The 2024 Malayalam film Sthaanarthi Sreekuttan is proving to be more than just a cinematic success--it’s turning into a catalyst for change in school classrooms across Kerala and beyond. The film, set in a government school, ends with a striking final shot: a classroom arranged in a U-shaped seating layout instead of the conventional rows of benches. That simple yet symbolic frame has sparked real-life transformations in classroom design in at least three Indian states.

The movement began in Thrissur, at Mangad RCC LP School, East Mangad, where fifth-grade teacher Albert Christin watched the film in early July. Moved by the message of equality the new seating conveyed, he restructured his own classroom into a U-shape. The idea resonated. With the full support of headmistress Liji, the school management, and fellow teachers, the layout was soon adopted in other classes.

Photos and videos of the revamped classroom shared on the school’s Instagram page caught the attention of the film’s director Vineesh Vishwanath, who re-shared them--helping the idea go viral. Soon, schools across Kerala began replicating the seating model, despite no formal instruction yet from the Education Department.

Among those following suit were GHSS Tholanur in Palakkad, RVV HSS Valakom in Kollam, and Pappinisseri West LP School in Kannur. Notably, RVV HSS, owned by the family of Kerala Transport Minister Ganesh Kumar,implemented the changes with direct support from the minister himself. The movement has now spilled beyond Kerala, with schools in Punjab and Tamil Nadu introducing the U-shaped design. Reports indicate that the Tamil Nadu government is considering a state-wide rollout.

For decades, Indian classrooms have featured straight rows of benches—often fostering a divide between so-called “frontbenchers” and “backbenchers.” The U-shaped layout, in contrast, is being hailed as a tool to promote equality, inclusivity, and better interaction between students and teachers.

A student Angel shared that the new seating made her feel more engaged and gave all students an unobstructed view of the blackboard. Teacher Albert Christin noted that while the arrangement is ideal for smaller classes with around 20 students, it may be harder to implement in more crowded classrooms.

Today, at Mangad RCC LP School, every classroom, from LKG to Class 5, has adopted the new model. What started as a film scene has now evolved into a grassroots educational reform, showing how art can inspire change. As Kerala’s schools continue to experiment with inclusive and student-friendly methods, they are setting a benchmark that even neighbouring states are starting to emulate.