| ISSN: 2583-4371 | ISSN: 2583-4371JOURNAL ARTICLE
Keywords: Cinema, Education, Gender, Society, Social Change, Teachers, Transformation.
Abstract: Cinema has evolved as a tool for redefining social awareness rather than merely a source of entertainment. In the context of gender and society, films become more impactful vehicles for questioning traditional norms, breaking down stereotypes and shaping inclusive future. This paper examines the role of cinema in promoting social change with a focus on how teachers are portrayed as pioneering figures who address the intersections of gender, education, and society while actively fostering gender equality. By analysing the Malayalam movie Manikyakallu ,the paper explores how a teacher not only restores a neglected rural school, also challenges deep-rooted hierarchies of gender and class. By empowering students, breaking down patriarchal assumptions and encourages active participation, the film highlights the teacher as an agent of social reform. The paper further links with Kerala’s real-life initiatives such as gender-neutral textbooks, U-shaped classrooms seating, and Changathi literacy programme, which foregrounds the active role of teachers in creating gender- inclusive and socially aware classroom environment. This showcases how reel narratives and real practices together promote that social progress depends upon redefining both gender relations and educational structures in the quest of gender equality. Ultimately, the paper claims that cinema by depicting teachers as catalysts for gender equality and social change, emphasizes the essential role in building a more equitable society.
Article Info: Received: 17 Oct 2025, Received in revised form: 15 Nov 2025, Accepted: 19 Nov 2025, Available online: 23 Nov 2025
DOI: 10.22161/ijtle.4.6.8
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