Manikyakallu

Manikyakallu is a 2011 Malayalam film that is both enlightening and captivating. Directed by M. Mohanan, the film features Prithviraj Sukumaran, Samvrutha Sunil, and Nedumudi Venu in the lead roles. Manikyakallu is an engaging narrative depicting the underestimated power of determination, unity, and the will to overcome challenges.

The story unveils in a small, poverty-stricken village named Thalanadu, coping with the long-standing tradition of its Government Lower Primary School never having witnessed a cent percent pass result in the 7th standard public exams. The school is on the verge of a permanent shutdown due to consistently low academic outcomes, making every single student's future questionable in the barely populated government school. The crisis is intensified when there is an announcement stating the school to be shut down if all the students in the current academic year do not pass the exam.

However, the destinies of the students and the school take a swift turn when Vinayachandran (played by Prithviraj Sukumaran), embarks on a mission to shape the school's and students' future. A young and committed teacher, Vinayachandran is assigned by the government to ensure that the students pass their exams in the hope of preventing the school’s closure. However, the situation turns out to be much more complex than he initially thought, and he soon realizes that he will need to adopt unconventional methods to achieve his goal.

As he gets engrossed in the village and the lives of the innocent children, he discovers numerous inhibiting factors that the students are grappling with. Lack of family support, financial struggles, and deeply rooted societal beliefs. Tutoring these children turns out to be more than academics; it’s about instilling confidence, hope, and courage within them.

The female lead, Indulekha (played by Samvrutha Sunil), is a teacher in the same school who previously had a romantic past with Vinayachandran that ended bitterly. Her character adds another layer of complexity and humane touch to the overall storyline. Her journey of traversing through her past while coping with the present crisis adds to the film's allure.

As the movie progresses, Vinayachandran becomes an indispensable part of the children's lives. His methods, although unconventional, speak to the students, and he takes a sincere interest in their well-being - academic or otherwise. The deep emotional bond Vinayachandran shares with the children and the villagers weave beautiful sequences throughout the film. His simple, gracious ways of teaching, more rooted in understanding life than just academics, become a beacon of light for the children, thus rightfully earning the title "Manikyakallu" which means "the diamond stone".

In contrast to common clichés, the character of the school's headmaster (played by Nedumudi Venu) is portrayed as compassionate and understanding, tirelessly fighting for the betterment of the school in spite of his disappointing past. His persistence and hope for the school's wellbeing are heart-touching.

Manikyakallu successfully portrays the stark realities of rural education, breaking several stereotypes. It emphasizes the role of dedicated, encouraging teachers who can bring out the unseen potentials in students. The film poignantly explores human emotions, the significance of moral values, wisdom over rote learning, and the importance of maintaining courage amidst adversities.

The director commendably presents the visual treat of a typical Kerala village while beautifully knitting the incidents that move the film forward. The viewers get a glimpse of authenticity, warmth, unity, and charm of village life, further making the film impactful. The soulful music and engaging performances by a supporting cast of child actors significantly adds to the overall viewing experience.

In conclusion, Manikyakallu is an inspiring narrative that tugs at the heartstrings and leaves you in deep contemplation about the ongoing struggles in the field of education in many rural parts of India. With terrific performances by its lead actors and a soul-stirring storyline, the film engages the audience till the very end, making it a must-watch for individuals across all age groups.