The Teacher: "Amala gave an earnest performance but there was need for a better narration style!!!"

It's been quite a while since Amala Paul has been in a Malayalam movie & hence Vivek Varghese's "The Teacher '' certainly had that curiosity factor. However, with "Gold" & "Saudi Vellakka" hitting the screens at the same time, it was surprising as to why the makers had decided to release it along with them. Since I haven't watched the trailer, I didn't have any prior expectations. However, it turned out to be a decent experience as it touched upon a relevant subject though it could have been much more impactful.

The movie unfolds with Devika (Amala) waking up feeling quite uneasy both physically & mentally. Though she couldn't quite recollect anything vividly, she knew that whatever had happened with her could turn her life upside down. Devika was a Physical Education teacher, married to Sujith (Hakkim Shah), a hospital attender & the couple had been trying to have a baby for quite a while. Soon enough, she gets pregnant but rather than be ecstatic about it; she had other plans much to her husband's dismay. 

This is Vivek's second directorial venture & he has collaborated with PV Shajikumar, who has penned a relevant subject that we have come across at alarming regularity in the media. The manner in which the story is built was interesting but going forward, it takes an extremely predictable path which fails to provide the desired impact. There are a couple of traits that are given to certain characters and revealed in the last segment, but that provides a chuckle at best. Interestingly, there were quite a few characters who were introduced or mentioned with much hype such as Manju Pillai (as Kalyani, a communist leader), Senthil & IM Vijayan. For reasons best known to the director, they get relegated to the sidelines almost immediately. On the technical side, pretty much all the aspects were handled OK. 

Amala has done a fine job as the protagonist & effectively conveys the emotions be it that of distress, anxiety, determination etc. In addition, kudos to the action sequences which were quite impressive. Hakkim fluctuated from being average to good & there was not much chemistry with Amala. Manju Pillai had a meaty role (or so it seemed) & she did look the part in the sparse scenes allotted to her. Chemban Vinod in an extended cameo didnt have much to do while Prasant Murali (as Kevin) did a good job as the slimy friend. 

Verdict: There have been numerous movies on the subject in the past & hence it was relevant that they craft it into something unique. However, Vivek didn't quite manage to do that. In short, you may give it a try!!!

Rating: 2.25/5