‘Classmates’ was initially conceived as a murder mystery, not just a campus romance; director Lal Jose reveals

The iconic Malayalam film 'Classmates,' known for its nostalgic depiction of college life, holds a surprising secret, as director Lal Jose discloses that the movie was originally conceived as a murder mystery.

Contrary to popular perceptions, Lal Jose emphasized that 'Classmates' does not neatly fit into the conventional campus romance genre, adding a layer of intrigue to its narrative.

In an interview with Kaumudy Movies while promoting his upcoming Malayalam film, "Oru Bharatha Sarkar Ulpannam," Lal Jose shared insights into the creative process behind "Classmates." He challenged the romanticised view of the film, stating that 'Classmates' has always been a murder mystery set in a college. He also said that people reveal the killer after seeing the film in theatres.
Lal Jose expressed his intention to deviate from the usual story-telling, redirecting viewers' attention to the various aspects centred around an educational institution. He asserted that the film, released in 2006, was a murder mystery cleverly set within a college backdrop, defying expectations.
The director also addressed the question of a sequel, stating that 'Classmates' is a complete and standalone piece. Reflecting on contemporary casting choices, Lal Jose mentioned that if the film were made today, he would consider casting Arjun Ashokan in a lead role.
'Classmates' revolves around the 1991 graduating class of a college, reuniting for a class reunion in 2006. Amidst reliving cherished college memories, a near-fatal incident triggers recollections of the unexpected death of a close friend in 1991.
The film featured a stellar cast, including Prithviraj Sukumaran, Indrajith Sukumaran, Kavya Madhavan, Jagathy Sreekumar, Narain, Jayasurya, and others in prominent roles.