No More Backbenchers”: How a Malayalam Film Inspired a Kerala School to Reshape Classroom Learning
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala – In a bold move that’s capturing national attention, a vocational school in Kerala has done away with the traditional concept of “backbenchers”, creating a classroom where every student now sits in the front row. The initiative, implemented by Ramavilasam Vocational Higher Secondary School (RVHSS) in Valakom, is a radical reimagining of student seating — one that challenges deep-rooted norms about classroom hierarchy and student visibility.
And the inspiration? Not a government directive or a global education summit — but a poignant scene from a regional Malayalam film, Sthanarthi Sreekuttan.
A Classroom Revolution Born from Cinema
In one scene from the film, a child seated at the back of the class expresses feeling neglected and suggests placing benches along all four walls of the classroom — so that every student faces the teacher equally. For the administrators at RVHSS, this wasn’t just a cinematic idea — it became a blueprint for change.
Putting theory into action, the school redesigned its classroom layout: benches were moved from traditional single-file rows to a wall-aligned format, ensuring every student sits facing the center, within direct line of sight of the teacher. As a result, each child now enjoys equal visibility, engagement, and access to the teacher’s attention — a simple yet transformative change in classroom dynamics.
From Kerala to Punjab: The Model Spreads
What began as a school-level experiment is now gaining traction across the country. Eight other schools in Kerala and one in Punjab have adopted the same layout, with more institutions reportedly evaluating the model after seeing the film on OTT platforms. The unexpected influence of cinema on education reform has sparked conversations about how learning spaces can affect student participation and confidence.
A Director Surprised, a Nation Inspired
Vinesh Vishwanathan, director of Sthanarthi Sreekuttan, expressed surprise and delight at the impact of his film.
“This model was once part of the District Primary Education Programme (DPEP), but it faded with time. I never imagined a short scene could bring it back to life,” he said.
Praise from the Top: Anand Mahindra Joins the Applause
The innovation didn’t just stay within the education circles. Renowned industrialist Anand Mahindra weighed in on the initiative, praising the school’s efforts via social media.
“Though I personally enjoyed being a backbencher, this approach has the potential to revolutionize student confidence and inclusivity,” he tweeted.
Why This Matters
For generations, students relegated to the back of the classroom have often felt less engaged — whether due to teacher oversight, lack of participation, or social stigma. By redefining classroom structure, RVHSS is not just altering seating — it’s challenging the psychology of inclusion in education.
What makes this story even more compelling is its origin in grassroots creativity, rather than top-down reform. It serves as a reminder that sometimes the most impactful ideas come not from policy papers, but from a single line of dialogue in a film — and a school bold enough to believe in it.
As India debates the future of its education system, one thing is clear: the backbench may soon become a thing of the past.
