Director Vinayan’s viral post: Why death of Nithin Raj reminded him of Kalabhavan Mani

Film director Vinayan recently shared a poignant reaction to the death of Nithin Raj, a BDS student at Ancharakandi Dental College who tragically took his own life following allegations of caste-based slurs. In a Facebook post, Vinayan noted that the news immediately brought back a heartbreaking conversation he once had with the late actor Kalabhavan Mani regarding the discrimination Mani faced during his own school days.

Recalling Kalabhavan Mani’s words

Vinayan wrote:

"When I heard the news of Nithin Raj's death, I recalled the words Kalabhavan Mani shared with me in the past. Mani told the story in his usual joking manner, but the underlying truth was devastating. We were on the set of Karumadikkuttan, a film about a downtrodden man from the Cherumar community in Kuttanad.

During a discussion for a scene, Mani said: 'Sir, people say there is no longer discrimination based on caste or colour in our land... that the world has changed and that is what teachers tell us in school. But there is a problem. Back in my school days, when exam results were announced, I mostly got low marks—I was usually a sampoojyan (joke that he gets zero marks). The teacher would scold everyone who failed...

But for some of us, it wasn't just scolding. The teacher would use harsh, teasing slurs. When the other children laughed, the teacher laughed with them. He would say that people from the Pulaya or Paraya communities didn't even deserve to be in school. When I heard those words, I felt a deep sadness. I felt a contempt for life itself.'"

Vinayan reflected on how hearing these words in Mani’s unique style would touch anyone’s heart. He questioned whether we are still living in the 19th century, arguing that those who preach, write, and teach about the Renaissance and progress must actually embrace those values in their own hearts. He emphasised that Dalits, Scheduled Castes, and Adivasis must be fully included in our society because, socially and morally, they deserve that respect.

Vinayan concluded his post with a final tribute: "Tributes to dear Nithin Raj."