Film on Jaya Kamath’s life and Malayalam cinema history in making

KOCHI: Balakrishna Kamath, an officer at Eloor TCC, and his wife, Jaya Kamath, were integral to Malayalam cinema history. At 71, Jaya, originally from Poojapura, Thiruvananthapuram, is the subject of a new film. Directed by V K Subhash, a cameraman and documentary filmmaker from Elamakkara, this is his first feature film. The story centers on a mother's efforts to relive the lost golden age, with actress Sheela envisioned as Jaya Kamath. The film also features Lalu Alex, Siddharth Bharathan and Vinay Fort along with cameo by several megastars.

Balakrishna Kamath ventured into the film industry in 1969, partnering with a friend to showcase films at festivals using 16mm units. Jaya accompanied him, and during the construction of the Arch Dam in Idukki, they screened Hindi films for North Indian workers, renting film rolls from Bombay and Madras.

The HBK Museum, which opened five months ago in Jaya's five-cent house in Kochi, preserves over 50 years of film history. Jaya lived in this house from her marriage in 1972 until her husband's death in 2015. She now resides with her sister in Aluva.

HBK Museum

- Five 16mm projectors from various companies

- Blocks for printing notices

- Step-down projector for low voltage display, various lenses

- Posters of films like Bhargaveenilayam, Palunkupathtram, Aalmaram, Pujapushapam and Nadodikal

- 35mm, 16mm and 8mm reels

- Books with movie synopses

The house, locked for nine years, was transformed into a museum under Subhash’s leadership. He took up the task after cleaners destroyed many valuables. He then directed the documentary '16 MM Stories Rewinding History' about them. Subhash’s documentary 'The Greenman' on environmental activist Kallur Balan won 20 awards, including international recognition.