Several schools across Kerala have begun transitioning from the traditional row-based classroom seating to a semi-circular arrangement, a change prompted by the Malayalam film Sthanarthi Sreekuttan, which had its digital premiere recently on the OTT platform Saina Play. Directed by Vinesh Viswanath in his debut feature, the film is set in a government upper primary school and follows the story of a seventh-grade student, Sreekuttan, navigating school elections and classroom dynamics. While modest in scale, the film struck a chord with its depiction of childhood curiosity, classroom politics, and the quest for equality.

“At least six schools have already introduced it, and we came to know of it when they tagged our Instagram handle,” Vinesh told The Hindu. The change aligns with one of the film’s core narrative threads: a symbolic shift from backbenchers and frontbenchers to a layout that reflects parity and inclusivity. The final act of the film shows students adopting the circular seating plan, reinforcing the story’s emphasis on democratic values within the classroom.

Speaking to CE after the film's theatrical release last year, Vinesh explained, “When the story was envisioned as a short film, it ended on a comedic note with little emotional depth. As we expanded it into a feature, we knew the climax had to be more impactful, especially with the backbenchers versus frontbenchers narrative. The aim was to show their equality but through the perspective of a seventh grader, not an adult.” He added that the idea drew inspiration from countries like Norway, where such classroom structures are common. “It was rewarding to hear that KB Ganesh Kumar sir [actor-politician] later implemented this idea at a school in Adoor after watching the film earlier before its theatrical release,” he said.