore National Pictures which first film studio in Kerala.

J C Daniel was born on 19 April 1893 in Agasthishwaram, Nagercoil, Travancore. After his formal education, he was interested to produce cinema. His basic aim to produce cinema was to promote his favourite martial arts. He wished to popularize the martial arts by harnessing the popular influence of cinema. He was an expert in Kalarippayattu. He published a book titled Indian Art of Fencing and Sword Play in 1915 when he was 22.

He left to Madras (now Chennai) to learn techniques of film-making and to acquire necessary equipments for the purpose. But, he couldn’t get what he wants. He travelled to Bombay (now Mumbai). He could gather enough knowledge and equipments for the production from here. After he came back to Kerala to fulfill is dream.

Then he produced Vigathakumaran. The film was exhibited in Trivandrum at the Capitol Theatre on 7 November 1928. 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. That was the end of his film career.

J C Daniel is considered as the father of Malayalam cinema.


Year: 1928

Direction: J C Daniel
Written: J C Daniel
Production: J C Daniel
cast: J C Daniel