Thiruvananthapuram: A torch-bearing march to honour the legends of Malayalam cinema is being held as part of the 29th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK).
The event began from Neyyatinkara at 10 am and will conclude at Manaveeyam Veedhi around 6.40 pm.
The march will pay respect to the monumental contributions of legends like J.C. Daniel, P.K. Rosy, Sathyan, Prem Nazir, and Neyyattinkara Komalam. A special tribute will be paid at the historic Merryland studio, a cornerstone of Malayalam cinema’s history.
The torch-bearing march began from Neyyatinkara Municipal Stadium. The march was inaugurated by K Ansalan, Neyyatinkara MLA. Harris Daniel, son of the legendary filmmaker J. C. Daniel, handed over the flame to the first athlete. P K Rajmohan, Chairman of Neyyatinkara Municipality, and the members of the program committee attended the event.
Covering 12 kilometres, the athletes will then reach Vazhuthoor, where the family of Neyyatinkara Komalam will be present and the torch will be handed over to the next athlete.
The march will then proceed to the iconic Merryland Studio, where tributes will be paid to acknowledge the studio’s pivotal role in shaping the history of Malayalam cinema.
The march will subsequently arrive at the memorial of legendary actor Prem Nazir at Chirayankeezhu, where his family members will join the organisers of the Prem Nazir Suhruth Samithi to pay their respects.
The torch will then be taken to Vattiyoorkavu to honour the first heroine of Malayalam cinema, P K Rosy, where her family and the members of P K Rosy Foundation will mark their presence.
The march will then proceed to the LMS Church at Paalayam, where a tribute will be paid to the legendary actor Sathyan, with his son Jeevan Sathyan in attendance.
Saji Cherian, Minister of Cultural Affairs, will mark the culmination of the event in front of P Bhaskaran’s memorial statue at Manaveeeyam Veedhi. Premkumar, Chairman of Chalachithra Academy, people’s representatives, and Academy general council members will be present.
