Mammootty, Dakshayani Velayudhan, and other social reformers now part of Kerala varsity syllabus

Malayalam cinema icon Mammootty is now a subject of academic study in the history of Malayalam cinema for second-year undergraduate students.




As reported by Kerala Kaumudi, as part of the revised four-year B.A. Honours curriculum, Mammootty's contribution to cinema is being acknowledged for its lasting cultural and artistic impact.


Honouring pioneers like Dakshayani Velayudhan and Prof. P.S. Velayudhan

The new syllabus goes beyond film and dives into the local history and social reform movements of Kochi.


Also featured is Prof. P.S. Velayudhan, the first principal of Maharaja's College from a backward class, who led the SNDP Yogam as both president and general secretary. His story is included in the paper Thinkers and Social Reformers, recognizing his decades-long contribution to education and social upliftment. He also served as the president of SNV Sadanam for 39 years.




Recognizing forgotten reformers


Other figures added to the syllabus include:


Abraham Salem and S.S. Koder, Jewish social reformers
Tapaswini Amma, the founder of Abalasaranam and SNV Sadanam

Ernst Hanxleden (Arnos Pathiri), a German missionary and linguist

Hamadani Thangal - An educational reformer in the Muslim community of Aluva

Fathima Rahman - Kerala’s first Muslim woman lawyer

K.P. Vallon - A Dalit leader and legislator in Kochi



The new syllabus will be officially introduced in the 2025–26 academic year. It will offer students a comprehensive look at the region’s vibrant and inclusive legacy.


Mammootty's work front


On the professional front, Mammootty was last seen in the game thriller film 'Bazooka'. Mammootty also collaborated with Gautham Vasudev Menon for the film 'Dominic and the Ladies' Purse' which earned 3 stars from ETimes and our official review read, "The exciting climax makes up for any lethargy one may feel at any point in the film. That said, there are also plot points like the identity of an individual -who do they identify as ? There is no judgement which is fair and hopefully, it is looked at through the same lens by the larger public rather than being used as a tool to discriminate. Darbuka Siva's music is fresh and interesting. Vijay Yesudas sang a very peppy track in it with ThirumaLi joining him with Sathyaprakash and Pavithra Chari."