Sthanathi Sreekuttan movie review: Child actors make a splash in this up-and-coming drama

A scene from ‘Sthanarthi Srikuttan’. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Transferee SrikuttanVinesh Vishwanath’s directorial debut is for children and the child within you. The story is of a government school. Instead of ending on an expected territory, what we get is a coming-of-age story that touches on a range of topics from caste discrimination and democracy to equality and humanity, without feeling preachy at any point. Ultimately it turns out to be a heart-warming story that will leave a smile on your face.

The incident took place in Class VII C of KR Narayanan Memorial Upper Primary School, Karettu, Thiruvananthapuram. The protagonist is Sreekuttan, a backbencher, a latecomer and an underdog, who always gets into trouble with his gang of friends, Sharat, Anoop and Anas. He hates Ambadi, who represents the quintessential studious kid of every class, and has a crush on his classmate, Meenakshi, of which he is unaware. Meanwhile, the four encounter the infamous ‘Bhasmaam’ gang, a group of boys from the second division who believe they are manly enough to intimidate everyone.

Aju Varghese in a scene from Transferee Srikuttan
Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Sreekuttan’s enemy is his teacher Chakrapani alias CP, who hates everyone and everyone in the school, including the teachers, hates him. Their conflict reaches the point when he challenges Chakrapani’s decision to retain Ambadi as the class monitor. Sreekuttan decides to contest elections to prove his point and makes every effort with the support of his group of friends to win votes and hearts.

Vinesh, who wrote the story and co-wrote the screenplay with Anand Manmadhan, Murali Krishnan and Kailash S Bhavan, uses school and elections to discuss several controversial issues in a light-hearted manner, without overdoing it. The film honestly depicts the simple joys of school life, the camaraderie among the students and the lives of the people around them. In many ways the characters and situations feel real and relatable. The attention to detail and keen observation of situations is to be appreciated.

Child actors rock with their swag, charm and screen presence. Srirang Shine has given a convincing portrayal of the character’s insecurities and naivety through his role as Sreekuttan, as played by Darshan M, Bodig Jordan Asher, Harikrishnan B, Karthik B, Abel Twinkle and his friends like him. Abhinav S is brilliant as Ambady, who despite being an ideal student, is not arrogant or overbearing.

Srirang Shine In Transferee Srikuttan
Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Aju Varghese has established himself as the despicable Chakrapani with his measured performance. The cast including Kannan Nair, Anand Manmadhan, Johny Antony, Ganga Meera, Ajisha Prabhakaran and Shruti Suresh have done their job with ease. Saiju Kurup’s extended cameo works well to some extent, especially his Illuminati jokes.

PS Jayahari’s music is almost like a character in the film and the tracks match the situations well, especially in the heart-touching and melodious climax. Anoop V Shailaja’s camera work is also commendable.

As far as flaws go, a few subplots designed to provide comic relief could have been avoided. But they can be forgiven when you look at the bigger picture. The film leaves you with a lot to think about.

Sthanathi Sreekuttan is running in theaters