Jacey, one of the leading filmmakers of Kerala, passed away on the 10th of April. He was 56. This man who had directed 32 films, is also popular as a scenarist and an actor too. Hailing from Ernakulam, Jacey began by writing short stories even during his college days. Though he had a job in the Railways, his interest lay elsewhere- in the theatre. As a talented actor, he worked with reputed troupes like Kalidasa Kala Kendra, Kalanilayam and Stage India.

It was in 1965 that he made his debut as a scenarist, with the film Bhoomiyile Maalakha, directed by P.A.Thomas. And it was with Ezhu Raathrikal of late Ramu Karyatt (of Chemmeen fame), Jacey made his entry as an actor on the silver screen. In this capacity, he had worked in many films like Adimakal, Kallichellamma, Allahu Akbar, Maanpeda, Kuttiyedathi, and Ganga Sangamam etc.

It was in 1974 that Jacey's first directorial venture Shaapamoksham was made. Shaapamoksham was just the beginning, to be followed by an array of impressive films like Ashwathy, Agnipushpam, Aarum Anyaralla, Aval Viswasthayaayirunnu, and Thaaraavu etc. The last films he made were Purapaadu and Sarovaram. And of course, keeping with the trend, he also made a couple of tele-serials, Mohapakshikal and Kuthirakal and also bagged the award for the best serial director.

The fact that most of the leading stars of Malayalam Cinema were launched through Jacey's films is worth mentioning. And among these stars, it was Soman who shared an intimate relationship with him. They were inseparable. When Soman passed away a few years ago, it was a real shock for Jacey. And it also showed on his health. With the death of his dear friend, Jacey's health started deteriorating and he got a partial paralysis attack.

The gifted filmmaker remained confined to his home only. And when he breathed his last on April 10th, he was suffering from liver-related ailments.Jacey, who has 32 films to his credit as a director, was planning his 33rd film, based on a story by Sara Thomas, when cruel fate interrupted and took him away from us. The script had also been readied by Venu.G.Warrier.

But alas, Neelakurinjikal Poothappol, Jacey's 33rd film, which would have been a real treat for film lovers, remains a dream unfulfilled.Jacey was also known among the film fraternity of Kerala as the founder-president of MACTA, the Malayalam Cine Technicians Association. Anyhow, with Jacey's death, Malayalam Cinema has lost a bold filmmaker who had dared to pave a way for himself by being different and not conforming to trends or formulas.